Hoppers go back-to-back

Goals: Mathoura: J. Rawe 2, J. Pell, M. Worsnop, N. Henery.

Rennie: C. Strawhorn 3, J. Fountain 2, B. Nichol., D. Bruce, R. Burns, C. Jones, B. Birks.

Best: Mathoura: O. Messaoudi, J. Wright, R. Gass, J. Rawe, H. Ryan-Dengate, N. Henery

Rennie: R. Burns, T. Freeman, C. Strawhorn, O. Cope, B. Lewis, J. Fountain

A frosty morning, followed by a lovely winter’s afternoon, saw the Hoppers take on the Timbercutters at Mathoura.

This was a close game throughout as Mathoura had set themselves for their contest with the Hoppers.

Rennie were able to withstand the early heat as the structured backline, led by Smith and Clarke were able to intercept across half-back.

From the middle of the term, the onballers including Freeman and Burns began to lift their work rate and scored three late goals for a 19-point lead by quarter time.

The second quarter followed in a similar pattern for the Hoppers despite an early goals from the hosts.

McGillvray was providing drive and Cope was the link across his wing.

Two late goals saw Rennie stretch their lead to 28 at the long break.

The hosts were excellent in the third term with good clearance work.

Mathoura were able to kick three goals one, and bring the deficit to 17 at the final break.

An early goal from the hosts in the final term saw Mathoura within 10 points.

Strawhorn who had played at full back for three quarters was moved to full forward which was a swift move, as the legend kicked three goals to ice what was a very tough game.

The Hoppers win two weeks in a row, and won on the weekend by a margin of 25 points.

Best: R. Burns, T. Freeman and O. Cope

Awards: Premix King: O. Cope, Lake Mulwala Bakery: T. Freeman, Yarrawonga Hotel: R. Burns

Reserves

Mathoura 29 def by Rennie 49

The two’s average age was pushed up with Rhodes, Dykes, Long, Wolfe and Lonergan, who helped the Reserves get over the line by 20 points.

Long was the target inside the forward line, as he kicked three majors.

Rhodes hamstrings and groins lasted long enough to snag a goal and even give one away.

Lonergan blind turned himself, did a 360 and kicked a vital goal in the final term.

This complemented the fine work of Juddy on ball, Josh Soutter and Joe Ferg with Fletch Donno at half back using his long kicking ability to clear from defence.

Another solid win.

Goals: H. Long 3, D. Rhodes, J. Judd., T. Lonergan, J. Soutter.

Awards: Premix King: Jack Judd, Lake Mulwala Bakery: Fletcher Donovan, Yarrawonga Hotel: Joe Ferguson, Club Mulwala: Josh Soutter, Royal Mail Hotel/Hustl: Terry Lonergan, Yarra News and Gifts: Mick Paine

Fourths

The little Hoppers had a great day out winning by 170 points.

This was a game played with great camaraderie, with the Hoppers helping Mathoura with numbers, and the players enjoyed the opportunity to play against some teammates.

Within the match the hoppers had 14 individual goalkickers with Withers and True kicking five each, Strawhorn kicked three and Rhodes, Giblett, Legudi and Crawford all kicked two, being the other multiples.

Then the Under 14s saw the quality play of Santoro and Sid Dowling.

Well done, finals are not too far away.

On the road again this week as the Under 14s travel to Blighty to take on the Redeyes and afterwards catch up at the Ski Club.

Goals: E. Withers 5, B. True 5, F. Strawhorn 3, J. Rhodes 2, H. Giblett 2, L. Legudi 2, H. Crawford 2, T. Lewis, B. Ednie, A. Hodgson, S. Dowling, A. Hemphill, M. Santoro., F. Bruce.

Awards: Intersport: Mason Santoro, Intents Fishing and Outdoor: Finn Bruce, Darren Lewis Fencing: Ed Withers, Border Concrete Plumbing: Lenny Legudi, Yarra Skin Ski and Surf: Sid Dowling, Lake Mulwala Bakery: Finley Strawhorn, Crawford Family: Banjo True.

Netball

A Grade

Mathoura 42 def Rennie 40

With coach Kayla Johnson away due to illness, co-captain Brooke McDougall stepped up to be a playing coach, and allowed Laynee Rhodes to take the captaincy badge solo for the game.

The match started off strong, both sides had gone goal for goal from the first whistle, right until the contests end.

Mabel Cope worked tirelessly to get the ball into the goal ring and put her shots up.

With the ball being fed by Brooke and Laynee, their experience showed as both dominated on court.

Special mention to Laynee for managing and overcoming hard situations throughout the game.

Jennika Parker came out guns blazing, and didn't let anyone know that she was unwell.

With her speed, agility and voice, she created space and direction on the court.

Obviously not the outcome the Hoppers were hoping for, but the effort was certainly there.

Brooke was very proud of A Grade’s sportsmanship, and for upholding the club’s morals until the final whistle.

Awards: RNC Incentive - Mabel Cope, Mulwala Bakery - Brooke McDougall, Free as a Bird - Laynee Rhodes, Intersport Wingates - Jennika Parker.

B Grade: Mathoura 46 def Rennie 43

B Grade trekked over to Mathoura, full of energy and pumped to play after having a week off.

The whole team came together and fought tirelessly right until the final whistle.

With Lucy, Mykie, Georgia, Lindsay and Indi holding up the defensive end, it made Mathoura work hard to score goals. Alaina ran marathons down court to make assists, while the centre of Laura, Hays and Ebony, ensured the ball moved well into the ring.

Coming back from a nine-goal deficit at half time, the Hoppers were even coming into the final few minutes of the game.

A few wayward passes and great defensive pressure from Mathoura allowed them to sneak away with the win.

Awards: RNC Incentive- Ebb Williams, Mulwala Bakery- Georgia Phillips, Yarrawonga News & Gifts- Mykie McBurnie, North East Campers- Lindsay Pearson, Yarrawonga Hotel- Alainah Bye.

C Grade: Mathoura 31 def by Rennie 42

The long drive to Mathoura did nothing to dampen the excitement for this game.

After a well-timed bye last week, the girls returned refreshed, with illness and injury firmly behind them.

Bri had a standout performance in goals, combining seamlessly with Tegan.

Their intuitive connection and ability to read both the play and each other was a highlight.

Relentless defensive pressure was applied right down the court, particularly through the midcourt where Georgia, Ella, and Georgie were unstoppable, unsettling the opposition with their intensity.

Gaby was everywhere in defence, popping up seemingly out of nowhere to snatch intercepts.

With Rach in constant motion, the pair turned over possession time and again, providing the goalers with plenty of opportunities to capitalise and secure a strong win.

Awards: Yarrawonga Bakery - Gaby Dowling, Club Mulwala - Bri Pye, Miss Dolly - Rach Guppy, Yarrawonga Hotel - Tegan Lee, Priority Gym - Georgia Nicholson.

C Reserve: Mathoura 18 def by Rennie 35

This week, the Hoppers hit the road for a cross-country clash against Mathoura’s Timber Cutters.

A week off the court did nothing to dull the girls’ determination as they aimed for their third straight win.

A slow start had the girls feeling a bit flat, but after a timely reminder to “play better netball,” they quickly settled into the game and found their form.

Ricky D’s McBurnie, Meg, and “Can’t Missa” Britta were busy finding the net from all angles of the goal ring.

In the midcourt, Loz, G. Pearso, Dani, and Edos Speedos, worked hard to create turnovers and deliver the ball cleanly to the goalers.

At the other end, Burke Dogga, Jae, and Til were rock-solid in defence, consistently shutting down scoring opportunities and making life tough for the Timber Cutters.

Their relentless pressure and smart positioning helped keep the scoreboard in Rennie’s favour, whilst pushing up the court to provide crucial support through the midcourt when it mattered most.

Awards: Mulwala Bakery - Brit Thomas, Yarrawonga Hotel - Tilly Bruce, Skin Ski & Surf - Sheryl McBurnie, Showcase Jewellers - Meg Rogers, Hustl - Danielle Dalrymple, Players Player Award - Eden Mackinnon.

Under 17s: Mathoura 27 def by Rennie 67

After a long drive to get to Mathoura, the girls were ready and raring to go.

The sun was out and the fog had cleared, allowing the Rennie girls to warm up and prepare for the game ahead with excitement.

The girls came onto the court and took a few minutes to settle in.

Mabel Cope showed why practicing your goals pays off; her accuracy was on point.

As well as rotating well with Charlotte Burrows, who also demonstrated consistency with her goals and excellent movement in the ring.

Mia Brogan and Zoe Freestone worked their magic in the mid court, showing the Hoppers how to take a training drill and implement it onto the court.

Jazzy Johnson used her elevation and eyes for the ball to win many turn overs, especially in the last half.

All the girls this weekend played with poise and it was a super enjoyable game to watch from both sides.

Awards: Papalia's - Mabel Cope, One Zach - Mia Brogan, Mulwala Bakery - Zoe Freestone, Rhodes Family - Jazzy Johnson, Priority Gym - Charlotte Burrows.

Under 15s: Mathoura 43 def Rennie 28

This week the Under 15s had a tough game against Mathoura.

The Hoppers worked well, giving strong drives forward as they brought the ball down the court.

The Under 15 shooters moved well in the ring, creating lots of space and opportunities for beautiful passes to be made into the ring.

The defence was outstanding, working hard to get the intercepts which was shown to be difficult against Mathoura’s tall defenders.

Another great week of positives for the girls and while the scoreboard didn’t reflect their hard work they didn’t let that get them down.

They held their heads high, showed great resilience and never gave up.

Awards: Papalia's - Dakota True, Mulwala Bakery - Lily Lewis, Rhodes Family - Chelsea Freestone, Lewis Fencing- Michelle Coulter, Skin Ski & Surf - Cydee Adams.

Under 13s: Mathoura 14 def by Rennie 30

It was a great team effort out at Mathoura for the Rennie Under 13 girls.

The side had worked hard at training last week and it showed with their determination on court and the ability to work together as a team.

The teams movement in the goal ring was a highlight, with the shooters really starting to combine together effectively. The defence offered many intercepts and strongly contested balls, where the mid court worked smoothly to bring it down the court with ease.

Coaches Laynee and Haylee have enjoyed seeing the side grow in the back half of the season and look forward to seeing what else the girls have to give to finish the season strong.

Awards: Ricky D's Pizza - Ruby Phillips, Yarrawonga Bakery - Ruby Jones, Rhodes Family - Koda Parker, Paula Mifka Award - Abbey Dowling, Avalanche Ice creamery - Ava Styles.

Under 11s:

Awards: Mulwala Bakery - Alice Withers, Skin Ski & Surf - Lyla Jones, Corowa Curtains & Décor - Grace McQualter, Rhodes Family - Maddi Marett, Paula Mifka Award - Harper Mathieson.