Hoppers go down to finals contender

Best: Jack Bassett, Josh Soutter, Marcus Hargreaves, Lewis Taylor, William Taylor, Dillon Kirchen.

It was a cold, dull day, and the fog barely lifted as the Hoppers travelled to Jerilderie to take on a finals contender.

Up against a team looking to lock in a top-six spot, the Hoppers found the home team in control during the first term, kicking the only two goals to lead by 11 points.

It did not take long for the Jerilderie Demons to slip into top gear, dominating the second and third quarters to blow the match apart.

For the Hoppers, the usual suspects, Jack Bassett and Lewis Taylor, kept their team firing.

Will Taylor continued to put together a great season at half-back, Kirchen was a massive accumulator of the ball, and skipper Bruce worked hard to provide the link between defence and attack.

There were four individual goalkickers for the Hoppers as the Demons won by 75 points.

The best players were Jack Bassett and Lewis Taylor.

Awards: Mulwala Water Ski Club – Lewis Taylor, Premix King – Will Taylor, Yarrawonga Hotel – Denver Bruce, Lake Mulwala Hotel – Dillon Kirchen.

Reserves

Jerilderie 1.0, 3.2, 4.3, 7.5 (47) defeated Rennie 2.1, 3.2, 4.2, 4.4 (28).

Goals: Ashley Thissen 1, Michael Stevenson 1, Matthew Wilson 1, Jarryd Wood.

Best: Zane Willis, Jackson McErvale Busch, Tully Woodward, Adam Nish, Joseph Ferguson.

The Hoppers’ twos were just too sloppy late in the match and went down by 19 points.

It was one of those days when neither team could dominate the match, and the home side was able to get a sniff before storming home late.

Unfortunately, the Hoppers had only four individual goalkickers.

Ben Douglass worked hard and was competitive all match, Willis was at his usual slippery and skilful best, while Jack Mac’s running and delivery from half-back were notable.

Awards: Premix King – Ben Douglass, Yarrawonga Bakery – Zane Willis, Yarrawonga Hotel – Jackson McErvale Busch, Club Mulwala – Tully Woodward, Lake Mulwala Hotel – Joe Ferguson, Yarrawonga Skin, Ski and Surf – Adam Nish.

Thirds

Rennie 3.1, 7.1, 9.3, 10.6 (66) defeated Jerilderie 1.1, 1.2, 2.4, 4.6 (30).

Goals: Finn Bruce 5, Zander Rhodes 2, Brody Guthrie 2, Lucas Pickering 1.

Best: Finn Bruce, Brody Guthrie, Anthony Nieuwenhout, Jackson Wheeler, Jack Van Den Bosch, Zander Rhodes.

It was a great team effort from Rennie’s under-17 boys, who went back-to-back after a dominant first half set up a six-goal victory.

The fabulous and fantastic Finn Bruce set the game alight and kicked five goals.

Bruce was well supported by jumping Jack Vdb, while Rhodes and Guthrie also snagged multiple goals.

Nieuwenhout was also solid at half-back, as coach Pickles got to see his troops record a win.

Awards: Woods Bus Lines – Finn Bruce, Intersport Wingates – Jack Van Den Bosch, C & T Rhodes – Jackson Wheeler, Red Ag – Anthony Nieuwenhout, Papalias – Brodie Guthrie.

Fourths

Rennie 6.3, 11.5, 17.11, 19.16 (130) defeated Jerilderie (0).

Goals: Banjo J. True 6, Brax Ednie 4, Edward Withers 2, Mason Santoro 2, Tom Hemphill 1, Harry Douglass 1, Judd Long 1, Hudson Crawford 1, Samuel Kennedy 1.

Best: Banjo J. True, Brax Ednie, Judd Long, Samuel Kennedy, Riley Wallace, Harry Douglass.

It was a solid effort from the under-14 Hoppers, who won by 130 points.

Truey was a special target up forward with six goals.

He was well supported by Ednie with four goals, while Santoro and Wily Withers kicked two each.

Wallace continued to dominate around the ground, Longy was as whippet-like as normal, and Douglass marked and defended well.

It was a good job by the boys, with a couple of solid weeks remaining to finish the season.

Awards: Darren Lewis Fencing – Banjo True, Yarrawonga Skin, Sun and Surf – Brax Ednie, Yarrawonga Bakery – Judd Long, Border Concrete Plumbing – Sam Kennedy, Crawford Family – Riley Wallace, Intium Energy – Harry Douglass.

The Hoppers are at home against Deni Rovers this week.

Everyone should see Paula to get their Last Man Standing tickets for next Sunday.

Go Hoppers.

Netball

A Grade

Rennie 41 defeated Jerilderie 40.

Rennie came away with a thrilling 41–40 victory over Jerilderie in a hard-fought contest that went right down to the final whistle.

It was a close game from the opening centre pass, with both teams matching each other goal for goal and neither side willing to give an inch.

The team showed incredible determination, composure and resilience under pressure.

Every player contributed, with relentless defensive pressure creating crucial turnovers, while Rennie’s midcourt worked tirelessly to transition the ball and feed the shooters.

In attack, the calmness and accuracy shown in the final moments proved to be the difference.

With the scores locked in a tense battle until the end, Rennie held its nerve to secure a well-deserved one-goal win.

It was a fantastic team performance that highlighted the group’s belief in one another and its willingness to fight until the very end.

Awards: RNC Incentive – Demi Rhodes, Judd’s Yarrawonga – Ella Lewis, Lake Mulwala Hotel – Jennika Parker, Yarrawonga News & Gifts – Chelsea Banfield.

B Grade

Rennie 55 defeated Jerilderie 46.

Fronting the freezing temperatures, the girls donned their dresses and headed out to play.

From the first whistle, their defensive pressure down the court made it seem as though they were defending for the Queen.

They brought the ball down the court from defence to attack, created space and moved swiftly to get clear of the Demons’ defence.

Movement in the circle was pushed up a notch, with the team converting goals as though it were a do-or-die match.

It was goal for goal for most of the game, but a few cheeky turnovers allowed the Hoppers to take the lead and come away with the four points.

Awards: Rnc Incentive – Ebb Williams, Lake Mulwala Hotel – Bri Pye, Miss Dolly – Liv Lewis, Mulwala Water Ski Club – Ella Harvie.

C Grade

Rennie 48 defeated Jerilderie 31.

The match against Jerilderie was an important one in strengthening Rennie’s push for finals, and the girls rose to the challenge with a fantastic team performance.

Kayla and Tegan combined beautifully in the goal ring, following every shot and capitalising on every opportunity to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Rennie’s midcourt was outstanding, with fabulous drives from Lexie and Lacey.

Their communication was excellent, and their defensive pressure created numerous turnovers, giving the attackers plenty of opportunities.

In the defensive end, Rennie proved once again that it had countless combinations that worked well together.

Jazmin was determined and relentless, chasing down loose balls and constantly backing up her teammates.

Gaby kept Jerilderie’s shooters guessing all game with her ability to appear from nowhere for timely intercepts and deflections.

Alongside Georgie and Tess, the defensive unit showed incredible versatility, working seamlessly together to shut down attacking options and convert defensive gains into attacking opportunities.

It was a complete team effort, with every player contributing to a strong performance that kept Rennie’s finals aspirations well and truly alive. Well done to the girls.

Awards: Lake Mulwala Hotel – Gaby Dowling, Free As A Bird – Lexie Nolen, Skin, Ski & Surf – Lacey Stiles, Yarrawonga Hotel Players’ Player – Jazmin Johnson.

C Reserve

Rennie 29 defeated Jerilderie 22.

Rennie C Reserve put together a fantastic team performance, working hard through all four quarters.

After a solid first half, the girls settled into the game and lifted their intensity after the break to come home with a well-deserved win.

Rennie’s shooters were outstanding, converting their opportunities with great accuracy and rarely missing.

Their movement along the baseline was excellent, creating space and making it difficult for the opposition defence to shut them down.

Rennie’s defence set the tone early, applying strong pressure from the first quarter.

Fern had an exceptional game, reading the play brilliantly and making her opponent work hard for every possession.

Trudi and Jaz were outstanding in defence, doing an amazing job of keeping their players out of the ring and making every contest difficult.

Through the midcourt, the effort was relentless, with everyone giving 100 per cent from the first whistle to the last.

A special mention went to Ed, who ran all four quarters without giving up and showed incredible determination and work rate. Well done to the girls.

The game was a great example of how much the team had improved throughout the season.

The girls were encouraged to keep up the hard work and teamwork, as it was all paying off.

Awards: Lake Mulwala Hotel – Fern Chapman, Club Mulwala – Jasi Lewis, Showcase Jewellers – Eden Mackinnon, North East Campers – Hannah Kelly, Players’ Player – Fern Chapman.

Under 17s

Rennie 72 defeated Jerilderie 40.

Rennie came out strongly against Jerilderie, with everyone putting up a fantastic fight and showing just how effective the team could be when its players worked together and applied the skills they had been developing.

The best player on court that day was, without question, Ella.

Her accuracy and composure in the ring were outstanding, and she hardly missed all game.

Mia also made a huge impact with her relentless hands-over pressure and seamless ball movement through the court.

Charlotte was positive from start to finish, showcasing her defensive skills and proving she could shine wherever the team needed her on the court.

Jasi Lewis also had a terrific game, working hard to hold the front position in the ring and doing so with confidence and consistency.

Full credit went to Jerilderie for playing a great game and making the girls earn every possession.

Rennie now turns its attention to next week’s clash against the always tough and competitive Deniliquin.

Awards: Thyme For Coffee – Ella Lewis, Corowa Curtains & Décor – Charlotte Burrows, Nick Davis Plastering – Mia Brogan, Rhodes Family – Jasi Lewis.

Under 15s

Rennie 33 defeated Jerilderie 24.

It was a cold start at Jerilderie, but the Rennie under-15 girls came out firing.

Chelsea was a powerhouse in the shooting ring, especially during the first half.

Maisie and Ava also moved well and fed the ball into the ring with ease.

Defenders Ella, Lily and Sienna were great in defence, particularly with their rotations and flexibility.

Zali, Carla and Dakota all played key roles in bringing the ball down the court and linking the two ends well.

Overall, it was a good win to help lead Rennie into the finals.

However, with a few tough games ahead to finish the season, the girls will need to put in the hard work to earn the rewards.

Awards: Yarrawonga Bakery – Chelsea Freestone, Lewis Fencing – Sienna Blick, Rhodes Family – Dakota True.

Under 13s

Rennie 14 was defeated by Jerilderie 30.

Awards: Ricky D’s Pizza – Tayissa Dawson, Momentum 360 – Ruby Jones, Paula Mifka Award – Koda Parker, Rhodes Family – Ruby Farr.

Under 11s

Team Emerald

It was a very cold start for Team Emerald at Jerilderie.

The players warmed up and moved the ball well down the court.

Their goal shooting had improved, with lots of goals going in on the first attempt.

They all played well together and shared the ball around.

The players had improved so much throughout the year.

It was a top job by the little Hoppers.

Awards: One Zach – Lola, Momentum 360 – Aria, Belle’s Café – Thea, Jaycees – Zoe.

Team Green

It was another great game from Team Green.

There were some excellent passages of play down the court.

The team applied fantastic defensive pressure throughout the game and created some great turnovers.

The girls continued to put into practice what they had been learning at training.

Awards: Momentum 360 – Maddie, Paula Mifka Award – Isla, T & R Marett Award – Liliana, Rhodes Family Award – Lucy F.