Rutherglen 10.12: 72 def Beechworth 9.9: 63

Goals: M. Cooper 3, J. House 2, T. Kilpatrick 2, B. Andison, S. Edmoundson, J. Rhodes.

Beechworth: B. Fendyk 3, T. Cartledge 2, K. Surrey 2, C. Fendyk, C. Stone.

Best: M. Brennan, M. Tanner, M. Cofield, M. Cooper, S. Edmondson, S. Lawrence.

Beechworth: L. McRostie, P. McCarthy, T. Cartledge, B. Fendyk, F. Jakobsson, T. Lenaz.

Rutherglen Cats produced a stirring come-from-behind victory on Saturday, downing third-placed Beechworth Bushrangers by nine points in a thriller that could prove to be a turning point in their season.

On home soil, the Cats trailed by 17 points at the final change.

The seniors kept the Bushrangers goalless in the final term, while finding the middle sticks on four occasions to seal an unforgettable come from behind win.

Co-coach Dylan Van Berlo was immense in the ruck, dominating the stoppages to give his midfielders first use all day.

Dylan’s defensive work around the ground and ability to win crucial clearances proved vital in the late stages.

Martin Brennan was explosive through the middle and showcased power and strength when creating important forward entries.

Khris Willett and Mitch Cofield were rock solid in defence as they repelled repeated Beechworth attacks and held strong under pressure during the tense final quarter.

Michael Cooper was a constant presence, presenting strongly and competing fiercely at ground level to keep the ball in Rutherglen’s half.

Jyda House continued his return to form and slotted three goals, with the most important being a crucial fourth-quarter major that sparked the comeback.

The moment of the match belonged to debutant Jordan Rhodes who scored a goal on the run inside the final two minutes, to put Rutherglen ahead by three points.

The Cats then held their nerve to close out the game and secure a famous victory.

The team now sets themselves for a huge encounter with a second placed Barnawartha, next week.

Awards: Complete Body Craft: Martin Brennan, Poachers Paradise Hotel: Matt Tanner, Rutherglen Convent Brewery: Mitch Cofield, Club Corowa: Jordan Rhodes, Rutherglen Pizza: Sam Edmondson.

eserves

Rutherglen 8:18 72 def Beechworth 4.3: 27

The Cats managed a good win last weekend.

The hosts applied constant pressure on the Bushies’ backline, which allowed for many shots on goal.

Unfortunately, most of the reserve’s shots were offline which provided Beechworth with a glimmer of hope.

The Reserves’ defence continued to work hard and shut down any forward entry attempts by Beechworth.

The Cats maintained their lead throughout the match to come away with the win.

Awards: Club Corowa: Chris Menzies, Howlong Shearing Services: Ryan Clohessy, Baker Seed Co: Angus Williams, Rutherglen Pizza: Sam Stefani, Coaches Award: Eli Knight.

Under 17s

Rutherglen 6.13: 49 def Beechworth 6.5: 41

Unfamiliar slippery conditions made for a scrappy and messy contest, played mostly at ground level.

Both sides were slow to convert early chances, with Beechworth registering just a solitary behind in the first quarter compared to Rutherglen's 1.5.

The game was highly physical, which made it difficult for Rutherglen to implement their usual game plan.

Inaccuracy in front of goal again plagued the Under 17s, but their superior pace allowed them to maintain a narrow lead despite the final quarter, four goal surge from Beechworth.

A few contentious umpiring decisions and a disputed goal tally nearly derailed Rutherglen’s efforts, but the Under 17s had done just enough.

It was Rutherglen’s first true test of the season, and while there’s still work to be done, the effort is starting to bear fruit.

Standout play from the backline’s performance, as Logan Poole, Dustin Fisher, Will Waite, Sonny Enever-Cooper were impressive.

Harry Chandler was solid around the ground, and Mitch Francis held the centre effectively.

As the Under 17s look towards next week’s game against Barny, a couple of key players return which should provide an opportunity for some of our less experienced players to get more of a run.

Awards: Rutherglen Pizza: Sonny Enever-Cooper, Silver Key Café: Harry Chandler, Corowa Sportspower: Dustin Fisher, Coaches Award: Will Waite, Coaches Award: Logan Poole, Coaches Award: Baylee Morton.

Under 14s

Rutherglen 3.11: 29 def Beechworth 3.3: 21

The surface was a slippery at Barkly Park after recent rain, which made it hard for the young Cats to play their style of game.

The Under 14s worked hard to keep the ball in their forward line in the first quarter, but were inaccurate in front of goals.

Codie Johnson put through the first major for Rutherglen, but Beechworth also hit the scoreboard as both sides ended the quarter with a goal each.

The Cats a bit flat and Beechworth turned the game into a scrappy contest throughout the second quarter, which became a bit of an arm wrestle.

Tom Ballintine was lively up forward, which gave the Cats plenty of options in front of goals.

In the third quarter the backline had to work hard to repel Beechworth’s attempts on goal.

Nash Eloy and Nate Kuschert worked hard in the midfield to get the Cats the first use of the ball, but again the Young Cats had trouble converting in front of goals, kicking 1:4.

The Cats went into the last quarter with a six-point lead, as the game was in the balance.

Ben Pagan-Saunders continued to present up forward to try to extend the margin, while Ryan Moore helped shut down the Beechworth run.

With only two points scored in the last quarter the Cats walked away with an eight-point win which makes it five wins in a row.

Next week the Under 14s travel to Barnawartha for another important contest.

Awards: Rutherglen Pizza: Tommy Ballantine, Silver Key Café: Nate Kuschert, Corowa Sportspower: Ryan Moore, Chandler Cash: Noah Cracknell, Coaches Award: Ben Pagan-Saunders.

Under 12s

Rutherglen 2.5: 17 def Beechworth 1.0: 6

The Under 12 Cats were a little slow to get out the blocks this weekend, which resulted in Beechworth kicking the first goal of the game.

The game would become a real arm wrestle, with both teams playing a physical brand of football.

The Cats had taken the lead with goals from Lachlan Wilson and Taylor Hurley, which was enough to eventually come out as winners in a tough game.

Awards: McFarlane Family: Zane, Silver Key Café: Mike, Rutherglen Lolly Shop: Rio, Danny Johnson Most Courageous: Sammy, The River Fish N Chips: Lachie, J & M Steel Erection: Nash, North East Marine: Ben, Corowa Sportspower: Vinny.

A Grade

Cats 26 def by Bushies 38

Credit to Beechworth, they didn’t allow for A Grade to play the game they wanted.

Stronger passes and drives are needed come next week.

Awards: Best On Court (Club) – Pia Taylor, The Victoria Hotel – Jess Oats, Boorhaman Hotel – Elle Stevens.

B Grade

Cats 34 def Bushies 20

B Grade played really well this week and were able to adapt when Beechworth put the pressure on with loud voices and turnovers.

The side stuck to their strengths and were able to push out the margin as the game went on.

Awards: Best On Court (Club) – Rachel Clarkson, The Victoria Hotel – Jackie Kay, Boorhaman Hotel – Emily Gillard, Club Corowa – Grace Gillard.

C Grade

Cats 30 def by Bushies 45

A great game by all the girls involved in last week’s match, which was an unfortunate loss.

There is plenty to build on, in time for next week’s clash.

Awards: Best On Court (Club) – Chelsie McLeod, The Victoria Hotel – Olivia Plummer l, Corowa Club – Charlotte Meyer.

17 and Under

Cats 23 def by Bushies 42

Well done to the under 17 girls, who had new players join the team due to low numbers. Although the side was not victorious, they kept positive.

Milligan hit 100 Club goals for the season, with Kara not far behind.

Keep up the great work.

Awards: Best On Court (Club) – Lucy Jacka, Movere Pilates – Katie Fisher, Silken Skin Spa Studio – Kara Lowen-Webb, Corowa Sportspower – Milligan Morris

15 and Under

Cats 11 def by Bushies 45

The Under 15s didn’t get the win this week, but their attitude was very determined.

Considering the debutant ball was on over the weekend, there were certainly a few tired girls out on court but they did give it their all, which is all the coaches can ask for.

Awards: Club Cash Award – Cadie Waite, The Wax Trade – Holly O’Donoghue, Corowa Sportspower – Shylah Pinn.

13 and Under

Cats 10 def by Bushies 21

Despite an unfortunate loss, the girls worked hard and put up a good fight.

The Under 13s coaching staff are so proud and cannot wait for the side to get their next win.

Awards: Corowa Sportspower – Savannah Barnes, Club Cash Award – Leah Ellis, The Wax Trade – Zara Meyer.

12 and Under

Cats Def by Bushies

Each girl played an amazing game despite the scoreline and the weather.

The score did not reflect the effort put in by the girls.

Awards: Daisy Cow Soaps – Polly Simpson, The Wax Trade – Ody Flannery, McFarlane Award – Alyssa Lowen-Webb.

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