Tungamah 8.1, 10.2, 14.8, 17.11.113
Deni Rovers 2.3, 7.10, 7.11, 9.15.69
Major goalkickers: J Irvine 3, T Lidgerwood 3, W Thomson 2, J Walker 2, J Cheek 2, S Ferguson 2.
Best: J Cheek, A Heslinn, T Lidgerwood, J Arnold, J Irvine.
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The 124km drive to Deni was nothing compared to the length of the injury list at TFNC. The Bears’ backs were against the wall with 14 first choice players out and a few key players under injury clouds. The optimistic outlook was the side would be injected with some pace and youth with the debuts of Memphis Bramich, Jake Walker, Brae Grant, and the call up of Jezza Kelly.
There was a steely resolve in the way the boys approached the warm-up and that carried over into the first quarter with the Bears bursting out of the blocks, kicking with the wind and piling on 8.1 to Deni’s 2.3.
Jaydo Arnold and Josh Cheek were everywhere early providing the link between defence and attack, breaking lines and delivering the ball long and deep to a one-legged Wally Thompson who was playing out of full-forward. Gus Heslinn found himself in a new role, playing key back and was tasked with playing on the league’s leading goalscorer. Heslin was like a duck to water, reading the play beautifully, intercepting the ball and providing dash and carry out of defence.
The Rovers showed some ticker in the second quarter, making the Bears pay for some poor skill errors in their defensive 50 and cutting the lead to 10 points at the major break. Coach Ferguson reminded the boys just how critical getting the four points was and his message must have really resonated with Brae Grant who came on at half-time as the sub. In a two-on-one contest on the wing, the smaller Grant somehow made up ground to impact a marking contest against a bigger body and was able to bring the ball to ground, then clawing and scrapping at ground level against two Rovers players until the cavalry arrived - saving a certain goal and inspiring his teammates. Jakey Walker didn’t want to miss out on the action either, crumbing the pack perfectly and slotting a dribble kick from the impossible angle. Like Kylie and Robbie once said, ‘jump on board, feel the high cause these kids are alright!’
The last quarter, however, was all about Tommy Lidgerwood. After a two-week spell he returned with vengeance kicking three and taking a few hangers to boot. Lidgerwood appears to have found his mojo. The Bears running out 44-point winners.
Awards: B Beaton - Golf Club, T Lidgerwood - One Zach, A Heslin - Mulwala Water Ski Club, J Arnold - Intersport Wingates.
Reserves
Tungamah 0.1.1 lost to Deniliquin 10.15.75
Goalkicker: B. Bone
Best: J. Palmer, B. Preston, B. Bone, L. Burrows, J. McBurnie, R. Thwaites
Sam Ferguson has been compared to John Dutton, pinching prime ‘magoos’ cattle for the senior side as the lunchtime legends coaches had to go back through the archives to find a team this week. They say you can’t buy experience, which is lucky for the coaches, as they would have been in for a financially crippling bill after calling in some TFNC legends. The 450 gamer, Shane ‘Forever Young’ Thomson was welcomed back after a year off and thrown in the middle with the comforting words of ‘if you need a breather, just run slower for a bit’.
Cam Nye looked like he was going to be pivotal early and could have hidden in the shadow of a corkscrew as he twisted and weaved through the traffic. The only bloke to do a full preseason and not get the call up, Gambi, went about knocking on the senior selectors’ doors with a Prime Train like disposal count. Nothing I like more than watching Goldy get back to his best, love the
way this bloke goes about it, just gets after it.
Sadly, the lunchtime legends failed to fire a shot. We look desperately to the return of many injured players. Social note. The coaches will be hosting a team BBQ this week, so the midfielders get the chance to meet the forwards.
Awards: M Goldman - Golf Club; W Prescott - Ricky D’s Pizza; N Gamble - Intersport Wingates; J Costigan - Tungamah Hotel.
Thirds
Tungamah 6.9.45 lost to Deniliquin 9.8.62
Goalkicker: L Lonergan 2, J Walker, B Goudie, B Grant, D Thomas
Best: B Grant, C Walls, L Walls, J Walker, J Arnold, B Bramichh
Deniliquin were quick off the mark with an early goal showing strong skills, they played in front and secured possession early on. Tungamah found their stride and, with a strong passage of play down the centre, scored their first goal. Despite the efforts of Tunga’s backline, Deni were consistent in their conversions and finished the quarter in the lead by 14. A few inspiring words from the coach and Tunga entered the second quarter with determination. They tightened up their defensive game and turned on the pressure, resulting in even scores at halftime. Tunga kept their defence tight in the third quarter, but Deni’s strong marking and ability to convert saw them nudge ahead. In the final quarter the Tunga boys kept their work rate high and pressure on, with only four points in it and six minutes to the final siren, it was a great tussle. A few quick scores saw Deni secure the lead and get the win.
Awards: C Walls - Doyles Sock; L.Walls - Tungamah Store; B Bramich - Hemphill Family; J Walker - Credit Union; J Arnold- Yarrawonga Automotive; B Grant - Coaches Award.
Fourths
Tungamah 8.3.51 lost to Deniliquin 6.11.47
Goalkickers: B Doyle 4, L O''Brien 2, C Payne, D Doyle.
Best: X Chessells, B Doyle, J Bamford, T Saunders, T Buerckner, N Lawless.
It was an early start for many as we made the long journey over to Deniliquin. The conditions were brilliant, and the boys were eager to get some scores on the board early. We flew out of the gates well, with our centre combination working fabulously together. With our forward line providing good pressure to lock the ball in, Chase demonstrated great marking and accurate kicking.
The second quarter saw Deniliquin pile on the pressure, but our backline held strong leading Deni to a sense of inaccuracy. Jackson was dominant at fullback and made it hard for Deniliquin to score. Tom C’s great persistence and commitment to the ball along with Tyler, who fought hard all day, showed just what the boys in the Bear Pit are all about.
It was great to see the ball being moved around among the team, with kids like Travis getting plenty of the ball and getting in on the action. Tunga’s determination and their tight play resulted in them holding on for the win - they fought their little hearts out right to the end. Such a great team building win!
Awards: N Lawless - Bamford Builders, T Cummins - Intent Fishing, T Buerckner - Tungamah Shop, T Saunders - Doyles Sock.
Fifths
After a short drive, the Bear Cubs entered their match against a full capacity Deni Rovers side full of enthusiasm. As calls from parents asking if the game could start at 7.30am echoed around the ground, the boys enjoyed playing on a full ground. From the shortest to the tallest player, they all displayed great sportsmanship and teamwork. Thank you to Deni Rovers and for six of their players filling in for us.
Awards: R Hayes - Zambrero; E Buerckner - Tunga Shop; L Saunders - Umpires Award.
Netball
A Grade
Tungamah 30 lost to Deniliquin 39
The girls knew Saturday would be a physical game and the girls came out firing and took a two-goal lead at quarter time. It was great having Kim back in goals and seeing her and Lauren click - implementing everything we practised at training.
Lily stepped up into the WD position, absolutely dominating and dictating play throughout the whole game. Her body-on-body pressure and ability read the play saw her take out best on court. The defenders again showed their consistency, getting intercepts and tips and taps all day - these girls continue to impress with their talk and ability to swap seamlessly.
At three-quarter-time, the scores were tied after an impressive contest. In the last there were some unforced errors which ultimately cost us the game. It was great to see the girls really gel together and work as a team. Unfortunately, we couldn’t put four quarters of solid netball together but it was an amazing effort by everyone, bringing it to the top of the ladder team.
Awards: L Burns - Lashout Beauty; L Miles- Yarra Pilates.
B Grade
Tungamah 25 lost to Deniliquin 28
With a few players down the girls knew they had a tough game ahead of them. However, they played a strong game and managed to keep a lead for nearly the whole time, which really rattled Deni. So much so, they had to bring on some fresh players to take the win in the final minutes. The defence girls managed some great rebounds and intercepts. There were great movement around the ring by the offensive girls, too. All should be super proud as we know they can be beaten next time!
Awards: M Grant - Yarra Pilates; H Kavanagh - Lash Revolution.
C Grade
Tungamah 21 lost to Deniliquin 53
The team knew Saturday’s game would be challenging against the top side, especially with seven players available for selection. Our defence works tirelessly, and the team support was evident across the court. Nat, Beth and Remi generated multiple turnovers. Hannah, Amber, Jade and Hayla never stopped running in the midcourt and Dan, Tayla and Chelsea never gave up against their quality opponents.
The coaches are especially happy with the positive way our players played out the match. Huge thanks to Chelsea, Jade and Hayla for sitting on our bench.
Awards: N Howard - Jacyees; A Peachey - Intersports Wingate; H Moore - Rich Glen.
C Reserve
Tungamah 20 lost to Deniliquin 47
The girls played a great competitive game - the score does not represent the effort the put in on the court, working hard and never giving up.
Awards: T Beaton - Rich Glen; K Vella - Free as a Bird; C Sinclair - Ricky Ds.
Under 17s
Tungamah 35 lost to Deniliquin 43
Unfortunately the girls started sluggishly and took a while to warm up, but slowly got into the groove of it. In the second, Bridie and Lily stepped up and took it to their goalers, providing tips and taps which allowed our midcourt and goalers the opportunity to convert.
Vic and Jas created lovely passages of play, looking for each other in the ring instead of taking the long bomb. Things we are working on at training are slowly coming into play and starting to stick and become initial instincts. Unfortunately, the last quarter we allowed Deni to take control of the game and force us to make silly errors. This week we need to focus on a solid warm up to allow us to have the best start to the game. Was a great team effort against a strong side.
Awards: S Brown - Jaycees; L Burns - Tunga Shop.
Under 15s
Tungamah 24 lost to Deniliquin 39
The girls had lots of feelings going into this game knowing that it was going to be tough and physical from the start. Deni came out strong, which placed our girls under some pressure. There were plenty of opportunities for both teams to score from errors made. The girls continued to implement what we have been doing at training, lots of defensive pressure throughout the court and working on our preliminary drives. Lots of positives to take from the game.
Awards: C Connell - $10 Credit Union; G Cummins - Tungamah Shop.
Under 13s
Tungamah 5 lost to Deniliquin 42
Deniliquin came out strong from the first centre pass. Our girls knew this was going to be a tough game. We had a few players missing so we were down to seven of our team of 10. There were good passages of play, unfortunately it wasn’t our day. The girls kept their heads held high and supported each other throughout the game. Thank you to Annabelle, Taylah and Eliza for supporting us from the bench.
Awards: S Riddley - Rich Glen; A Kelly - Tungamah Shop; S O’Brien - Yarrawonga Fish N
Chips; I Connell - Bamford Builders.
Under 11s
The girls played a great game today with Milli as captain. Tilly showed great aggression while our two helpers from the Minis, Kiara and Annabelle, stepped up to help the girls have a tough game against the Rovers.
Awards: Tayla - Tungamah Shop, Annabell - Tungamah Shop, Kiara - Rich Glen.
Yarrawonga Chronicle