Goals: Picola United: C. Haub 2, H. Brown 2, M. Heggart 2, I. Fry 1, B. Turpin 1, C. Langley 1, T. Beard 1.
Rennie: J. Bassett 2, B. Coghill 2, C. Strawhorn 2, T. McKimmie 1, Z. Smith 1, J. Kennedy 1.
Best: Rennie: J. Kennedy, B. Coghill, J. Bassett, Z. Smith, C. Wallace, O. Cope.
Picola United: J. Morrison, B. Jorgensen, C. Barnes, J. Gattuso, J. Thompson, M. Heggart.
In what ended up as a beautiful winter’s day, the Hoppers travelled to Picola.
The locals were clearly on top early as they were winning the clearances and had targets up forward. Cooke and Wallace were a pillar of strength down back and a late goal to McKimmie kept the Hoppers within 7 at the first break.
Again Picola took control in term 2, but in the back half of the term Smith showed his quality to goal, followed by Strawhorn and Coghill to leave Rennie down by 9.
Term 3 was Groundhog Day as Picola were moving the ball well, but then the hound pounced.
Jack Bassett kicked 2 quick, clutch goals, Strawhorn again and the Hoppers snatched a 5 point lead at the final break.
Kennedy kicked an early goal, Picola replied quickly. Coghill who had huge hands all day kicked his second from another clunker, but again Picola replied. Picola again with only minutes to go, and a point to level.
The final siren sounded with a draw, probably a fair result. But the importance of the game is seen on the ladder as Picola sit in the eight though the Hoppers would have with a win.
Incentives sponsored by Don Legudi were won by Jack Kennedy and Ben Coghill.
Reserves
Picola 5.2.32 defeated by Rennie 7.9.51.
The Hoppers had the game in its control for most of the day without ever shrugging their opponent.
The leadership and quality of McBurnie is setting the standard for the Hoppers, and he had Tom Elliott in his corner to provide additional silk.
Up the other end it was the return of Coop Jones who was able to snag 3, but the highlight was the return of the man whose number plus goals he kicked equals his age, the legendary Tiger Tim Dykes, that jettisoned the Hoppers into a 19-point victory.
Also note the season coach Nish is having, with blocker Wilson impassable. Hoppers sit sixth.
Goals: A. Nish, T. Elliott, G. Mcburnie, H. Long, M. Wilson, J. Palmer.
Awards: Cellarbrations - Tom Elliott, Yarrawonga Hotel - Ben Douglass, ClubMulwala - George McBurnie, Bi-Rite Electrical - Matt Wilson and Lake Mulwala Bakery - Hayden Long.
Thirds
Picola 17.13.115 defeated Rennie 1.2.8.
After initial foggy skies the horizon cleared setting the stage for a good day of footy in Picola.
The young Hoppers had lost a few players for various reasons but were still keen to try their hardest and give it their all and get another win.
Rennie started off well kicking a goal and a couple of points as the ball was consistently won through the midfield.
The likes of Bassett, Van Maanen and Slattery kept the ball moving forward, although the Hoppers struggled to capitalise.
In the second term the Hoppers started to run out of steam with the motor of the midfield Slattery hurting his ankle and being done for the game.
By halftime the Hoppers were down a large margin but were asked by Coach Fountain just to give their best efforts. As per usual, Brogan was unstoppable in the backline, and it was fantastic to see Bromley, Murray and Kelly consistently giving it their all.
Ultimately it was not enough as the bigger Picola boys took a triple digit win over the wounded Hoppers. Let’s enjoy the week off and regroup for Katunga.
Goals: J Bassett 1.
Awards: Murray Valley Rural Services - Tyler Bromley, Paternoster Farms - Jesse Brogan, Wingates - Damon Murray, Bull Plain Farms - Caleb Tanner and C and T Rhodes - Lach Kelly.
Under 14s
Picola 1.1.7 defeated by Rennie 15.6.96.
The 14s had a great day winning by 89 points. They were good all over the ground and up forward had 9 different goalkickers with Blair Strawhorn and Aiden Lawless kicking 3 each and Jasper Rhodes and Briffa 2 each.
The ball was following Tyler Clarkson all day and he picked up large posies, with Stephens his normal productive self, and Jack Bourke showing great leadership and getting his first goal. Great all round team performance.
Goals: B. Strawhorn 3, A. Lawless 3, J. Rhodes 2, R. Briffa 2, D. Bigger 1, J. Bourke 1, C. Stephens 1, M. Coulter 1, E. Withers 1.
Awards: I and P Ferguson - Tyler Clarkson, Kennedy Builders - Cam Stephens, STF Engineering - Ed Withers, Jarobee Farms - Jack Bourke, Lake Mulwala Bakery - Ryder Briffa and Rennie Catering Committee - Darby Bigger.
Under 11s
Strong all day were the fifth’s who were able to share the pill around and set their mates up for easy shots at goal which they were able to take advantage of Biggsy was super Longy great in another solid team effort.
Awards: RedAg - Marley Bigger, Biggers Floorworld - Judd Long, Eternal Paws - Finley Strawhorn and Border Concrete Plumbing- Jasper Rhodes.
Social notes
Make sure everyone gets their Last Man Standing tickets off Laura or Paula to be held on Sunday, July 31 at the clubrooms.
Rennie have next Saturday off then are at home to take on Katunga on July 9.
10°C