Bats go down in thriller on field, split points in nailbiter on court

Greta: 3.0, 6.2, 8.4, 13.7 (85)

In perfect sunny conditions on Saturday for our round 12 clash, our senior football team narrowly missed out on a win against the reigning premiers, Greta, at their home ground.

Coach Wap held a meeting with his senior side on Thursday night to challenge the boys on how they can make improvements and lift their game to become true contenders in the second half of the season.

The first quarter saw the Bats jump out of the blocks and control the contest, with the first two goals of the game kicked and five goals at the quarter time break.

Q1 - Greta 3.0.18 vs Goorambat 5.5.35

During the second quarter, Greta came out and responded, and the Bats led by five points at the main break.

Q2 - Greta 6.2.38 vs Goorambat 6.7.43

The boys maintained their focus at half time and came out firing in the third, with captain Jamie Dunne leading the way with numerous centre clearances resulting in the Bats kicking 5.6 for the quarter.

Q3 - Greta 8.4.52 vs Goorambat 11.13.79

Duane 'Brushy' Haebich was outstanding all day up forward booting five goals and out-marking two on one. Our back six, at the other end of the field, played superb all day. Ben Reaburn was excellent, Brady Purcell was spotless, Matt Ryan had a reliable set of hands, and Sam Gladstone played his usual tall role.

Everyone was gallant in their efforts, it was a fantastic team performance.

After leading the entire game it was a devastating defeat for the boys, losing by three points after a Greta goal was kicked from the boundary line in the final minute of the game. Inaccurate kicking unfortunately saw the Bats end the day with 16 behinds.

Q4 – Greta 13.7.85 vs Goorambat 11.16.82

This week we have the bye and are looking forward to a rest before heading to Bonnie Doon on July 5.

Goal Kickers: Brush Haebich 5, Trav Nolan, Brayden Stepien, Dylan Beavis, Victor Butler, Brayden Wapling, Ben Reaburn.

Best Players: Jamie Dunne (Peter Davis Rural Cash Award), Matt Ryan (Goorambat Railway Hotel Award), Sam Gladstone (Gladstone Ampol Fuel Award), Ben Reaburn (Hollywood’s Pizza Award), Zac Amarant (Royal Hotel Award), Brush Haebich (Advanced Ag Thursday Night Dinner Award)

Reserves

Goorambat: 0.0, 0.0, 1.1, 2.1 (13)

Greta: 7.3, 11.10, 13.13, 19.14 (128)

On Saturday we took on Greta at Greta, and we knew it was going to be a huge challenge for us. We went into the game with an undermanned side with a lot of outs due injury, illness and unavailability.

In the first half we didn’t score but had enough chances to. Our attack on the ball wasn’t questioned and pressure was excellent. Second half the boys dug in and got reward for effort with two goals and keeping the opposition to a couple of goals as well. The boys fought hard right to the end, very proud of their efforts all game.

Goal Kickers: Mitch Dansey, Jack Travena

Best Players: Vaughan Kirk (Bouwmeesters Bakery Cash Award), Fynn Hyland (Hollywood’s Pizza Award), Jeremy Hill (Royal Hotel Award), Dylan Barber (Quality Wool Drink Award), Williams Hyland (Sportspower Award), Mitch Dansey (Early Bird Award)

Netball

A Grade

Goorambat 28 drew Greta 28

On Saturday, we faced off against Greta under challenging circumstances, with several players battling the flu and others sidelined due to injuries.

Despite finding ourselves three goals down at the quarter break and four goals down by three-quarter time, the girls showed incredible determination throughout the match. Our ability to mount a comeback and draw the game in the final quarter is a true testament to their resilience and spirit.

Greta's defensive strategies and relentless full-court pressure made every goal hard-fought.

Ally Ellis showcased her strength in our defensive end, generating numerous turnovers. Meanwhile, Ruby Richardson and Molly Doidge excelled in navigating the midcourt, providing ample opportunities to seize control of the game.

Although we ultimately fell short of securing the win, the team’s effort and perseverance were commendable.

Best: Ally Ellis (Riverbank Cash Award), Ruby Richardson (Goorambat Railway Hotel Award), Molly Doidge (Early Bird Award)

B Grade

Goorambat 45 def Greta 38

The sun was shining in Greta for a great game of netball. The Bats started strong and showed great patience across the court. All over the court the Bats played strong and with control.

Sophie Hammond contained her hot hand on shooting with great movement and feeds. Kelsey Moss stood strong down in defence to help dictate and direct the play with some great rebounds and intercepts.

Aneiki Pierce showed her versatility from shooting to center to help out strong defensive pressure through the mid court and combined well with Grace Handley who had a strong game in WA with strong hands and some great feeding.

All together the Bats played united as a team and the game was played in great spirit against Greta to come away with the win.

Best: Sophie Hammond (G&S Gall Cash Award), Kelsey Moss (Advanced Ag Thursday Night Dinner Award), Aneiki Pierce (Terry White Chemmart Award), Grace Handley (Early Bird Award)

B Reserve

Goorambat 37 def Greta 35

Goorambat started with the ball but were a bit rusty, as Greta took the early lead by three goals and worked hard to stop the Bats.

Attack got their flow into shooters as Kate Nolan and Erin Hernan started to chip away at the deficit, although the Bats were down at quarter time.

The second quarter saw Charli Button stepping into mid court and giving defenders Brooke Haddrell and Alyssa Priest some drive out. The Bats took control and looked great with Abby Hammond and Ella Woods playing vital roles in the attack, as the Bats took the lead by a goal at half time.

Greta applied pressure once again after half time as the Bats took a bit to adjust. Ella Parrant came into goals and gave a great different avenue, applying some scoreboard pressure with Chelsea Cole working tirelessly through the defensive midcourt.

Going into the last quarter down, the Bats showed some great courage and control with Alyssa, Brooke and Charli providing ample opportunity for the Bats to score. Erin Hernan and Kate Nolan held their cool and the Bats took the win in a great team effort.

Best: Ella Woods (Muscle Mend Award), Brooke Haddrell (Royal Hotel Award), Erin Hernan (Bill-Bo-Pop Award)

C Grade

Goorambat 26 def by Greta 57

The girls came out strong utilizing the first centre pass to score early in the first quarter, with strong attacking from Charli Button and Yolanda Bourke. The Greta girls’ experience saw them leading by five heading into the second.

As the game went on the Greta girls slowly pulled away, but they were made to work for every goal with the strong defensive team work from Lacey Carter and Katelyn Russell.

Pippa Martin stepping into goals and Charle Button out into the centre position seemed to rattle the Greta girls flow into their attacking end.

It was too little, too late as the Greta girls came away with the win. A massive improvement by our baby Bats from the first time they came up against the very bonded and experienced Greta team.

Best: Charli Button (Spot 4 Ice Cream Award), Lacey Carter (Willspread Contracting Cash Award), Cienna Berry (Hume Solar Cash Award)

U15s

Goorambat 8 def by Greta 81

With a very cold, frosty start to the day the Goorambat girls had a couple away with injuries and illness which opened the doors for a fill in to join us. Eliza Keen brought great leads and steadiness to the team and slotted in very nicely with the girls, as if she has been playing with us all season.

We played well but with Greta pouncing on every loose ball the turn overs hit us hard.

Alarna Button brought some great movement in the ring and shot well. Mackenzie Roberts steadied the mid court and passed well and was always an option. To watch these girls go out every week and keep showing us is a credit to them.

The more time on court they get together is a great opportunity to learn more and to grow both as individuals and as a team.

Best: Eliza Keen (Hume Solar Cash Award), Alarna Button (Sportspower Award), Mackenzie Roberts (Spot 4 Ice Cream Award)