Hoppers fall just short

It was the battle for the Plague Cup as the Bull Plain Hoppers hosted the Murray Valley Highway Hoppers in cool wintery conditions.

This was an even contest all day with the visitors getting up by 9 points after a barnstorming finish by the locals.

The first half was goal for goal with Lovel and Strawhorn being the forward targets well supported by 100 gamer Bigger and Fountain.

The game changed when a Rennie player was sent off right on half time and Yarroweyah were to kick 5 goals to 1 and take a 30-point lead into the final break.

The match remained dormant for 10 minutes in the final term but then exploded as first gamer Luke Slattery kicked a brilliant snap goal, Smith kicked 2, Bigger with a phenomenal running goal from the wrong side and Willett all bought the match to within a goal.

Time ran out but a great fightback from Rennie went unrewarded.

Best players were Connell, Lovel, Bigger and Strawhorn who ended with 5 goals.

Reserves

The two’s looked like they couldn’t get out of first gear all day and lost by 9 points.

They gave up a 10-point margin at the first break and the match stayed there.

Douglass was awesome on ball, Hornidge continues his fine form and Boulton kicked 3 in a very thin display.

A Grade

Rennie 37 defeated Yarroweyah 31.

The girls were nervous after watching a thriller in B grade. However, they rallied after a slow start and turned a 6-goal deficit at 1/4 time into a to and fro game.

Brooke M in GA battled against a physical defence but persisted and presented all game.

The mid court of Ella and Brooke K presented well and fed the ball into Sophie and the defence led by Tiarnah and Hannah were strong and with limited opportunities drove the ball back down the court via Abbey.

Cool calm heads prevailed, and the Hoppers drew away to a 6-goal win. Well done girls.

Awards: Club Mulwala – Brooke McDougall, Belles – Ella Rhodes, Priority fitness – Abbey Coghill.

B Grade

Rennie 39 defeated by Yarroweyah 40. Another tough weekend for the B grade girls this week with a one goal loss.

The entire game showcases the talent of the

Rennie 2.1, 6.3, 7.3, 14.6.90.

Yarroweyah 3.4, 6.4, 11.9, 15.9.99.

Goals: Rennie: C. Strawhorn 5, A. Lovel 2, A. Smith 2, K. Willett 2, J. Kennedy 1, L. Slattery 1, D. Bigger 1.

Yarroweyah: L. Olson 7, T. Scott 3, A. Jones 2, J. Poole 2, C. Hellyer-Maud 1.

Best: Rennie: L. Connell, A. Lovel, C. Strawhorn, D. Bigger, H. Dent, J. Kennedy. Yarroweyah: L. Olson, T. Scott, A. Jones, D. Ellis, T. Cantrill, K. Oliver.

Goals: D. Boulton 3, A. Dishot 1, L. Elliott 1. Awards: Cellarbrations: Ben Douglass, Lake Mulwala Bakery: Beau Hornidge, Yarrawonga Hotel: Fletcher Donovan, Bi Rite Electrical: Ryan Trinder-James, Thyme for Coffee: Fern Aylward.

Under 17s

For the first time this season, coach Jarrod Fountain had a full list to choose from and straight away the team gelled together.

It was a day where soft going underfoot meant that the team that was first to put their heads over the ball would prevail.

The half-back line of McInness, Tanner and Bassett provided the pure definition of the word defence as every time Yarroweyah went forward it was turned straight back and became Rennie’s next attacking move where CHF Kennedy was taking mark after mark with his sure hands and ending the match with 6 goals.

Whilst it was overcast above the only thing raining in Rennie were goals and they were coming thick and fast from the full-forward line where Vodusek kicked 1, Lonergan 2 and Slattery 2.

Kicking their first goals for RFNC and getting the obligatory ruffle of the hair was Tom Lovell and Tyler Bromley and wasn’t it great to see the boys get around them.

The final score was Rennie 14.5.89 to Yarroweyah 2.0.12.

Coach Fountain has certainly got the boys enjoying their footy and this is being reflected on game day.

Goals: B. Kennedy 6, L. Slattery 2, H. Lonergan 2, D. McInness 1, T. Bromley 1, T. Lovel 1, R. Vodusek 1.

Awards: Murray Valley Rural Services: Ben Kennedy, Paternoster Farms: Harry Hogan, Wingates: Luke Slattery, Bull Plain Farms: Tom Lovel, C & T Rhodes: Tyler Bromley.

Hopper players and the dedication they have to each other.

With Danielle Walker and Jess Panter working together in the goal ring to secure the shot, their defenders had to work hard to secure a turnover.

The amazing work of the mid court players Alainah Bye, Leah Wilson and best on court for this week Ebony Phibbs, showed experience in young players and they were able to run out majority of the game in front of their opponents with ease.

The defensive end this week saw some rotations of junior players Scarlett York and Georgia Hope, who put everything on the line to play a position both were new too.

Amazing credit to Celine Collins Bye to be a leader of the team in the defensive end and work with a mix of players and to run it out for an entire game.

The girls this week were able to time their leads perfectly and cut the front space on every drive to execute strong passes from one end of the court down to the other.

It was a very vocal game from both teams and the coaches are so proud of the way every Rennie player composed themselves on the court and played a clean, skilful game of netball.

This being the best game the girls have played so far as a team; it was a credit to them to continue to play after a sad and heartbeat skipping injury from goal attack Jess Panter in the middle of the 3rd quarter.

The club wish Jess a speedy recovery and hope to see you on the court again very soon!

Bring on next week, and let’s hope hard work pays off and the Hoppers continue to play hard and strong.

Awards: Yarrawonga Hotel – Ebony Phibbs, Priority Fitness – Danielle Walker, Publicans Daughter – Georgia Hope.

Under 14s

After a two week break the Rennie fourths were eager to take to the field, all players gave 100% on what was a very chilly morning!

Hunter Lonergan battled all day in the ruck up against a much taller opponent.

Lach Burrows played down back, showing true grit, strength, and courage. Lani Rhodes and Cam Stephens ran all day picking up many possessions.

Aiden Lawless gave 100%, showing size does not matter. Tyler Clarkson is also improving with every game he plays, reading the ball well.

Even though the young team are severely undersized they bring their ‘never give up attitude’ and excellent sportsmanship to the field every week, something Coach Strawhorn, parents and the club are extremely proud of.

Awards: I & P Ferguson: Hunter Lonergan, Kennedy Builders: Laynee Rhodes, STF Engineering: Cam Stephens, Murray Valley Electrical: Lach Burrows, Lake Mulwala Bakery: Tyler

C Grade

Rennie 56 defeated Yarroweyah 13.

After a couple of weeks off netball due to covid the girls were ready to get back on the court.

The girls were firing from the start putting into place all the work being done at training.

Throwing Jae into defence she played a ripping game adjusting to working with Anika and Knuck in the ring, where they were all able to read the ball and put plenty of pressure on.

The mid court girls created solid flow with plenty or run.

It was a great day at the office for the shooters with Laura bagging 47 of the 56 goals and Lenny moving and passing consistently improving.

Super team effort, keep up the good work. Awards: One Zach - Laura Nunn, Club Mulwala - Jae Lonergan, Hard Luck- Leonie Higgins.

Under 15s

Rennie 60 defeated Yarroweyah 3.

A great team effort by all girls as they put together 4 strong quarters. Laynee was busy in the 1st quarter before her and Heleena turned their talent to football.

The Mia’s in attack were a great target and nothing got passed the wall in defence of Coco, Ava, Georgia, Abbey and Violet whose eyes were for the ball.

Best wishes to Lucy for a speedy recovery! Awards: Coco Vodusek - Rhodes Family , Mia Wheaton – Wingates, Mia Elliott - Papalia’s.

Under 13s

Rennie 30 defeated Yarroweyah 9.

The little Hoppers were eager to get back onto the court this week after having two weeks off.

It was a rough game for the girls but every

Clarkson, Yarra Pet Resort: Aiden Lawless, Rennie Catering: Nick Robinson, Papalia’s: Demi Rhodes.

Under 11s

Awesome start to the game with Fraser Nagle winning an amazing tap out straight down the throat of Aiden Lawless who banged it deep into attack to Dante Zanker who kicked a ripping goal, his first of two for the game.

Lenni Legudi was bullish around the ball fending off many a defender to play his way to a best on ground performance.

Nick Robinson played his usual racking up countless tackles and bumps, leaving the opposition players in his wake.

Great to have the third generation of Withers at Rennie, with young Ed lining up for his first game and bagging a couple of cracking goals.

Maddox Oughton another Rennie first timer was pivotal in defence, helping Rennie to their first win for the day.

There are some very bright footy careers ahead for all these little champs.

Awards: RedAg: Dante Zanker, Biggers Floorworld: Lenni Lagudi, Lake Mulwala Bakery: Maddox Oughton, Robinson’s Farming: Ed Withers, Papalia’s: Marley Bigger.

At the time of writing Rennie were not sure where games would be played at this week but remember to buy your ball tickets for July 10 at ClubMulwala.

It was a great day for the Rennie girls, winning all games except B grade.

single girl stood tall and kept their heads held high and played their own game.

It was great to have Chelsea back after weeks off with an injury and it definitely didn’t slow her down.

The smallest Hopper Demi copped a lot in the ring this week and again played her game and came out on top every time.

Everyone on the court this week deserved an award and should be very proud of the beautiful netballers these girls are turning into.

It’s good to be back.

Awards: Rhodes family – Demi Rhodes, Robinson family – Charlotte Burrows, Papalias – Chelsea Kerr.

Under 13 development

So proud of the way all girls played on the weekend. The game consisted of 6 quarters again with girls playing multiple positions.

They defended well, staying tight on their players. Great positioning for the centre pass, enabling them to get the centre pass easily.

They are starting to clear out and lead forward to the ball.

There was no stepping. Well done girls. Awards: Rhodes family- Hayley Robinson, Robinson family - Maddi Kerr, Yarra Fish & chips Nicki Baston-Dow.