The Albury Wodonga Football Association’s cup competition commenced on Sunday, with nine Cobram Roar teams battling for their right to lift the trophy at numerous grounds throughout Albury and Wodonga.
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Cobram Roar FC Under 12 Boys Black 1-1 (4-2 after penalties) St. Pats FC Under 12 Boys Green
A scrappy start saw St Pats under-12 Boys Green firing early, forcing Cobram Roar to dig deep. Slow to find their rhythm, Cobram Roar settled in and Ollie Taylor broke the deadlock. St Pats hit back with an equaliser, levelling the score and sparking a string of near-misses as both sides threw everything at the box.
Ten minutes of extra time couldn't separate the teams, setting up a nail-biting penalty shootout. Under mounting pressure, Cobram Roar held their nerve when it mattered most, converting to seal a thrilling 4-2 shootout win.
Now, the semi finals await. Quiet calm, strategy in check, the ultimate football game will be played.
Cobram Roar FC Under 12 Boys Yellow 5-1 Wodonga Heart FC Under 12 Boys Black
Cobram Roar under-12 Yellow have booked their place in the semi-finals with a convincing 5-1 victory over Wodonga Heart FC in their quarter-final clash at Ian Barker Park.
With Cobram finishing the home-and-away season in first place and Wodonga Heart in eighth, the boys knew they would be favourites heading into the match, but they still had to get the job done on the field.
The opening stages proved a little frustrating for Cobram, as the boys took some time to settle into the game. They maintained plenty of possession but were struggling to find their usual rhythm, with passes not quite reaching their targets in the way the team has become accustomed to.
Around the 15-minute mark, however, Cobram found their feet. Nathanael Sutton opened the scoring, giving the Roar the breakthrough they needed and settling the team into their football.
From there, Wally Hargrave turned up the heat. Hargrave was on fire through the midfield, scoring two consecutive goals while causing all sorts of problems for the Wodonga defence. His energy, attacking play and ability to win the ball created havoc for Heart and helped Cobram take control of the match.
Cooper Daniel then added another goal to extend Cobram’s advantage.
Cobram continued to dominate possession and territory, with the boys moving the ball around the park and creating plenty of opportunities.
The fifth goal came after a brilliant passage of play, with Kai Ramsdale producing a perfectly weighted pass to Nate Hemingway, who made no mistake, finding the back of the net to put Cobram five goals ahead.
Wodonga Heart managed to pull one back right on the half-time whistle, sending the teams into the break with Cobram holding a commanding 5-1 lead.
The second half saw Cobram continue to dominate proceedings. The Roar controlled possession and spent plenty of time in attacking areas, but despite their dominance, they were unable to add to their tally.
At the final whistle, Cobram Roar Yellow had secured an impressive 5-1 quarter-final victory and, more importantly, a place in the semi-final.
The boys will now face Albury Hotspurs in what promises to be another exciting clash at Jelbert Park.
After finishing the season undefeated and on top of the ladder, Cobram Roar Yellow are now just one win away from reaching the grand final.
The boys have done the hard work all season - now it’s time to see how far they can go.
Cobram Roar FC Under 13 Boys 4-1 Albury United SC Under 13 Boys
Cobram Roar Under 13s have secured their place in the semi-finals with an impressive 4-1 victory in the quarter-finals against Albury United.
Cobram put together a fantastic team performance, working hard for each other and showing great passing, communication and teamwork throughout the match. Their ability to move the ball around and create opportunities was a highlight of the game.
The team should be extremely proud of their effort, with every player contributing to a strong all-round performance.
With the quarter-final win behind them, Cobram Roar now turn their attention to the semi-finals next weekend.
Goal Scorers: Cooper Charles (2), Carter Haddrell (1) and Mia Hayward (1)
Cobram Roar FC Under 14 Girls 6-0 Wangaratta City FC Under 14 Girls
Cobram Roar delivered a dominant quarter-final performance against Wangaratta City, running out convincing 6-0 winners after coming together as a team and controlling the match from start to finish.
Cobram wasted little time making their mark, with Mia Hayward opening the scoring with an impressive strike that found the back of the net. Hayward was quickly back on the scoresheet, adding a second goal shortly after to give Cobram an early advantage.
The Roar continued to apply pressure, with Alexis Stewart finding the back of the net twice as Cobram's attacking play continued to cause problems for Wangaratta City.
Hayward was not finished either, completing an outstanding individual performance by taking her tally to four goals for the match.
While Cobram's attack was firing, it was their defence that provided the foundation for the commanding victory. Gabrielle Mete, Lyra Robbins, Malaya Tubal and Mila Disco worked tirelessly to shut down every opportunity Wangaratta attempted to create.
Behind them, goalkeeper Rose Wiles was outstanding, ensuring Wangaratta City were unable to find a way through and keeping a well-deserved clean sheet.
The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 6-0 victory for Cobram Roar, securing their place in the semi-finals.
It was a complete team performance from Cobram, with every player contributing to a memorable quarter-final win and showing exactly what the Roar are capable of when they play together as one.
Cobram Roar FC Under 14 Boys 1-2 Boomers FC Under 14 Boys
Cobram Roar under-14 Boys have finished their season with a narrow 1-2 quarter-final defeat to Boomers, but there was plenty to be proud of after a year of tremendous growth and development.
The Roar boys gave everything they had on the pitch, fighting until the final whistle in a hard-fought quarter-final clash. Despite their best efforts, Boomers secured the 2-1 victory, bringing Cobram’s season to an end.
While the result was understandably disappointing, the final scoreline does little to reflect what has been a remarkable year for the young Roar side.
Throughout the season, the team has continued to grow - both individually and collectively, developing their skills, confidence and understanding of the game. Their improvement has been inspiring and is a true credit to the commitment, determination and willingness to learn shown by every player.
The boys have built more than just a football team this season. They have developed strong bonds, supported one another and created a team culture that has made the year something truly special.
And behind every great team is someone who believes in them.
For the Roar boys, that person has been their coach, Burner.
It is difficult to put into words the impact Burner has had on this group. His unwavering commitment, passion and dedication have been evident throughout the entire season. His knowledge of the game and ability to develop the boys as footballers has been exceptional, but it is the connection he has built with the players that makes his contribution truly special.
Burner has found a way to connect with these young men on another level - earning their trust, bringing out their confidence and helping them believe in themselves. He has not simply coached a football team, he has invested his time, energy and heart into helping shape a group of young people.
That is something that will stay with them long after the final whistle of this season.
For the Cobram Roar under-14 Boys, this season has been a victory in so many ways.
Congratulations, boys, on an incredible season. Keep believing, keep growing and, most importantly, keep enjoying the game.
And to Burner - thank you for everything you have given this group. Your dedication has helped create something truly special, and the impact you have had on these boys will reach far beyond football.
The season may be over, but the journey is only just beginning.
Wangaratta City FC Under 16 Boys 2-0 Cobram Roar FC Under 16 Boys
The Cobram Roar under-16 boys may have fallen short in their quarter-final against Wangaratta FC, but there was plenty to celebrate after another impressive season for the young Roar side.
With a full squad available for the third consecutive week, the boys entered the quarter final determined to secure a place in the next stage. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be, with Wangaratta FC running out 2-0 winners.
While the result was disappointing, it should not take away from what has been a fantastic season for the Cobram Roar juniors.
The under-16 boys showed plenty of determination, teamwork and improvement throughout the year and can be proud of the way they continued to compete right through to the finals. Reaching the quarter finals is a terrific achievement and provides plenty of encouragement for the future.
Importantly for the club, many of these young players will now take the next step and move into senior football next season. Their development is a great reflection of the strong junior pathway being built at Cobram Roar.
The future certainly looks bright for the Roar, with talented young players continuing to come through the ranks and gain valuable experience.
While the season has come to an end for the under-16 boys, there is plenty of reason for the Cobram Roar family to look forward to what comes next.
Congratulations to all the boys and girls on a wonderful season - and good luck to those stepping up into senior football in 2027!
Cobram Roar FC Division 2 Women 4-1 Albury City FC Division 2 Women
Cobram Roar Division 2 Women have booked their place in the semi-finals with an impressive 4-1 quarter-final victory over Albury City.
Roar set the tone early, applying pressure across the park and refusing to allow Albury City to settle into the contest. Their persistence was rewarded in the 25th minute when Holli Cameron found the back of the net to give Cobram the lead.
Roar continued to control the momentum, with Bella Ward doubling the advantage in the 34th minute. Roar headed into half-time with a deserved 2-0 lead after a strong first-half performance.
The pressure continued after the break, with Holli adding her second goal of the afternoon just nine minutes into the second half. Roar's relentless attacking play continued to cause problems for Albury City.
Albury City managed to find a consolation goal, but Casey Chandler then put the result beyond doubt in the 62nd minute, extending Roar's lead to 4-1.
Roar remained composed and defended strongly right through to the final whistle.
It was a complete team performance from Cobram, who kept the pressure on for the entire game and showed plenty of determination at both ends of the pitch.
With the 4-1 victory secured, Cobram Roar Division 2 Women now turn their attention to next week's semi-final, just one step away from a grand final appearance.
Goals: Holli Cameron (25', 44'), Bella Ward (34'), Casey Chandler (62')
Wodonga Heart FC Division 3 Men 2-1 Cobram Roar FC Division 3 Men
Cobram fell agonisingly short of a semi final appearance, going down 2-1 against an evenly-matched Wodonga Heart side.
Following Heart’s opening goal of the game on 15 minutes, Nicolas Russo’s superb goal direct from a free kick meant that the sides went into halftime all square at 1-1.
Cobram created most of the goal scoring opportunities in the second half, but were unable to convert them. The side were kept in the match via a stunning save from Owen Stubbs, who expertly dived to his left in the closing stages of regular time.
With the scores level at full time, two halves of 10 minutes were played to find a winner.
In a cruel blow, Wodonga Heart managed to find the winning goal in the last minute of extra time, sending Cobram tumbling out of the quarter finals.
Albury Hotspurs SC Division 1 Men 3-1 Cobram Roar FC
Cobram Roar’s Division 1 Men’s campaign has come to an end following a 3-1 defeat to Albury Hotspurs at Willow Park in the opening round of the finals.
The Roar headed into the knockout clash with an extensive injury list, with the challenge becoming even greater as further injuries struck during the match. Despite the setbacks, the boys showed tremendous determination and continued to compete right until the final whistle.
The opening half was a tight and physical contest, with both sides creating chances but unable to find the breakthrough. The teams went into the sheds at half time locked at 0-0.
The second half saw the game open up, with Hotspurs finding the opening goal before Roar responded strongly. Kieran O’Donnell rose highest from a corner to level the scores and give the Roar belief. The boys continued to push and fight for a result, but Hotspurs were able to regain the lead and add a late goal to secure the victory.
While the result brings the season to an end, there is plenty to be proud of from this group. The commitment, effort and spirit shown throughout the year has been outstanding.
It is a disappointing way to finish what has been a promising campaign, with a strong belief that this team was capable of achieving more. However, the foundations have been laid, and the future remains exciting as the club looks ahead to 2027.
A huge thank you goes to all players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and supporters for their incredible support throughout the year.
The season may be over, but the future remains bright for Cobram Roar.