Avenel gave the visitors a stern wake-up call belting the towners by 147 points on Saturday at their home ground.
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No excuses, well maybe one or two, but three blokes down at quarter time, one off to hospital, two more by half-time left the Towners well and truly undermanned.
Nevertheless, Avenel is a much better fine-tuned outfit, and as good sides will they seized on the opportunity presented to them and won convincingly.
For the Towners, Pras Sayakhot was outstanding in a losing side, it would be surprising if he didn’t figure in the umpires votes even given the margin.
Tom McKay was solid down back for the second week in a row, Riley Dowell just loves punishing himself was as tough as ever, and the “little bull” Sam Leigh a standout after already a tough hit out in the thirds, the Raging Bull Ollie Ford would be proud, be great to see those two in battle together, maybe one day.
Others to do well were Ryan Sutherland with three goals, Harry Sleigh as always despite, a general in defence. Cam Burden tried his heart out and rolled back the clock when moved forward late, with some solid play up forward he ended up kicking his first goal in the Town colours for more than a decade.
This week in doesn’t get any easier, Dookie at home, sore bodies are expected, but hopefully the Towner spirit gets us through.
Violet Town: 7.4.46
Avenel: 29.19.193
Best: P.Sayakhot, T.McKay, H.Sleigh, R.Dowell, R.Sutherland, S.Leigh
Reserves
The first few weeks haven’t been about the scoreboard, with only 33 players on the senior list leading into round one it is a credit to those involved that with 14 unavailable for round two that we were still able to field 21 players.
Albeit a very inexperienced side with nine of the 21 barely having played any football at all, it was reflected in the match.
But with some new players coming into the seniors during the next few weeks and the Under-18s having a bye this weekend, hopefully a more competitive outfit will hit the ground.
Matt Cox when in the ruck won plenty of the ball in the air, and Matt Elliot tried his hardest in the middle to get the ball moving forward, but with a lack of experience forward of centre the ball rarely made it into the forward 50. Shannon Atkinson Jay Fuller and Mitty Green were good across the backline in what was a very long day in the senior footy ranks.
Violet Town: 0.0.0
Avenel: 29.19.193
Best: M Cox, M Elliott, S Atkinson, J Hogg, J Fuller, M Green
Under-18
After a comfortable win first up the young Towners were faced with a bigger challenge in round two, with a trip to Central Park Reserve in Shepparton East to take on last year’s runner-up, Lancaster.
Talleigh McCabe was excellent all day down back for the Towners with a best-on-ground performance. In what was only a nine-point game at three-quarter time, Violet Town kicked the final five goals of the match to run out 39-point winners with Montell providing a focal point up forward booting three goals.
Violet Town: 11.11.77
Lancaster: 5.8.38
Best: Talleigh McCabe, Charles Thompson, Sam Leigh, Sam Cox, Max Smyth, Charlie Hall
Goals: M Macfarlane 3, T Green 2, M Smyth 2, S Cox 2, C Hall 1, J Reed 1,
Awards: Jason Hokianga and Logan Horoba
Under-14
The Fourths played an Undera side at Avenel this week and were faced with a big challenge. The Undera kids were all a lot taller than our mosquito fleet, but we battled hard. Apart from the first seven minutes of the game when the kids were not switched on, we put up a good fight. Jai-Loku Webb kicked started the kids into gear with a fantastic solo effort beating three Undera opponents and setting up a goal.
Marly Burston was putting her body on the line time and time again and was rewarding with a being recognised by their coaching staff with special one-off award. Jason was a bull this week again putting pressure on the ball carriers creating turn over and opportunity for our forwards.
The third quarter was all ours, the ball spent most of time in our forward 50 and we had multiple shots on goal. Koby was everywhere with our first-gamer Basil Piper putting his big frame in the right spots.
The last quarter was a hard one for the kids with the heat and some big knocks slowing our kids down. Logan still battled hard at full-back showing great leadership in setting up the kids to try and stop the Undera wave.
Well done again to all the kids that battled hard all day.
Violet Town: 3.6.24
Undera: 21.11.137
Best: Marly Burston, Koby Ross, Logan Horoba, Jye-Loki Webb, Jason Hokianga, Basil Piper
Goals: Koby Ross 2 & Marley Burston 1
Awards: Jason Hokianga and Logan Horoba
A-Grade
In the first quarter Violet Town started strong. With some good communication in defence with Kolby and Kate. Jo dominating down the centre. Scores 14 to 8, Violet Town in the lead.
During the second quarter Avenel came out strong. Changes in defence — Kolby to WD and Steph in GK. Struggled to get the ball into the ring — intercepted by Avenel defence. Scores 23 to 24 Avenel’s way, Violet Town one down.
In the third quarter Violet Town came back to take the lead again. Changes back in defence to first quarter. Brookes chased down loose balls in WA. Scores 35 to 29, Violet Town’s way. All players started the same as the third quarter. Avenel started to come back in the last quarter.
Defence kept the pressure on Avenel’s goalers. Avenel came back to tie in the last few minutes. Imy scored the final goal with 10 seconds to spare. Violet Town taking out a win final scores 43 to 42.
Final Scores: Violet Town 43 def Avenel 42
Awards: Best on Teagan Kubeil, 2nd best Brooke Wooden
B-Grade
The B-Grade girls came out fighting in the first quarter. With a new shooting combination of Lilly Armstrong and Kat Jung, the girls finished the first quarter with a three-goal lead.
From then on, the girls demonstrated exceptional team work, where they were able to work together to turn most centre passes and turn overs into goals. Kayla and Kasey worked hard to keep the ball flowing through the centre for the whole game. While defence worked hard to get rebounds and move them into the attacking end. The girls finished strong, defeating Avenel by 10 goals.
Final Scores: Violet Town 42 def Avenel 32
Awards: Best on Kat Jung, 2nd Best Lilly Armstrong
C-Grade
Violet Town started strong with some great re-leading and some nice ring work. Only down by five goals at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter was also strong with some great shooting by Erin. Scores at half time Avenel 17, Violet Town 10. The third quarter was tougher. We saw a few intercepts and rebounds but the gap had widened, Avenel now 28 and Violet Town 12. The fourth quarter was quite hot and saw some silly errors. Great back up from some players and nice rebounding down the defensive end.
Final Scores: Avenel 40 def Violet Town 12
Awards: Best on Erin Dawson, 2nd Best Cass Greatorex
Under-11
Was a great start for Avenel shooting seven goals. Violet Town were able to get two goals in the second quarter. Great third quarter, very even game, all girls working well together. Into the fourth quarter saw Violet Town going down by 11 goals, was a great game.
Final Scores: Avenel 13 def Violet Town 2
Awards: Best on Bella Goodson, 2nd Best Queenie Byers
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