The Tungamah Bears senior side this week against Waaia saw a lot of differences compared to what the club initially expected at the start of the year.
With 11 players from the team’s regular lineup out, it provided an opportunity for the club’s young players to step up and showcase their skills.
The game started with the Bears scoring the first goal, showing their strength and determination. However, Waaia was quick to respond and showed that they had the answers and more.
Throughout the match, Wally displayed exceptional toughness, while Oscar, Mitch, Flynn and Dan worked tirelessly to keep the game within reach.
During the third quarter, the Bears made a strong comeback with a few quick goals, narrowing the margin. It was an intense period, but our players remained focused and determined. One standout player was Ollie Connell, who demonstrated his abilities and seamlessly fitted into the team.
Overall, despite the unexpected lineup changes, our team fought hard and gave it their all. The game against Waaia was a valuable learning experience for our young players, and it highlighted the depth and resilience of our squad.
Awards: O Connell – Intersport, W Thomson – Hick Butchery, One Zach.
Reserves
Tungamah 2.4.16 lost to Waaia 17.9.111
Awards: T. Coffey – Tungamah Hotel, F Kavanagh – Ricky D’s Pizza, H Thomson – Mulwala Ski Club.
Thirds
Tungamah 5.7-37 lost to Waaia 6.13-49
Facing the undefeated Waaia, our boys anticipated a tough challenge.
Kade's solid defence in the backline set the tone but we struggled to match Waaia's intensity, finishing the first quarter down by nine points.
Heading into the second, Jack Parker's early goal kept us in contention, but Waaia's ball handling put the pressure on. Doubt started to creep in and Waaia capitalised on our hesitation, making better decisions on the field. Waaia leading at half time 25-9.
After a rev-up from the coach, the team went into the third quarter determined. We saw more of the boys’ usual precise kicks and good marks – Milique's remarkable 60m goal adding to the lifted spirits. But missed opportunities highlighted our communication issues. The boys rallied but still trailed, 24-33.
With one quarter to go and a defensive mindset, Tunga held firm, denying Waaia chances while scoring a couple of crucial goals. Determination and resilience defined our final push. Unfortunately, time was against us and the Bears had left their run too late.
Awards: Doyles Sock, E Cummins – Tungamah Shop, K Michael – Coaches Award, J Walker – Credit Union, K Morritt – Yarrawonga Automotive, S Williams – Hemphill Award.
Fourths
Tungamah 14.20-104 defeated Waaia 2.3-15
As at quarter time, it seemed that Waaia were going to keep our boys on their toes, however the following three quarters saw the Bears tear away from them with a convincing win.
From the get-go the Fourths showed fierce determination. A keen eye for the ball saw many intercepts go our way. With Ty, Ryan and Desi working well together in true team spirit, we saw some awesome plays perfectly executed to get the goals. Jacob, whilst small in stature, showed huge heart as he fought hard for the ball all day long.
The onballers did a brilliant job sending the ball Tunga’s way as Billy dominated in the forward line and was superbly supported by Pax, who has clearly been practicing his shepherding skills.
The backline players were amazing yet again when Waaia thrust forward, our backline combination didn’t give them many scoring opportunities. A great day was had by all. Awards: C Payne – Tungamah Shop, S Goudie – Bamford Builders, D Doyle – RichGlen, L O’Brien – Doyles Sock
Fifths
Our Bear Cubs played a great game and played in great spirits, Waaia were very short on numbers and our boys continue to put their hand up to help the opposition out to make the game fair for everyone.
Awards: D Thomson – Umpires Award, I McLarty – Zambreo, H Toohey – Tungamah Shop.
Netball
A Grade
Tungamah 32 lost to Waaia 36
We started slow in the first quarter but were able to bring it back before the quarter break.
The defensive pressure again was amazing within the circle with Liv and Amy working together, creating confusion for the attackers to feed getting numerous turnovers. The introduction of Chloe Lawless saw her provide incredible drive in the attack and a fantastic second half in WD, having tips and taps all over the court.
Our third quarter saw the girls come out firing with Lauren shooting 11 goals and being unstoppable, the shift in momentum seeing the girls lift and take a three-goal lead into the last.
Unfortunately, things started to fall apart late into the last with Waaia running over the top of us in the last five minutes with unforced errors and attempting to feed our goalers whilst being under pressure. Overall great team effort, seeing great patches of play. We just need to pull together four solid quarters of netball.
Awards: C Lawless- Wingates Sport, L Miles - Ricky D’s.
B Grade
Tungamah 39 lost to Waaia 44
The girls came out strongly in the opening quarter with Grace Whitelock making her debut in the attacking position. She brought a burst of energy and skill, driving the team forward and creating movement in the attacking end.
However, in the second quarter Waaia gained momentum and the Tunga girls struggled to contain them. Despite making some changes in the third quarter, Tunga managed to close the gap and displayed some impressive ball movement.
Unfortunately, Waaia ultimately emerged victorious, but the girls fought admirably and put up a commendable fight.
Awards: G Whitlock – Free As A Bird, K Wilkinson – Jaycees.
C Grade
Tungamah 31 lost to Waaia 52
The first quarter saw Waaia jump out to an early lead of 5. Their tall attack was challenging for our defenders and at half time we trailed by 15.
A couple of position changes at half time saw a tightly contested third quarter and both sides score 9 goals each.
The team worked hard in the last and the final margin was 21. Thanks to Grace Whitelock for sitting on our bench. Awards: R McPherson – Players Player + Miss Dolly, H Moore – Hardluck, B Attwood – Rich Glen.
C Reserve
Tungamah 18 lost to Waaia 18
Under 17s
Tungamah 41 defeated Waaia 17
The girls come away with a comfortable win. We took the opportunity to implement what we had practiced at training with Marney forcing the WA to go wide and place them under pressure.
All the girls played their role on the court, some great passages of play coming out of defence from the pressure created by Bridie and Lily in the ring.
Our goaling combinations are working hard to create space and looking for each other in the ring, it was great to hear lots of talk out on the court this week.
Awards: B Hodson – Tunga Shop, M Looby – Rich Glen.
Under 15s
Tungamah 57 defeated Waaia 6
Another gorgeous day to play netball and our ladies did not disappoint. The entire team played well, displaying defensive pressure, backing each other up and showing improved responsive times.
Shooter Brooke held her space under the ring and Chloe moved around the ring to create connections. Keep up the effort at training ladies, it’s showing on the court. Awards: B Kirchen – Credit Union, C Lawless – Tungamah Shop.
Awards: R McPherson – Players Player + Miss Dolly, H Moore – Hardluck, B Attwood – Richglen.
Under 13s
Tungamah 30 defeated Waaia 4
The sun was shining at Waaia, perfect netball weather. The girls started slow but it didn’t take long for them to get their momentum together.
Leading from the front, along with strong defensive pressure and turnovers, ensured the ball made its way down the court and into our goalers who were on fire.
The coaches were very impressed with what they were watching, girls implementing what they had learnt at training into game day. Fantastic team effort.
Awards: S Riddley – Tunga Shop, L Payne – Yarrawonga Fish & Chips, B Buerckner – Bamford Builders, P Bamford – Rich Glen.
