Undermanned Hoppers go down

With multiple changes from last week and two match-ending injuries before halftime the Hoppers were again good in patches but fell away late. Rovers controlled the game early leading by 17 at the first break and 33 at halftime with Rennie having only two goals from 10 scoring shots. They came back hard in term three with Birks and McBurnie providing drive in the middle, Cope using his skill across the wing and Strawhorn coming into the game. Lack of rotations saw the locals run away in the final term. Strawhorn ended up with four goals.

Reserves

Rennie 0.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.3.9

Deni Rovers 3.2, 6.4, 10.8, 14.11.95

Goalkickers: R Barton

Best: R Vodusek, R Barton, J Ferguson, L Denny, F Donovan, A Smith

The boys travelled the distance out to Deniliquin via bus, as once again the seconds were light on with only 17 players before the bounce and that mentality showed with the Hoppers on the back foot to a fuller Rovers outfit who were running on top of the ground early. If it wasn’t for the smarts of a few of the old boys, Rennie would have been in a bad way much earlier.

Smithy and Rudi continued their fine form into the second quarter which led to a bounce back scaring the opposition into placing an extra player back on the field. The Hoppers battled on but injuries forced players to be moved around and less effective. Positive signs; Rudi continuing his dominant form in the ruck and the addition of Riley Barton to the playing group, kicking his first of many goals in the green and white.

Rennie will now take on Jerilderie at home next Saturday and should be bolstered by returning players coming back into the side.

Go Hoppers.

Awards:

Premix King - Rudi Vodusek

Lake Mulwala Bakery - Riley Barton

Yarrawonga Hotel - Joseph Ferguson

ClubMulwala - Lenny Denny

Shayne Stiles Roofing - Fletcher Donovan

Under 17s

Rennie 0.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0.6

Deni Rovers 4.4, 8.7, 12.9, 25.13.163

Goalkickers: D Hargreaves

Best: L Kelly, J Parker, D Martins, L Burrows, B Burrows, F Bruce

It was a hard day at the office but signs of improvements with new additions Jett Parker and Declan Martin contributing well for the team.

Player numbers are on the rise with some great new talent and past players coming into the team, it still would be great to get more players to jump on the Rennie Rattler Train.

The defence was busy again with Lach Kelly and his troops assembling to defend the Rovers battering ram of talent.

Midfield gave maximum effort with Jones, Langford and Perez leading the way.

Forward line didn’t have a lot of opportunities but Darcy snapped the goal of the day.

Awards:

Murray Valley Rural Services - Lach Kelly

Rennie Catering Committee - Jett Parker

Intersport Wingates - Declan Martin

C and T Rhodes - Lach Burrows

Freeman Glass and Aluminium - Finn Bruce

Under 14s

Rennie 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.1.1

Deni Rovers 4.6, 6.9, 7.11, 10.12.72

Best: B Ednie, N Nunn, Z Rhodes, S Cowan, F Bruce, A Cooper

The Hoppers had a big task ahead of them taking on the big Deni Rovers side who had a big first quarter.

But the boys worked extremely hard in defence with Nixon Nunn, Zander Rhodes and Adam Cooper applying a lot of pressure and working together to keep them to one goal in the third quarter. Brax Ednie was dominant in the ruck with Finn Bruce by his side.

The boys yet again never gave up with Spencer Cowan and Finley Strawhorn putting their bodies on the line, giving it all. Unfortunately the Rovers were too strong for the Hoppers but an extremely brave effort from boys who never gave up showing a lot of courage.

Awards:

I and P Ferguson - Brax Ednie

Kennedy Builders - Nixon Nunn

STF Engineering - Zander Rhodes

Border Concrete Plumbing - Spencer Cowan

Red Ag -Finn Bruce

Lake Mulwala Bakery - Adam Cooper

Under 11s

The Hoppers were hamstrung during the week with coach ‘Blocka’ on one leg and losing half of the side who no doubt went out with sympathy for their coach.

Thanks to the Rovers who lent a number of boys and girls to put on the Hoppers jumper and make a great game of it. That’s what it is all about, giving kids a go and ensuring they are having fun!

George Styles was everywhere like ‘Nick Daicos’, Able Lewis was going in hard like ‘Jack Steele’, Freddie Wilson was lively like ‘Jake Stringer’ and Milky Smith was silky just like his ‘Dad’. Well done to young Billy Bosio and Theo Wilson on their first of many games for the Hoppers.

All had a great game and are continuing to improve their skills and game sense. Back at home next week. Go Hoppers!

Awards:

Red Ag- George Styles

Lake Mulwala Bakery - Billy Bosio

Greenscape - Milky Smith

Darren Lewis Fencing - Abel Lewis

Oughton Irrigation - Freddie Wilson

Legudi Family - Theo Wilson

Netball

A Grade

Rennie 19 lost to Deni Rovers 36

With multiple players away and up against a fierce grand finalist team, Rennie knew Saturday would be a tall order. We set some goals and boy did we smash them out of the park. Sophie Coghill stepped into A Grade at the tender age of 15 and did not look out of place whatsoever; she drove hard, put hands over pressure and snagged a few goals, coach Kayla and all her teammates at Rennie couldn't be more proud of her efforts.

Welcoming back Jemma Adkins you wouldn't know her and Brylee McCarty had never played together before, dominating the defence with many turnovers and rebounds. Captain for the day Brylee read the play well and worked hard all game assisting down the court to the attackers. Heleena, Celine, Ebb and Brooke worked tirelessly through the midcourt on very physical opponents but to their credit never dropped their heads or spirit. Eliana Martin has been working hard on her confidence and presence on the court and grew in both areas, which was pleasing to see. Allowing her to blossom was led by young teammate Laynee Rhodes, who ran and worked hard under pressure to get that ball into her, Laynee played multiple positions show signs of maturity and great skill. Well done on a tough game and bring on next week.

Awards:

MVP incentive award - Laynee Rhodes

Club Mulwala - Brylee McCarty

Intersport Wingates - Jemma Adkins

Jaycee's - Sophie Coghill

B Grade

Rennie 22 lost to Deni Rovers 47

A hot day in Deni for the girls this weekend. Deni proved to be tough competition, but B Grade battled on and kept their focus. Our defenders put in a monster effort all day and didn’t give up. Their consistent pressure was able to create some handy turnovers. Despite the heat, the midcourters continued to work tirelessly down the court. Special shoutout to Haylee Wilson for filling in for B Grade this week and for being adaptable to whatever what was asked of her. The goalies held their own showing great patience and strength. Our captain, Ebony Williams, took out the best on court award for her endless work both in and out of the ring.

Awards:

Incentive award - Ebony Williams

Mulwala Bakery - Celine Collins Bye

One Zach - Cheyenne Nixon

Yarrawonga Hotel - Zoe McKenzie

C Grade

Rennie 16 lost to Deni Rovers 57

With a solid side put forth by the Rovers the Hoppers pushed on and kept their heads up. Rach Guppy, Georgie Thomas and Taya Davey worked tirelessly in the defensive end, however the accuracy of the Deni goalers was unmatched. A fast-paced game, the heat and injuries throughout the day saw players subbing into unfamiliar positions. C Grade took everything in their stride and gave it their all.

Awards:

Mulwala Bakery - Georgie Thomas

Yarrawonga Bakery - Gaby Dowling

Miss Dolly - Rach Guppy

Showcase Jewellers - Taya Davey

C Reserve

Rennie 11 lost to Deni Rovers 46

The Hoppers made their way to Deni to compete against the reigning premiers. Shez ‘Ricky D’s’ McBurnie was much more organised this week, showing up in the correct dress.

Right from the get go, the C-Res girls knew they were in for a hard slog. The defence of Jae and Gail worked tirelessly, getting tips and rebounds. You could hear Jae’s booming voice of encouragement throughout the game. Our midcourt mixed it up during the hot game, managing all the rotations with Lauren, Alysse and Trudie all having a run in centre. Illa with her smart passes worked the WA position but then was thrown into GS to see what she can do. Our shooters, Shez, Tegs and Britt kept on trying all day, moving and rotating the ring.

A good effort with some things to work on, however it was not our day.

Awards:

Mulwala Bakery - Jae Langford

North East Campers - Alysse Kaisereder

Judds Yarrawonga - Lauren Fitzpatrick

Free as a bird - Trudie Long

Under 17s

Rennie 43 defeated Deni Rovers 29

The Hoppers U17s started off the first quarter strong. With the defence hard to past, with multiple turnovers the girls were on, passing into the mid court with co captain Laynee Rhodes using her voice in the centre to help direct the play to the amazing attacking end where Mabel and Alani’s goals were on fire. The first quarter the girls had a seven-goal lead as a team effort. The girls showed a great team performance as everyone’s eyes for the ball didn’t lack, even with multiple change of positions.

Awards:

Mulwala Bakery - Mabel Cope

Rhodes Family - Alani Peterson

Jaycee's - Heleena Shaw

Yarrawonga Bakery - Laynee Rhodes

Under 15s

Rennie 13 lost to Deni Rovers 34

The girls met the ever strong Deni Rovers in an incredibly tough contest. We were determined to get back to basics and play our game, which is exactly what we did. Our defenders worked tirelessly against the well oiled Deni shooters who hardly missed an opportunity to score. Tess played an absolutely amazing game in GK moving beautifully with Kate and Sam to ensure that Deni had to work hard for every goal. Mim and Mia worked relentlessly in the midcourt guiding the girls in attack and working well to keep the defensive pressure up. Our three goalies worked tirelessly on the brilliant defence from Deni taking every scoring opportunity given to them. While the end result is not what we wanted, every single one of the girls played their role.

Awards:

Mulwala Bakery - Jemima Bruce

Rhodes Family - Tess Bassett

Corowa Curtains and Decor - Mia Brogan

Yarrawonga Bakery - Kate Giblett

Under 13s

Rennie 12 lost to Deni Rovers 31

With an amazing group of 10 girls this season; we were all keen and a little nervous to take on Deni at their home ground in a 2023 grand final rematch.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t the result we were after but the girls showed a positive, never give up attitude and coach Haylee was extremely proud of all the girls and their efforts.

Awards:

Yarrawonga Bakery - Lily Lewis

Rhodes family - Maisie Cope

Paula Mifka Junior Development - Sienna Blick

Lewis Fencing - Makayla George

Under 11s

No score

A brilliant effort by the under 11s parents and girls to get to the early game in Deni, a very early start and a few away on holidays. The girls are improving their teamwork each week, happily learning all positions on the court and listening to advice from Sheryl at the breaks. Well done girls, keep up the good work.

Awards:

Mulwala Bakery - Lizzie Thomas

Jaycee's - Ella Wilson

Rhodes Family - Grace Williams

Paula Mifka Junior Development - Mackenzie Wolfe

Ricky D's - Tay Dawson

Social

The Hoppers are back at home for the next two weekends in a row facing Jerilderie this week. A quiet few weeks ahead on the social side before our big 90 years celebrations coming up on the 11th of May.

This week we are putting the call out for more volunteers, it takes an army to run our wonderful clubs and we are looking for more troops to put their hands up to help out in the kitchen, as goal umpires, central umpires, timekeepers and scoreboard attendants.

We are calling out to all past and future Hoppers to come down to Bull Plain Rd and lend a hand.

Go Hoppers.