Waaia 2.4, 5.12, 10.15, 13.16 (94) def Tungamah 2.2, 4.4, 5.5, 6.8 (44)

Best: Jye Holcombe, Drew Haebich., Lachlan Phillips, Glenn Dominick, Ned Mckeown

Goals: Duane Haebich. 4, Jacob Adkins 2.

The Tungamah Bears hit the road this week to take on a formidable Waaia outfit sitting second on the ladder with just one loss for the season. The Bears knew it was going to be a tough challenge, but the boys showed plenty of fight and there were still some good signs to build on.

The first half was an arm wrestle, with the Bears staying within striking distance and matching Waaia's intensity early. Unfortunately, the home side found another gear after the main break, but the boys never stopped competing and continued to fight right until the final siren.

Captain Jye Holcombe led from the front with a courageous performance, putting his body on the line time and time again. His effort, leadership and willingness to do whatever was needed for his teammates were outstanding and showed exactly what it means to wear the Bears jumper.

The backline once again stood tall under immense pressure. Lach Phillips was a rock in defence, continually intercepting and holding the back six together, while Glenn Dominick also played a terrific game with his composure and relentless attack on the contest.

Up forward, Brush Haebich continued his strong season with four goals, while Drew Haebich also worked tirelessly throughout the day and delivered another solid performance.

It was also pleasing to see the younger players continue to step up and compete against one of the competition's strongest sides, gaining valuable experience that will hold them in good stead.

While it was a disappointing result, the effort and determination shown against quality opposition gave the group plenty to build on.

With finals still in their sights, the focus now shifts to the weeks ahead as the Bears continue to work hard and fight for their place in September.

Reserves

Tungamah 9.11 - 65 def Waaia 2.5 - 17

The Lunch Time Legends made the trek to Waaia, home of what was once the greatest showers in country football, to renew an old rivalry.

Tyler Green was giving away about 40 kg, two feet in height and a decade in age through the middle, but they were about the only stats he lost all day. The little bloke was everywhere, with the sort of energy that had the other midfielders calling for an electrocardiogram after merely watching him.

The boys got the jump early before deciding the opposition was not enough of a challenge, instead spending the next three quarters trying to hit every target except the ones wearing maroon.

If Hixon's hands were not sore before the game, they bloody well were afterwards. The Bears treated him to more lace-out passes than their own forwards and cemented his name on the vote card. The club is still waiting on the slab.

It quickly turned into a game of kick-to-kick between the big intercept defenders.

Ash Milner did what Ash Milner does, finding the ball and collecting more intercepts than customs at Melbourne Airport.

There was a bit of friendly fire when Milner floated one to Jezza, who found himself camped under it with the opposition closing in like Stuart Divers' apartment walls. Honestly, he probably should have held it, but the self-preservation instinct kicked in.

Jack Connell finally cracked the best players after weeks of being treated like he owed the coaches money. The bloke is always in the right spot. Even Shultzy managed to find him with a quarterback handball, admittedly after ignoring him the previous eight times.

With whispers of a three-peat starting to grow, Beats would have lost an arm wrestle with Gumby, with the coaches twisting his arm to play out the season. Thankfully, he folded more easily than a camp chair.

The team had trained with a good Lonergan during the week, but unfortunately only Henry rolled up on Saturday. The new dad has apparently become accustomed to sleeping with the nursery light on.

Jim only managed two goals after his 10-goal haul last week.

Fun fact: Pacey would lose a high-jump contest against a Sumatran rhino.

Another four points went into the bank, but if the Bears could stop making opposition defenders look like All-Australians, that would be appreciated.

Best: A. Milner, B. Beaton, J. Saunders, J. Kelly, J. Connell, S. Haebich.

Goals: J. Irvine 2, W. Prescott, J. Saunders, L. McDonell, A. Connell, L. Vearing, P. Haebich, L. O'Brien.

Fourths

Tungamah 13.14 - 92 def Waaia 2.2 - 14

The team travelled to Waaia after a sleep-in due to there being no thirds game, in what looked like a comfortable contest for the lads on paper. However, as the coaches told them, no trip to Waaia is ever easy, and the Bombers came to play in the first half, making the young Bears work hard for every score.

Halfway through the second quarter, Lakyn Saunders had had enough and decided to impose himself on the contest with tough but fair ball-winning and pressure on the opponent. He lifted his team, and Judd Haebich and Chase Jarjoura followed suit, racking up possessions while also lifting their intensity around the contest.

Julian Jones provided a great focal point up forward and, together with his twin brother Kai, combined for four majors. Jules appeared to set up most of Kai's goals, so Kai might owe him one at home this week.

Jameson Dickins covered plenty of ground on the wing and set up plenty of forward entries, allowing Finn Cummins to use his power to burst through and kick a couple of goals.

The back six were solid as a rock, with Cooper Beggs leading the charge and constantly cutting off the opposition's attacks.

After a tough start, the boys got their game going in the second half and scored freely.

Desi Doyle was pushed forward in the last quarter and kicked a couple of goals, showing the coaches that he might want to stay at that end.

The team now begins its final month of football sitting in the top four. However, the boys face four of the other top-five sides, so they will need to be on their game.

Awards: Doyle's Socks - Finn Cummins, Coaches' Award - Lakyn Saunders, Tungamah Shop - Judd Haebich, Thursday Dinner - Julian Jones, Intersport Wingates - Jameson Dickins.

Best: L. Saunders, J. Haebich, J. Jones, J. Dickins, C. Jarjoura, C. Beggs

Goals: K. Jones 3, D. Doyle 2, J. Haebich 2, F. Cummins 2, J. Jones, E. Buerckner, X. Whiting, N. Lawless

Fifths

With the school holidays in full swing, the team had heaps of players unable to play, but the boys and girl who took the field lifted for to the challenge.

Waaia had a full-strength team with heaps of talented players, but the young Bears really stood up from start to finish.

Charlie played his best game and kicked heaps of goals.

Phoenix was unbelievable, stepping up and playing well in the fourth quarter alongside Ernie, who was polished all day. Fox will be super proud of the team when he gets back. The players deserved plenty of praise.

Awards: Charlie, Ernie, Hunter, Phoenix.

Under 11s

It was always going to be a tough game this week, with a few players unavailable and strong opposition waiting for us.

Despite that, every single player stepped up, took on different positions, and gave their best for the team.

It was fantastic to see everyone willing to play where they were needed. From defenders moving into attack, attackers trying the circle defence, and players rotating through the centre court, the girls showed great teamwork, resilience and a willingness to learn. That’s what junior netball is all about.

We’re proud of every player for taking on the challenge this week. Keep working hard at training, supporting each other, and enjoying your netball. On to the next one!

A huge congratulations to the award winners: Tungamah Shop - Harper, Jaycees - Natalie, TFNC Award - Matilda.

Netball

A Grade

Tungamah 49 def Waaia 34

Tungamah A Grade faced a tough contest against Waaia on Saturday, but the Bears stayed committed to playing their game and recorded a strong 49–34 victory.

The Bears held a narrow three-goal advantage at quarter time before consistently working through their set plays and structures to extend the lead to eight goals by the main break.

A hard-fought third quarter saw the margin grow to nine goals, setting up a strong finish. Tungamah maintained its intensity in the final term to secure a well-earned 15-goal win.

Chloe and Sophie continually worked in and out of the goal ring, with Stacey providing a valuable cameo.

Through the midcourt, Keely, Maddi and Bella never stopped running, continually offering strong leads, backing each other up and providing plenty of options. In defence, Molly, Kristie and Emily worked tirelessly, applying relentless pressure and never giving up.

The defensive pressure across the entire court was a highlight, with every player contributing to forcing turnovers and creating valuable scoring opportunities.

Strong, positive communication and support for one another ensured the Bears remained composed throughout the contest, while their commitment to working through their structures was rewarded.

A big thank you went to Emily for helping the team out on the day.

Awards: Jaycees, Doyle Sock & Players' Player - Molly Grant, Club Awards - Maddison Cheek & Sophie Coghill, One Zach Towel - Molly Grant, Miss Dolly - Keely Holcombe.

B Grade

Tungamah 56 def Waaia 30

The Bears made an excellent start, with relentless defensive pressure and strong transition through the court helping them establish a nine-goal lead at the first break. The intensity continued in the second quarter as patient ball movement and accurate finishing saw the margin extend to 16 goals by halftime.

A much tighter third quarter saw Waaia lift its intensity, but the Bears matched the challenge, edging the quarter to extend their lead by a further three goals. Tungamah finished strongly in the final term, adding another seven goals to the margin to complete a convincing 26-goal victory.

It was another consistent four-quarter effort, with every player contributing through strong communication, teamwork and a willingness to back one another. The team's versatility was on full display, with players seamlessly stepping into different positions across the court and making a positive impact wherever they were needed. A big thank you went to Sarah for helping the team out on the day.

Awards: Players' Player & Purtle's Award - Mariah Duffy

Hemphill's Family Award - Mollie Walton, Free as a Bird - Sarah Goven, Rich Glen - Brodie Gissing.

C Grade

Tungamah 47 def Waaia 37

The Bears came out firing from the first whistle, with the shooters finding the post early and the transition from defence to attack proving seamless. The way the team moved the ball through the court set the tone for the entire game and was a real highlight of the performance.

At the attacking end, Madi K was in sensational form, confidently sinking goals from all over the circle and making every opportunity count.

In defence, Jorja and Chels were relentless. Chels used her incredible leap and quick hands to pick off countless passes before they even reached the goal circle, while Jorja stood tall as the team's last line of defence, using her height and textbook three-foot pressure to force errors and win back possession.

Every single player who stepped onto the court gave 100 per cent. It was a true team performance, with everyone playing their role and working tirelessly for one another.

It is exciting to see all the hard work the team has been putting in at training starting to shine through on game day, and the group is looking forward to building on that momentum in the weeks ahead.

Awards: Players' Player & Miss Dolly - Madi Kelly, Rich Glen - Chelsea Phillips, Jaycees - Jorja Goldman.

C Reserve

Tungamah 32 def by Waaia 38

The game was intense and well played, with Waaia providing strong competition for the Tungamah girls.

The team maintained its composure and communicated positively throughout the game.

The players tried several different positions and combinations, which worked to the team's advantage.

Although the girls suffered a loss, it was a valuable learning experience that also helped strengthen team bonding.

Tash was excellent in defence and had hands over every ball.

Dani played well as a shooter and also had a strong run in defence.

Tegan was amazing at wing attack, showing patience with her passes into the ring.

Awards: Free as a Bird - Tash Beaton, Jaycees – Tegan, Rich Glen – Dani.

Under 17s

Tungamah 65 def Waaia 26

The game was a tough, hard-fought contest. The girls kept their cool under pressure and played with great determination from the first whistle to the last. Their defensive pressure was outstanding throughout the game, forcing turnovers and creating plenty of scoring opportunities. It was fantastic to see the effort and skills they had been working on at training transfer onto the court on game day. It was a great team performance and another step forward for the group.

Awards: Central Murray Bank – Laila Rich Glen – Llli, Jaycees – Claire.

Under 15s

Tungamah 45 def Waaia 10

A flying start saw the Bears take a 16–0 lead into the first break. The team built on that advantage for the rest of the game and took home a great win.

Strong running by Lyla across three quarters allowed the ball to transition smoothly down the court, giving the shooters plenty of opportunities to score.

The team welcomed Paige back after her time away with school. She showed that she had been working hard away from netball and slotted back into the goal end nicely.

Sienna once again owned the goal keeper position and applied plenty of pressure to her opponent, making it very difficult for Waaia to score.

The team is showing the coaches that the players can apply what they focus on at training on game day, which is great to see.

Looking ahead, the team is excited for the challenge against Dookie next week, back on home turf.

Awards: Players' Player & Bamford Builders - Lyla Payne, Rich Glen - Paige Bamford, Jaycees & Coaches' Award - Sienna Ridley.

Under 13s

Tungamah 46 def Waaia 7

After a week off, the girls returned refreshed and ready for a fantastic team performance. Strong hands-over pressure and great support play created plenty of opportunities, while everyone showed wonderful versatility and adapted seamlessly throughout the game. It was another outstanding all-round effort from the entire team.

Awards: Bestfit - Georgie Burns, Rich Glen - Taylah Chessells, Tungamah Shop - Mia Broesder.

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Sunday, 21st July 2030

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