Waaia 7.2, 17.4, 28.4, 40.7 (247) def Rennie 0.0, 2.0, 3.1, 3.1 (19)

Goals: Waaia: Connor Brown 16, Charlie Burrows 5, Callum Leighton Daly 4, Dustin Blake 3, William Walker 3, Jesse Trower 3, Jayden Clarke 3, Adam Brooks 1, Jack Bergamin 1, Sam Trower 1.

Rennie: Lewis Taylor. 1, Denver Bruce 1, Tana Freeman 1.

Best: Waaia: Connor Brown, Mark Bergamin, Callum Leighton Daly, Sam Trower, William Walker, Aiden Bryant.

Rennie: Darrin Clarke, Connor Strawhorn, Blair Strawhorn, Josh Soutter.

On a magnificent autumn day, with Rennie Recreation Reserve in sparkling condition, the Hoppers hosted the Waaia Bombers in the twilight on Anzac Day.

It was a tale of two teams, one flying high with quality players who believed in their teammates to win the ball and deliver it cleanly up the field, and the other a young list second-guessing itself, often under pressure with ball in hand and lacking tall marking targets when a release kick was needed.

Multiply that by a full forward who kicked 16 goals straight, with a team going at over 85% from 47 shots on goal, and the Hoppers were outplayed.

The positives included Connor Strawhorn, who put his head over the ball and battled in every contest; Daz Clarke, harder than a cat’s head in the backline; Josh Soutter, undersized but giving a red-hot effort; and Blair Strawhorn, who showed great hands and fierce competitiveness. This one is best parked as the side looks ahead.

Awards: Mulwala Water Ski Club – Darrin Clarke; Premix King – Josh Soutter; Yarrawonga Hotel – Blair Strawhorn; Lake Mulwala Hotel – Connor Strawhorn.

Reserves

Rennie 3.1, 6.3, 10.6, 11.7 (73) def Waaia 3.2, 4.4, 6.4, 8.6 (54)

Goals: Rennie: Hayden Long 3, Declan. Reeves. 2, Jack. Judd 2, Connor Strawhorn 1, Thomas Ryan 1, Joseph Ferguson 1, Jackson Wheeler 1.

Awards: Premix King – Joe Ferguson; Yarrawonga Bakery – Hayden Long; Yarrawonga Hotel – Declan Reeves; Club Mulwala – Jack Judd; Lake Mulwala Hotel – Ben Douglass; Yarrawonga Skin Ski and Surf – Jackson Wheeler.

The Hoppers’ reserves snagged their first win against Waaia this decade, winning by 19 points.

It was an even contest all day, but Rennie’s leadership shone through, with Joe Ferguson’s game described as exceptional and bull-like.

Hayden Long had his kicking boots on with three straight, new player Declan Reeves kicked a couple and assisted in others, while Ben Douglass brought grunt and focus to apply pressure.

Jacko Wheeler and Zander Rhodes also impressed, showing they were comfortable stepping up from thirds football. The hope is for many more victories this year.

Under 17s

No game.

Under 14

Rennie

5.7, 12.12, 19.15, 22.17 (149) def Waaia 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 3.2 (20)

Goals: Brax Ednie 8, Banjo True 6, Mason Santoro 2, Hudson Crawford 2, Tom Hemphill 1, Hunter Lewis 1, Lenny Legudi 1, Corey Sarson 1.

Awards: Darren Lewis Fencing – Brax Ednie; Yarrawonga Skin Sun and Surf – Harry Giblett; Yarrawonga Bakery – Finley Strawhorn; Border Concrete Plumbing – Taylor Lewis; Crawford Family – Sid Dowling; Intium Energy – Tom Bruce.

The Hoppers were solid again, winning by 129 points.

Harry Giblett was tireless and showed great awareness in finding teammates in better positions. Finley Strawhorn was a tackling machine and competed strongly, even providing Waaia with a chop-out.

Sid Dowling dominated clearances, while Ednie covered the ground superbly and kicked eight goals when pushing forward.

Truey kicked six, with Santoro and Huddo adding two each in a strong team performance, making it three wins from three.

Under 11

The young Hoppers enjoyed another afternoon in the sun with an entertaining runaround.

They were well led by Milo and Milky, a combination that continues to work well. Blomeley showed great kicking and marking, while Lewis displayed real skill and intent.

Awards: Purtle Electrical – Mitch Blomeley; Red Ag Cash – Milky Smith; Freeman Glass and Aluminium – Abel Lewis; T & R Marett – Milo Corboy; Rennie Catering Committee – John Dowling.

The club also thanked all contributors, raising $455 for the Yarrawonga Mulwala RSL Women’s Auxiliary, and acknowledged Waaia FNC for their participation on Anzac Day.

Rennie now heads to Dookie for the first time since 2017, with awards to follow at the Yarrawonga Hotel.

Netball

A Grade

Rennie 20 defeated by Waaia 26

A Grade put in a determined effort, going down in a competitive contest. Despite the result, the team showed strong passages of play and great teamwork. Defensive pressure created opportunities, while the attacking end worked hard to convert under pressure.

Mia Brogan made her A Grade debut, stepping up confidently and contributing well to the team’s performance.

Awards: RNC Incentive – Claire Dawson; Lake Mulwala Hotel – Laynee Rhodes; Showcase Jewellers – Mia Brogan; Yarra Hotel – Leisa Hodgson.

B Grade

Rennie 22 defeated by Waaia 35

Despite being short on numbers, Rennie showed resilience and spirit. Alainah worked tirelessly through the centre, while Ella, Autumn and Indi displayed a never-give-up attitude in defence. Haylee moved well in attack.

A special highlight saw Tayla, Ella, Laynee and Demi take the court together for the first time, marking a proud moment for the Rhodes family and the club.

Though the result did not go their way, all players gave their all, with thanks extended to the juniors who stepped up.

Awards: Haylee Wilson, Autumn Hollands, Tayla Mollison, Alainah Bye.

C Grade

Rennie 34 defeated Waaia 29

This was a high-tempo match, with Rennie establishing an early lead and maintaining momentum. Tegan starred in goals with accuracy and tenacity. Georgie was relentless in defence and link play, while Gaby’s anticipation created crucial turnovers.

Lacey returned strongly from injury, bringing energy and creating space across the court. The team continues to build fitness and refine strategies.

Awards: Lake Mulwala Hotel – Tegan Lee; Yarrawonga Bakery – Georgie Thomas; Mulwala Waterski Club – Lacey Stiles; Wingate’s Sports (Players’ Player) – Gaby Dowling.

C Reserve

Rennie 15 defeated by Waaia 49

Rennie C Reserve faced a tough contest in the heat but showed resilience against a physical Waaia side.

There were clear improvements, particularly in clearing and strong, purposeful drives. Shez and Ez started strongly in goals before Ez moved to defence and Kate stepped into shooting.

In defence, Ez, Fern and Jaz applied constant pressure, while Eds, Han, Danni and Trudes worked tirelessly through the midcourt.

Despite the result, the team showed growth and commitment to applying training efforts on game day.

Under 17s

Rennie 57 defeated Waaia 28

The Hoppers faced a physical Waaia side and improved as the game progressed, implementing training focus areas effectively.

Mia Brogan’s communication was invaluable, while Ella Lewis showed versatility across multiple positions. Liv Lewis and Tess Bassett combined well in defence, and Jaz Johnson provided explosive drives.

It was another strong team performance built on consistent effort.

Under 15s

Rennie 42 defeated Waaia 5

After a long first week back at school, the team enjoyed a later start. Lennie and Koda stepped up seamlessly from the under 13s.

Lily and Sienna dominated in defence, while Dakota, Ella, Lennie, Koda, Zali and Maisie worked well through midcourt. Ava combined smoothly in the shooting circle.

The team secured a strong 42–5 win.

Awards: Maisie, Sienna, Ella, Ava.

Under 13s

Rennie 25 defeated Waaia 9

The under 13s continued their strong start with a third consecutive win.

Grace M and Koda combined well in goals, with Grace working hard against a taller opponent. The midcourt group of Alice, Ruby J, Ruby F and Grace W moved the ball effectively.

In defence, Lennie, Harper, Bethany and Tayissa applied constant pressure, creating turnovers. Lennie’s leadership stood out.

The team continues to show strong development.

Awards: Corowa Curtains & Decor – Grace McQualter; Momentum 360 – Lennie Trewarne; Rhodes Family – Koda Parker; Paul Mifka Award – Alice Withers

Under 11s - Intraclub match

Team Emerald and Team Green combined for an intraclub match.

Team Emerald showed great application of training skills.

Awards: Frankie – Jacyees Award; Pippa – Belle’s Café; Lola – Marrett Family Award; Josie – Rhodes Family Award

Team Green displayed excellent teamwork with strong passages of play, making the coaches proud.

Awards: Lizzie – Ricky D’s Pizza; Sophie – Skin, Ski and Surf; McKenzie – Nick Davis Plastering; Isla – Paula Mifka Award.

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Thursday, 13th July 2028

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