They may have missed out on finals this year, but Corowa Rutherglen took the challenge to flag fancy Yarrawonga at JC Lowe Oval last Saturday.
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After a string of losses, the Roos were determined to rattle the Pigeons for the second Rumble on the River, and much to the opposition’s surprise, it was exactly what they did.
The Roos were buoyed by the return of Charlie Nastasi after an extended injury absence, and George Sandral, included in his first senior game after almost two years recovering from a serious knee injury.
The game began as a high pressure, highly contested game and it never let up over the four quarters.
In the first quarter, Tom Goodwin’s heavy work at the stoppages gave Cameron Wilson and Jarred Lane first use, but it was the Pigeons who were able to make better use of their forward moves, resulting in two early goals. The Roos quickly responded with a goal from Kaelan Bradtke.
As the quarter wore on it was Cody Howard and Joe Hansen who were backing themselves and running the ball out of defence.
On the end of these forward moves were Kaelan Bradtke and Cameron Wilson who kicked two goals each to put the Roos back in front late in the quarter. Callum Spencer blunted Pigeon attacking moves with effective spoils and Darcy Melksham was winning possessions in the midfield. At quarter time it was the Roos leading 4.1 to 2.3.
The second quarter started like the first with players on both sides working hard to win possession, work for teammates and run the ball on the outside.
Matt Wilson, Daniel Saunders and Jordie Eyers were making their presence felt in pressure situations by forcing turnovers and getting the ball into the Roos forward 50.
Cameron Wilson scored his third goal. Darcy Melksham won a 50m penalty to score another, followed by a Hayden Filliponi major.
Momentum shifted to the opposition later in the quarter when they put together a string of four unanswered goals from long kicks to their tall marking forwards.
A late goal through the midfield work of Cameron Barrett to Kaelan Bradtke, who scored his third goal, was welcome. Unfortunately, the Pigeons found a gap in the traffic to nail a very late goal in what turned out to be a very long quarter.
The Pigeons went to the long break 10 points in front.
The Roos were reminded of the importance of maintaining composure with the footy and to stay confident in the contest.
The third quarter showed the Roos were willing to continue the pressure and take the game up to the opposition. The backs continued to work together to repel the Pigeon forward moves. Jake Wood, Callum Spencer and Cody Howard were continuing to intercept the football and get the Roos moving forward.
As a result, the Roos were leading the inside 50 count.
Kaelan Bradtke was having to fight a battle with two opponents that limited his effectiveness.
The Roos found other avenues to goal with George Sandral and Jason Marks putting goals on the board.
At the other end the Pigeons had a goal-less quarter – a great credit to a strong, composed backline.
At the three quarter time break, the Roos had a 10.5 to 9.8 lead. The message to the players was to take the game on, be a pressure team and believe that they could win the game.
The last quarter started with a Pigeon goal and a couple of missed shots.
Quick ball movement through the midfield got the ball to Kaelan Bradtke who kicked accurately. Ollie Struve just missed following a free kick on the 50m line.
The Roos held a one-point lead at the 13 minute mark of the quarter.
From this point it was the Pigeons who were able to compose themselves and get the ball into their forward 50 with long, penetrating kicking – their tall forwards took strong marks to kick four unanswered goals.
The Pigeons quickly opened up a handy 25-point lead which they were able to defend effectively. The Roos had a bench of injured players that effectively stopped vital rotations for much of the final quarter.
The Pigeons ran out 25-point winners.
Final scores: Corowa-Rutherglen 11.7.73 defeated by Yarrawonga 14.14.98
Senior Awards: Corowa Golf Club – Cam Barrett, Aussie Hotel – Jake Wood, Newmarket Hotel – Callum Spencer, Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Factory – Daniel Saunders, Origin Clothing – George Sandral.
Reserves
After two successive wins, the Roos reserves team went into the game feeling like they had an opportunity to put another win on the board if they bought the same focus and work-rate to the contest. Once again they called on the thirds to fill a couple of spots in their team.
The challenge against the Yarrawonga Pigeons proved to be well beyond the Roos’ abilities with the Pigeons ending the first quarter well in control of the contest.
Again, it was senior players Kade Kuschert and Jamie Seymour who led the way throughout the game. Jake Beveridge was serviceable in the ruck.
Max Taylor and Mak Lavis were also solid in the midfield.
Final scores: Roos (not enough goals) to the Pigeons (too many goals)
Reserves awards: Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Factory – Max Taylor, Aussie Hotel – Mak Lavis, Sodens Hotel – Jake Beveridge, Club Award – Kade Kuschert and Jamie Seymour, Ricky Ds – Ben Black.
Under 18s
The Roos made their way down to Yarrawonga on Saturday to play the Pigeons in what was a 'must win' game to keep their final hopes alive.
In a low scoring game, the Roos got the jump on the Pigeons in the first half, going in 19-point leaders at half time.
After the break, Yarra came out, scoring a three goal to zero third quarter, to have a four-point lead on the visitors going into the last break.
The last quarter could have gone either way, with the only goal for the term being scored by the Roos, and in the end that would be enough to get the boys over the line with a two point win, in a real
nail biter.
Final score: Yarrawonga 5.11.41 to Corowa Rutherglen 6.7.43
Goals: R. Beveridge 2, M. Reid 2, F. Osborne 1, M. Bush 1
Best/Awards - Sportspower - T. Allison, Docs - E. Palmer, Urban Graze - C. Black, Ladies Committee - A. Smith, Corowa Takeaway - T. Smith.
This week – Round 15
This Saturday, August 6, is the second half of the split round, so all Roo teams have the weekend off. This is a chance to freshen up before the final three games of the season!
KB to play VFL for Sydney Swans
Next Sunday, August 7, Kaelan Bradtke will play for the Sydney Swans against North Melbourne at Arden Street, North Melbourne. Game starts at 11.05am for anyone interested in attending to support KB.
Volunteer of the Week
Last Week’s Volunteer of the Week was Paddy Minogue. Paddy has been a great support around the club. This year he has been the runner for our seconds team, providing great support to coach Dave Melksham. He also recently assisted on the gate at the home game against Lavington Panthers. Thanks for all your work, Paddy!
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