Tocumwal continued its impressive resurgence on Saturday, travelling to Mathoura and producing a commanding victory in the inaugural contest for the Harry McCormick Cup.
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While the result was significant, the occasion itself carried even greater meaning.
The cup match was established to honour the memory and legacy of Harry McCormick, and to strengthen the longstanding connection between the Tocumwal and Mathoura Football Netball Clubs.
Harry was 16 when he died in a car crash five years ago.
A dedicated Timbercutter, he had not long made his senior debut for the club in a game against the Bloods.
Prior to the game, Harry’s father, Tony McCormick, visited the Tocumwal changerooms and delivered a heartfelt address to the playing group.
Tony spoke about Harry McCormick’s passion for football, the friendships he forged, and the impact he had on both clubs.
He explained the significance of the cup and how it would ensure Harry McCormick’s contribution to the game and club culture would continue to be remembered for generations to come.
His words left a lasting impression on the players and added extra meaning to an already important fixture.
Inspired by the occasion, Tocumwal wasted no time asserting itself on the contest.
The Bloods were relentless from the opening bounce, piling on eight unanswered goals in a dominant first quarter.
Their pressure around the ball, clean use by hand and foot, and willingness to work hard for teammates set the tone for what would become a complete team performance.
The Bloods continued their dominance in the second term, adding another six goals while restricting the home side’s scoring opportunities.
By halftime, Tocumwal had established a commanding 87-point lead and were playing some of their best football of the season.
To Mathoura’s credit, they responded strongly after the main break.
They tightened up defensively and competed much harder around the stoppages, limiting Tocumwal to five second-half goals.
Despite the improved resistance, the Bloods maintained their intensity and continued to play disciplined, team-first football to secure a convincing victory.
The win was Tocumwal’s third in succession and further evidence of the growth and confidence developing within the group after a slow start to the season.
The players have embraced their roles, worked hard for one another and are beginning to reap the rewards of their commitment.
Up forward, Brayden Hall and Ricky Gittens were sensational, each finishing with five goals.
Chase Hardwidge enjoyed a standout afternoon with four majors, while Kyle Maher, Hayden Davis, Rory Shepherd, Max O’Neil and Harry Jenner each contributed a goal.
Ricky Gittens was outstanding across four quarters and was a deserving recipient of the inaugural Harry McCormick Best on Ground Medal.
His ability to influence contests, drive the ball forward and hit the scoreboard made him a constant threat throughout the day.
He was superbly supported by Kyle Maher, Chase Hardwidge, Nick Egan, captain Jack Tyndall and Harry Jenner, all of whom played pivotal roles in the victory.
While the scoreboard reflected Tocumwal’s dominance, the lasting memory of the day will be the introduction of a meaningful new tradition between two proud football clubs.
The Harry McCormick Cup and Best on Ground Medal provide a fitting tribute to a respected football person and ensure his legacy will continue to unite both clubs for many years to come.
Final score: Tocumwal 19.20 (134) def Mathoura 3.7 (25).
Goals: Brayden Hall 5, Ricky Gittens 5, Chase Hardwidge 4, Kyle Maher, Hayden Davis, Rory Shepherd, Max O’Neil, Harry Jenner.
Best: Ricky Gittens, Kyle Maher, Chase Hardwidge, Nick Egan, Jack Tyndall, Harry Jenner.
Awards: Harry McCormick Best on Ground Medal - Ricky Gittens, Hayden Davis, Chase Hardwidge, Noah Sneedon.
Reserves
It was a tough day for our reserves.
The lads never stopped competing and worked hard all day, but couldn’t quite bridge the gap on the scoreboard.
We’ll get back to work on the training track this week and look to bounce back next Saturday.
Final score: Tocumwal 4.6 (30) def by Mathoura 8.11 (59).
Goals: Heath Mansell 2, Jordy Findlay 2.
Best: Hunter Groutsch, Dylan Maxwell, Ryan McGrath, Luke White, Jordy Findlay, Kane Wardlaw.
Awards: Hunter Groutsch, Dylan Maxwell, Ryan McGrath.
Thirds
It was another strong performance from our thirds.
It’s never easy playing in a one-sided contest, but it was great to see the Timbercutters get some reward on the scoreboard and both clubs approach the day in the right spirit.
Final score: Tocumwal 28.20 (188) def Mathoura 1.0 (6).
Goals: Chace Brunskill 6, Heath Mansell 6, Archer Chellew 6, Archer Kirchen 4, Cooper Quick 3, Harrison Wilson 2, Jake Hicks 2, Cale Murphy.
Best: Chace Brunskill, Heath Mansell, Archer Kirchen, Sean Lykissas, Archer Chellew, Cooper Quick.
Awards: Archer Kirchen, Cale Murphy, Connor Fita, Jake Hicks, Ryder Loomes.
Fourths
The scoreboard tells one story, but the real highlight was the spirit in which the game was played.
With Mathoura light on numbers, our boys were more than happy to lend players throughout the day, rotate through different positions and even spend time playing for the opposition.
In the final quarter we handed over our midfield to help the Timbercutters get some reward on the scoreboard.
No one enjoys seeing a side heavily beaten, so it was great to see the positive attitude, sportsmanship and willingness of our players to help out and make sure everyone got a good game of footy.
The way the boys embraced it was a real credit to them and to both clubs.
Final score: Tocumwal 22.17 (149) def Mathoura 3.3 (21).
Goals: Taylor Findlay 5, Sam Borg 4, Blaine O’Donnell 2, Gus Kruzinga 2, Clancy Gatty, Brax Brunskill, Austin Watt, Charlie Wilson, Darcy Wilson, Harvey Matters, Patrick Taylor, Jack Petersen, Ollie East.
Best: Gus Kruzinga, Ollie East, Brax Brunskill, Patrick Taylor, Taylor Findlay, Charlie Wilson.
Awards: Clancy Gatty, Ross Grieves, Patrick Taylor, Parker Boaden, Blaine O’Donnell.