Wahgunyah Lions 7 4 46 def by Rutherglen Cats 24 13 157

Best: Rutherglen Cats: Charlie Beattie, Martin Brennan, Michael Cooper, Tyler Ferraro, Matthew Tanner, Jett Peters. Wahgunyah Lions: Jackson Bury, Liam Osborne, Dylan Langshaw, Ryan Mills, Shannon Hore, Kane Mills

Goals: Rutherglen Cats: Charlie Beatie 9, Michael Cooper 4, Jyda House 3, Thomas Kilpatrick 3, James Plummer 3, James Tanner, Dylan Van Berlo 1. Wahgunyah Lions : Ryan Mills 2, Alex Lavis, Riley O’Kane, Liam Osbourne, Lachlan Phillips, Lawrence Roberts 1.

Rutherglen seniors bounced back from the Interleague bye storming to a 111-point win over Wahgunyah at Wahgunyah Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

While the scoreboard suggests an easy win, Rutherglen’s play was at times scrappy, particularly early in the match.

Some untidy passages by hand and foot gifted Wahgunyah opportunities, but the home side struggled to capitalise.

Rutherglen found their rhythm in the second and third quarters, executing a brand of football more in line with their expected standard.

Charlie Beattie was electric up forward, bagging nine goals in a standout performance. His contested mark and goal in the second quarter at the Rutherglen end brought the crowd to life and was among the day’s highlights.

Beattie was well-supported by a firing forward group with Michael Cooper (4 goals), Thomas Kilpatrick (3), Jyda House (3) and James Plummer (3) all hitting the scoreboard.

The midfield quartet of Martin Brennan, Matt Tanner, Jett Peters, and Rory Beattie provided clean supply all afternoon, consistently feeding the forward 50 and controlling the contest through the middle. Much of that dominance stemmed from a commanding ruck performance by co-coach Dylan Van Berlo, who gave his on-ballers first use throughout the game.

A special moment before the bounce saw Jayke Nicholson presented with his senior jumper by his father, Graham, ahead of his debut.

The former Billabong Crows player looked right at home on the wing, showing poise and composure with ball in hand.

With the win secured, attention now turns to next week's challenge against ladder-leaders Kiewa Sandy Creek.

Rutherglen will be eager to atone for their disappointing Round 4 performance and will need a strong week on the track to prepare for what looms as a crucial test in the run to finals.

Awards: Complete Body Craft - Charlie Beattie, Poachers Paradise Hotel – Jyda House, Rutherglen Convent Brewery – James Plummer, Club Corowa – Jayke Nicholson, Rutherglen Pizza – Lachie Webb.

Reserves

Lions 3 7 25 def by Cats 14 7 91

Another strong performance from the Cats Reserves this week, with standouts across the ground; let’s see this continue into the next round against Kiewa Sandy Creek. Go Cats!

Awards: Club Corowa – Tory Oats, Howlong Shearing – Declan Thompson, Baker Seeds – Sam Lawrence, Rutherglen Pizza – Caleb Andison, Corowa Golf Club – Ben Ratcliffe.

Under 17s

Lions 3 3 21 def by Cats 19 14 128

Rutherglen got off to a dominant start, holding Wahgunyah to just two points in the first half.

The boys played with great cohesion, moving the ball forward consistently and creating scoring opportunities for a wide range of team members. Our backline once again stood strong, shutting down Wahgunyah’s attacking efforts and limiting their chances.

Arthur and Noah led by example, with plenty of vocal encouragement from Sonny adding to the team’s energy.

Special mention goes to Harry Chandler, the "little maestro", who kicked seven goals in a stellar return after holidays and concussion.

Flynn and Mitch worked relentlessly in the midfield to keep up the momentum.

The younger players continue to show fantastic growth, development, and signs of exciting future potential.

Wahgunyah pushed the boys all the way to the final quarter, when the team really clicked into gear.

This convincing win gives the team a valuable confidence boost, but the focus remains firmly on working hard and staying committed as finals approach.

Awards: Rutherglen Pizza – Harry Chandler, Silver Key Café – Arthur Morris, Corowa Sportspower – Will Waite, Coaches Award – Liam Colvin, Coaches Award – Tyler Yeoman, Coaches Award – Kai Tafft.

Under 14s

Lions 0 2 2 def by Cats 9 10 64

The Under 14 Cats headed to Wahgunyah to take on the Lions. An inspired team was chasing redemption after the Lions beat them at home earlier in the season.

The Under 14 Cats were seeking to move up the ladder heading towards the back half of the season.

Despite a scratchy start in the cold and slippery conditions, Rutherglen managed 13 points in the first.

Max Chandler kicked the first goal of the game, and Ben Pagan-Saunders also scored a major.

The backline headed up by Elijah McFarlane were holding strong.

The scores were still low in the second quarter, however with a goal from Brayden McInnes, at half time Wahgunyah were held scoreless and Rutherglen were sitting on 23 points.

Noah Cracknell, Codie Johnson and Logan Hurley were providing some strong run through the centre and around the ground, providing opportunities for the forward line.

Rutherglen started to make a move in the third quarter with two goals from young gun Patrick Colman and a goal from Noah Cracknell.

More pressure in the last quarter and goals from Noah, Zavier Manns and backman Erik Fuge saw Rutherglen seal a 62-point win.

Next week Rutherglen takes on Kiewa Sandy Creek at home, looking to push towards finals and build on some momentum in the coming weeks.

Awards: Rutherglen Pizza – Logan Hurley, Silver Key Café – Noah Cracknell, Corowa Sportspower – Zavier Manns, Chandler Cash – Cody Johnson, Coaches Award – Erik Fuge.

Under 12s

Lions 0 0 def by Cats 12 12 84

In frosty conditions the young Cats started well with Ryder Dekkar involved in a number of forward entries resulting in multiple team goals. From there the Cats controlled the game with Blair Prescott finishing with four goals in what was a solid team win.

Congratulations to both sides as the game was played in good spirits. Well done to everyone involved.

Awards: McFarlane Family – Pat McMillan, Silver Key Café – Lachie, Rutherglen Lolly Shop – Ryder, Danny Johnson ‘Most Courageous’ – Sammy, The River Fish N Chips – Logan, J & M Steel Erection – Blair, North East Marine – Jack, Corowa Sportspower – Cruise, Glen Encouragement Award – Nash.

Netball

A Grade

Lions 48 def Cats 32

Again, A Grade had a great first half set – when the team put four quarters together, they will be dangerous.

Great strength shown this week to work through the tough times.

Special mention to Jess Oats through the middle for a four-quarter effort, and to Emma Prescott in a new position WD for A-grade. You can all keep holding your heads up high.

Awards: Best On Court (Club Cash) - Jess Oats, The Victoria Hotel – Emma Prescott, Poachers Paradise Hotel – Tahni Evans, Club Corowa - Pia Taylor

B Grade

Lions 39 def by Cats 45

A really good game by the B-Grade girls this week, they did a great job at keeping their cool and staying strong.

A good lesson in that if the team sticks to their game plan they will come out on top.

A great effort by goal shooter Mel Griffin for getting an intercept this week too.

Awards: Best On Court (Club Cash) – Tenaya McGill, The Victoria Hotel – Emily Gillard, Boorhaman Hotel – Mel Griffin, Boorhaman Hotel – Sarah Parker.

C Grade

Lions 59 def Cats 23

A great effort by all this week, it was a much better game than last time the team played the Lions, and the girls didn’t give up.

Awards: Best On Court (Club Cash) – Abbie Hetherington, The Victoria Hotel – Charlotte Meyer, Boorhaman Hotel – Felicity Nesbitt, Valentine’s Artisan Bakery – Ava Kilpatrick.

17 & Under

Lions 41 def Cats 24

Fantastic game this week, every player worked hard to keep the ball in possession.

A big congratulations to Milligan Morris for hitting 200 goals this season – couldn’t be prouder.

The attack end had a tough game but held their heads high working as a team. Defense had an awesome game turning over so many balls and bringing it down to the team’s end. Great game Cats.

Awards: Best On Court (Club Cash) – Faith O’Donoghue, Silken Skin Studio – Tahlia Morley, Valentine’s Artisan Bakery – Lucy Jacka , Corowa Sportspower – Kara Lowen-Webb.

15 & Under

Lions 62 def Cats 11

A tough game this week, after the holidays and a week off. The team’s defense tried hard all day. The girls will train hard this week ready for a better game next week.

Awards: Best On Court (Club Cash) – Cadie Waite, The Wax Trade – Allegra May, Corowa Sportspower – Shylah Pinn.

13 & Under

Lions 8 def by Cats 17

A fantastic game from the girls, they have improved so much since they last played the Lions, and we are so proud of their determination at training and during games. It was a great game to watch.

Awards: Best On Court (Club Cash) – Savannah Barnes, Corowa Sportspower – Indi Renshaw, Corowa Sportspower – Zara Meyer.

13 & Under Reserve

Lions 7 def Cats 6

Each girl has improved so much and played an amazing game with hard defence to keep the score down. Well done, Cats.

Awards: Corowa Sportspower – Stella Brown, The Wax Trade – Alyssa Lowen-Webb.

12 & Under

Another great effort from our littlest Cats this week; they put in 100% effort, despite the cold weather – Well done.

Awards: Daisy Cow Soaps – Poppy Williams, McFarlane Award – Poppy Ellery.

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