The Rumble on the River lived up to expectations, with both Corowa-Rutherglen and Yarrawonga putting on a great contest on Saturday.
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Reigning Premiers Yarrawonga were expected to be a tough hit out, but true to the entire clubs efforts over the last few years, the Roos were always going to fight. A tight first quarter saw some strong contested play, led by midfield bull Jedd Longmire.
Longmire, part of the Collingwood VFL program, has progressively increased his physical impact each week, and led the way against the competitions best. His influence this week also stemmed into the recruiting world, convincing Collingwood Assistant Coach and former AFL defender Neville Jetta to pull on the Roos jersey.
Jetta displayed his class and defensive prowess across all four quarters, racking up 24 touches and nice goal which pleased the strong home crowd.
Despite the game being really even across the deck, Yarrawonga managed to convert their opportunities more efficiently. The inside 50 differential was only 5, but the Roos execution in hitting their forwards was lacklustre in comparison.
Star forward Darcy Hope was triple teamed most of the day, more so after fellow sharpshooter Sam Dunstan went down with an ankle injury early in the game. Dunstan soldiered on but was hampered and could only stay close to goal.
Down back, Ryan Eyers had the task on Leigh Williams, and did a terrific job in the air and on the ground. Williams received some absolutely pure passes that allowed him to kick his goals, but Eyers was incredible in an even matchup. Another Eyers continued his rapid rise as a premier wingman in the O&M, with Jordan putting together another really strong display. His tackle pressure and running prowess was on display, again being named in the Roos best.
Whilst the Pigeons kicked away in the third term, the Roos settled and managed to win the final quarter although it was too little too late.
The Roos will have the week off due to the split round, before returning with an away game against Myrtleford on May
Awards
Jordan Eyers, Nathan Dunstan, Jedd Longmire, Darcy Hope, Ryan Eyers, Neville Jetta
Reserves
The Boys took on Yarrawonga, who were like Corowa, were looking for their first win of the season.
Yarrawonga burst out of blocks early with an onslaught of goals putting pressure on young defence. Ben Talarico kicked the Roos first major but the Pigeons were striking at every turn taking advantage of turnovers which cost them dearly
Finley Product Ed Haynes and the ever reliable Ned Taylor stood up when it mattered and got high praise for their efforts for attacking the contest every time. Aaron Spencer took it up to the former Morris Medallist Xavier Lisle throughout the game having a great duel.
Yarrawonga continued to press on the scoreboard but the Roos showed times of being able to transition the ball well but they were out classed in the end going down by 104.
Thanks for all the boys that continue to show up each week, makes a huge difference, and the boys that came in to help Beau Damn, Brett O’Rourke and thirds boys Jack Keys, Issac Dickinson, Jonah Massey-Chase, Charlie James your effort doesn’t go un-noticed so big thanks.
Awards
Ed Haynes, Jack Keys, Ryan Hansen, Ned Taylor, Aaron Spencer, Brett O’Rourke
Thirds
On a gloomy Sunday, Corowa started well with Keys and Beattie tight across half back. After a couple of misses Lane, Purcell, Connell slotted goals. Some undisciplined play lead to Yarrawonga replying with two goals .
The second quarter was very scrappy and unskilled with both teams kicking one goal each . The Roos went into the main break with a 10 point advantage.
Third quarter saw another scrappy affair with Yarrawonga edging closer at three-quarter time The Roos lead by four points
With some motivational talk at three-quarter time the young Roos came out in the last quarter and kicked the first three goals from Duryea, Nicholson and Dickinson.
As the sun came out, the Roos started to dominate the last term. An outstanding team performance saw the Roos win by 31 points. Well done boys!
Awards
Jack Keys, MacKenzie Hodges, Rory Beattie, Isaac Dickinson, Ethan Lane & Charles James
Under 16s
Corowa Rutherglen 20.10.130 def Yarrawonga 4.7.31
Played at Wahgunyah in perfect conditions it was another strong performance by the Roos as they dominated Yarrawonga throughout the match. Yarrawonga appeared to have the size advantage over the Roos but silky ball movement, rock solid defence and speed through the midfield saw the Roos power away in every term.
Yarrawonga could do little to stem the flow of goals as the Roo boys piled on the pressure around the contest and converted well in front of goals. An outstanding team performance with all players having an impact around the ground.
Awards: Archer Coppolino, Brodie White, Jack Ford, Hunter Hall, Daniel Ryland, Wiiliam Gannon
Under 14s
Corowa 10.12. 72 def Yarrawonga 3.1.19.
The Roo’s U14 boys started from the first bounce with a strong centre clearance win and immediately slipped into “team” mode with teamwork, sharing, quick clean handballs moving the ball forward, Nate Jones had outstanding vision and delivery of the ball and quickly dominated the first quarter.
When the ball went into the Corowa forward line a wall was built to hold the ball within the 50 zone with Will Massey, Levi Arnold, Josh Parker, Will Forrest and Cooper Pattern marking and controlling the ball and sending it back into the Corowa forward zone.
Levi Arnold scored the opening goal which was followed up by a sensational goal from Archie House kicked from the pocket.
The second quarter started with strong marking by Harry Webb and Oli Mathews, a solid tackle and unselfish kick by Jaxx Johnstone resulting in a goal to Abe Spenser.
Highlights of the second quarter include teamwork and all players working hard, a move up the ground by Jake Witherden saw multiple disposals backed by a solid defensive line including Will Forest, Josh Hunter and Ben Ocep, Darcy Upton and Copper Patten backed by strong marks by Will Massey, Will Forest, Hudson Kuschert, Eli Bonnitcha and Abe Spencer.
The third quarter saw the Yarrawonga boys surge with the Roo’s defending hard and able to move the ball forward through great teamwork running the ball out of the back line by Will Forest, Copper Patten, Josh Hunter and Lachlan Douglas.
The Corowa Roo’s continued to dominate centre clearances.
Ben Ocep and Hudson Bilney looked dangerous every time the ball came into the forward line.
When the ball rebounded out of the Corowa forward line Josh Hunter was pure class along with Hudson Kuschert to ensure the ball penetrated the Corowa forward line.
Ben Ocep joined the on ballers and continued the domination of the centre clearances enabling Harry Webb to kick his first of 3 goals for the day.
The fourth quarter was dominated by exceptional linkages through sets of hands resulting in goals for Corowa. Darcy Upton to Ben Ocep to Levi Arnold resulting in a goal, Massy to Arnold to Leo Davis resulting in another goal.
Leo Davis was fantastic in the fourth quarter and other then scoring himself, combined with Hudson Bilney for his goal
A combination play from Forrest to Parker to Hunter to Davis to Webb for a goal was a highlight of the quarter.
Josh Parker, Josh Hunter, Hudson Kuschert, Will Forrest, Levi Arnold, Will Massey and Cooper Patten put their bodies on the line for the team all day
Awards: Levi Arnold, Abe Spenser, Will Forrest, Will Massey, Benny Ocep, Harry Webb.
Under 12a
Corowa 3-0-18 def by Yarrawonga 9-7-61
The Under 12a boys got off to a great start, with Maxwell McQueen in the ruck giving first use to midfielders Blair, Jagger and Ollie. Yarra kicked the first goal but Corowa came back with opportunistic majors through Patty Colman and Jack Ractliffe. We went into the first break trailing by one point.
The second quarter saw Yarra start winning the ball around the ground and getting more forward entries. The backline and mids were relentless in the pressure they put on which meant that the opposition had to rush shots at goal. The result was four behinds to Yarra. If not for the tackling of Franco Moolman, Amelliah Hart, and Billy Hunter things would have been different.
Patty slotted his second to start the third, but after that, the bigger and older Yarrawonga team started to get on top. This saw them kick four straight goals setting up a handy buffer at the three quarter time break. The under siege backline held up well through the usual suspects in Will, Rydah and Amelliah.
The final quarter saw Wizza through the magnets around to give kids opportunity in different positions. It was more of the same though and Yarra outscored the home side three goals one to nothing
It was another tough game but all of the kids can hold their heads high. They didn't stop trying and ran the match out.
Awards: Gyles Newsagency- Amelliah. Corowa Meats- Blair. Brian Unthank- Billy H. Dickins Engineers- Ollie. A&A Auto- Maxwell. Coaches Award- Finley.
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