There may not have been many who saw Rushworth advancing in the weekend’s Kyabram District League senior final, but coach Mark Wheatley always had confidence in his side.

Wheatley’s squad, coming into the finals in sixth and with a record of 9-7, took down the 13-3, third-placed Shepparton East 15.10 (100) to 11.11 (77) in an almighty boilover.

“It’s a pretty special feeling and a pretty special day for our club,” Wheatley said.

“Going in massive underdogs, no-one expected this win, bar us, and then to actually perform the way we did was just exceptional.”

A stroke of luck saw the Tigers benefit from home ground advantage in the final, the game held at Ironbark Stadium.

It was a back-and-forth first period, slightly edged by East, who took a seven-point lead into the break.

Wheatley didn’t like the way the quarter was played and made adjustments during the interval to swing things in his side’s favour.

“I felt like the game was like a game of basketball going up and down, so we spoke about a few defensive mechanisms at quarter time we needed to tighten up on,” he said.

“If the game continued on like that, Shepp East have got a lot of talent and I didn’t think we’d be able to get the win.

“We tightened up those defensive aspects, and to the boys’ credit, that worked, caused delay on the ball and then we went to work the other way, which was really pleasing.”

That second quarter proved the defining passage of play as the Tigers kicked seven goals to the Eagles’ two to surge into the ascendancy by 23 points at half-time.

Shepp East made some adjustments of their own over the long break and were able to prevent things getting out of hand, but while the Eagles were always within striking distance, they couldn’t make a lasting impact on the deficit.

Indeed, Rushworth maintained its lead throughout the contest, and the half-time margin of 23 points was replicated at the final siren.

Nic Collins, who only made the switch to football from soccer a couple of months ago, has been a defensive revelation for the Tigers, earning best-on-ground honours for his work containing Dylan Webster Mill.

Wheatley also praised Jackson McRae’s ability to contain Lachie Keady, saying those matchups went “a long way” to securing his side the win.

Rushworth will look to continue its finals charge on Sunday as it battles Nagambie at Stanhope Recreation Reserve.

The Lakers finished fourth (11-5) and took down Longwood at the weekend to advance.

Poor goal kicking has plagued the Tigers in the clubs’ two previous meetings, Rushy kicking a combined 13.33 over the two contests.

Nagambie won the two games by 11 and 23 points respectively.

“We probably should have won the first game, probably should have won the second game, but bad kicking’s bad footy,” Wheatley said.

“We know we have to make the most of our opportunities, that’s what finals are about.

“We’ll be giving ourselves a red hot chance, but definitely respect Nagambie, they’re a powerhouse club.

“We really respect them, I really respect them, and what they stand for so, it’s certainly going to be a battle.

“We’ll have the underdog tag again, I suppose, and we’ll go to work.”

Around the league

This week saw 3v6 elimination finals take place at Rushworth on Saturday, while 4v5 finals were held at Merrigum Recreation Reserve on Sunday.

The league’s top-twos, who had byes this week, will battle at Longwood Recreation Reserve on Saturday, while the elimination finals winners from the weekend will seek preliminary final berths at Stanhope Recreation Reserve on Sunday.

In the seniors, Murchison-Toolamba and Lancaster will seek a grand final berth on Saturday.

Reserves

Fourth-ranked Stanhope picked up the win over Girgarre, 11.4 (70) to 8.3 (51).

The Lions’ fast start earned them some breathing room, and although the Roos fought their way back into the contest, Stanhope kicked again in the fourth to keep its season alive.

Luke and Jake Rennie led the way forward for Stanhope, kicking four and three goals, respectively.

The Lions now take on Avenel, which dispatched Shepparton East in the other eliminator.

Lancaster can also book its grand final ticket this weekend when it takes on minor premier Murchison-Toolamba.

Under-18

Lancaster and Rushworth both found themselves on the end of heavy defeats in the thirds as their campaigns came to an end.

Fifth-ranked Rushworth was well behind throughout against Shepparton East, but things didn’t get out of hand until the final quarter, when the Eagles booted eight majors to break away for a 22.8 (140) to 11.2 (68) win.

James Edward looked good in front of goal, kicking five to lead the Tigers’ scoring.

A day earlier, sixth-placed Lancaster was demolished by title hopefuls Tallygaroopna 24.25 (169) to 0.2 (2).

There weren’t many positives to take out of the season-ending thrashing, but the Wombats will be pleased to have earned their way into the top six.

Along with Shepp East and Tally, Nagambie and Murchison-Toolamba are the other sides still alive in the competition.

Under-15

Stanhope was the fifth qualifier in the under-15s, but saw its season ended by Nagambie.

Stanhope couldn’t make effective inroads in attack, not kicking a goal until the last quarter, when the game was already well out of hand.

Nagambie walked away big winners, 15.9 (99) to 2.5 (17), and will now face Violet Town, which downed Tallygaroopna in the other eliminator.

Undera and Avenel also remain alive in the competition.

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Friday, 17th March 2023

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