Despite coming out of the gates hot the Roos were outmatched by the Hoppers in wet conditions, as North Albury ran away with a 26-point win.
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Kicking with a handy breeze, the Roos took control early with three early goals before North Albury hit the scoreboard.
When Joe Hansen landed a long left foot snap followed by a running goal to Hayden Filliponi, the Roos looked well in control with a four-goal lead.
Then as soon as the rain arrived, the Hoppers struck back with three goals in the dying moments of the first quarter, mostly due to mishandling of the ball by the Roos deep in defence.
The Hoppers quickly adapted to the wet conditions, getting the ball forward with whatever means possible.
The Roos on the other hand were a bit slower on the uptake as they watched their opponents open up an imposing four goal lead, in trying conditions, at the main break.
After an arm wrestle in the early stages of the third, the Roos dominated the remainder of the quarter to get themselves back into contention.
Leigh Schulz continued his hard work while Rohan Davies, Kade Kuschert, Tyson Logie, Jack Schilg and Filliponi all lifted their intensity and were instrumental in the Roo revival.
The Roos continued to battle it out for the first eight minutes of the last and drew within seven points of the Hoppers.
Some undisciplined play led to a Hoppers fifty metre penalty and the whole momentum snapped their way, eventually taking the game by twenty-six points.
The result certainly wasn’t what the Roos were hoping for, especially for the sake of Jimmy O’Connell who led the team from the ground after his 100th senior game for the club.
Jimmy is something of a dream player for the coaching group, who sticks to his role with absolute conviction every week.
The Roos take on the Wang Maggies at John Foord Oval on Saturday.
The last time these two sides met, the Roos gave them a real scare until they drew away after half time. The Roos hope to see the return of Billy Raggett and Shane Tregear for the clash while Jordan Lavis is just a couple of weeks away and Dylan Cook should return shortly thereafter.
Corowa Rutherglen 8-12-60 v
North Albury 12-14-86
Goals: A. Wallis, J. Schilg, A. Pretto, T. Brook, R. Davies, H. Filliponi, J. Lane, J. HansenAwards: R. Davies, H. Filliponi, T. Logie, L. Schulz, A. Wallis
Reserves
The Reserves were bolstered by the return of several players and took to the field with a full compliment.
Pete Whyte, Cody Kuschert Joel Montgomery and Matt Wilson were back while Luke Maloney and Brydon Robins lined up for their second game of the season.
Robins only played five minutes in round one and has been recovering from injury ever since.
Playing at full forward Robins threw himself at everything and was rewarded with a goal before copping a heavy knock that put a dampener on his day.
Matt Wilson’s unlucky run continued who was unable to play the game out.
The Hoppers jumped the Roos early to lead by sixteen points at quarter time despite the Roos having plenty of opportunities, but weren’t as accurate near goal as their opponents.
The Roos were still in touch with the Hoppers until late in the second quarter when the Hoppers drew away and never looked back.
Harley Ralph, Pete Whyte, Sam Haigh and Scott Montgomery led by example in the midfield while Cody Kuschert dragged down strong marks at both ends of the ground.
His goal resulting from a pack mark in the goal square.
It was pleasing to see the Roos field a full team and looked really competitive for the most part.
Corowa Rutherglen 4-7-31 v
North Albury 16-12-108
Goals: J. Montgomery, C. Kuschert, S. Montgomery, B. RobinsAwards: S. Montgomery, H. Ralph, C. Kuschert, S. Haigh, P. Whyte
Thirds
The Thirds appeared uncharacteristically out of sorts against a determined opposition and would be disappointed with the way the game panned out.
The intensity they have shown, even against the odds, all season seemed to desert them.
Benny Black joined a few of his U16 team mates for his first run in the Thirds and seemed to enjoy the challenge, especially after being named amongst the award winners.
The Roos did have some good patches of play, one of which was capped off by a long set shot by Hayden Weller.
Jacob Habermann worked tirelessly to take out the coach’s award.
The Roos restored some pride by matching it with Hoppers in the final quarter when the ball was parked almost permanently in the Roos forward line.
Still without several key players, it’s been a tough few weeks for the boys and their next win may not be too far away.
Corowa Rutherglen 2.7.19 v
North Albury 11.9.75
Goals: B. Minogue, B. SpencerAwards: B. Black, B. Minogue, M. Lavis, B. Spencer, B. Pirnag, J. Habermann (Coach’s Award).
Awards’ Sponsors:
Corowa Golf Club, Hotel Australia, Newmarket Hotel, Border Natural Therapies, Corowa Whiskey and Chocolate Factory, Soden’s Hotel, Origin Clothing, Doc Yarrum, Urban Graze, Sportspower, The Hub Automotive and the Canteen Committee.
Thank you to local business’s that support our sporting and community club.
Roos News
This week’s Hub Automotive Volunteer Awards go to Paddy Minogue and Rosie Dye.
Paddy for his boundary umpiring and water boy duties for the Reserves, and Rosie for her behind the scenes work with the netballers.
Thanks to another pair of great volunteers.
The Past Players Golf Day was a great success with over forty players taking part in the fun event.
Lots of prizes, giveaways and a few frothies capped off the day.
Our roaming reporter tells me that “what happens on the course stays on the course” so nothing further to report in public print.
The Golden Roo Dinner is just around the corner, 7pm Wednesday 17 July at the clubrooms.
All Australian and premiership Hawthorn player, Campbell Brown is sure to entertain with his array of stories.
Golden Roos will be issued a ticket while guests can enjoy the event for $120.
Contact Graham Hosier or Rowena Black or shop online at the club’s website.
If you want some real entertainment, then keep Saturday 20 July free when a fun-packed Player’s Revue will be on show after the Roos home game against Myrtleford.
To round off a big July, the Kanga Cash Draw will be held at the Clubrooms the following day from 12 noon to 4pm. $50 entry gives you the chance to share in $7,000 in prize money with finger food and drinks included in the price.
Follow the Club on Facebook (fb.com/crfnc), Instagram (@crfnc_roos) and our website www.corowarutherglenfnc.com.au