The Wahgunyah Lions were soundly defeated by the Rutherglen Cats at Barkly Park on Good Friday.
In hot temperatures for football, the Lions were unable to score in the first half but fought out the game well in the second half with three goals.
It was a disappointing game for the team after a strong performance in round 1 against Wodonga Saints and a big win over Dederang in Round 2.
The Lions will now re-group this week and prepare to take on Mita United in an away game on Saturday.
Reserves
Wahgunyah 3-4 22 lost to Rutherglen 10-13 73
Best: Josh Gilchrist, Ben Nicholson, Cooper Connell, Axel Doherty, Matt Clark, Adam Wright.
Wahgunyah showed plenty of heart determination in their clash with Rutherglen on the weekend, holding their own for three quarters before the young and fit Cats surged home to claim the win.
The Lions bought intensity from the beginning, going toe-to-toe with Rutherglen in a tight contest early.
Their experienced core kept things steady under pressure, with Josh Gilchrist and Ben Nicholson leading the way through the middle.
Cooper Connell and Adam Wright provided plenty of rebound and composure in defence, while Axel Doherty was busy around the ground and chipped in with a goal.
Matt Clark and Dean Maslen also hit the scoreboard, keeping Wahgunyah in the hunt.
But as the game wore on Rutherglen’s youthful legs and running power became the difference. the Cats broke the game open in the final term finishing full of running and pulling away on the scoreboard.
Despite the result, Wahgunyah can take plenty of positives from the performance, showing effort and resilience that will hold them in good stead for the rest of the season.
Thirds
Wahgunyah 4-3 27 lost to Rutherglen 21-13 139
Best: Ayden Sibraa, Rhylee Barber, Jayke O’Malley, Jack Torney, Jai Nicholson, Lachlan Ireland.
Fourths
Wahgunyah 8-3 51 def Rutherglen 5-4 34
Best: Hudson Hall, Ashton Powzyk, Tom Bonnitcha, Jazz Johnstone, Nate Delamere, Tom Carroll.
Netball
A Grade
Wahgunyah 50 def Rutherglen 21
The annual Good Friday match against Rutherglen was a huge success for Wahgunyah Netball.
The weather was warm and the crowd was encouraging to both teams.
A Grade came out with determination and finally injury-free.
To see Danni and Caity back on the court was fantastic.
In the heat Taleaka, Codij and Tahli ran the mid-court with patience and teamwork.
Goalies Danni and Polly are continuing to improve their connections, they also had a good game.
Best on court was Morgan McRae who also won the Kate Davie/ Renshaw medal.
Morgan played a strong defensive game with a number of deflections and turnovers. Caity also played strong defense.
Fantastic overall game. Thanks to Sydnie O’Toole and Hayley Thompson for their assistance.
Awards: Corowa RSL Best on Court Morgan McRae, The River Fish & Chip Co. Caity Byatt, Corowa Golf Club Taleaka Dickins. $20 Award Polly McCrae.
B Grade
Wahgunyah 43 def Rutherglen 33
B Grade are learning how to play with each other every week. A new starting line-up was again used to see which combination worked best.
With the first quarter goal for goal and one up at quarter time, the team had to concentrate on quarter by quarter.
Jayde and Kaity played clever attack with assistance from Zoe, Eden and Shanae.
Five goals separated the team at half time, with Wahgunyah up the Lions still had to continuously put pressure on the ball and convert our turnovers to goals.
Hayley, Haylee, Ellie, Toni and Emily all rolled through in defense to maintain pressure.
This win today was a full team effort with everyone contributing. Great game girls
Awards: Wangaratta Massage- Emily Robinson, Corowa RSL- Hayley Thompson, The River Fish Chip Co. - Zoe Dutton
C Grade
Wahgunyah 48 def Rutherglen 17
This week saw the C Grade team starting to play well together as a cohesive unit.
The team welcomed Jaz Hall, who made her debut with the team this along with Sydnie O’Toole, who dominated in the defensive end.
The shooters were able to reward the efforts of defense, bringing home a solid victory.
Awards: Jaz Hall, Sophie Ronnfeldt.
17 & Under
Wahgunyah 47 def Rutherglen 20
The girls had an awesome win this weekend, securing the victory by 27 goals.
The work from defense to attack was phenomenal and it was a great team effort.
The team implemented everything they had practised at training and overall played an amazing game.
Keep up the consistency girls.
Awards: Origin Clothing Brooke Upton, Poppy Emporium, Harper Connell, Corowa Takeaway, Rochelle Allan, WFNC Canteen- Lara O’Bryan.
15 & Under
Wahgunyah 51 def Rutherglen 8
A well-rounded and full team effort by the Under 15s saw them take away a solid win against Rutherglen this round.
It’s exciting to see the effort being put in at training presented on the court on game day.
Some further polishing on the basics will see the team travel to Mitta Mitta ready to fire in round four.
Awards: Dom’s Pizza-Jhye Bennett, Corowa Golf Club- Caitlin Maskell, Canteen Award- Elise O’Bryan.
13 & Under
Wahgunyah 11 drew Rutherglen 11
17°C