Strathmerton 4.2, 6.6, 9.8, 10.12 (72) def Tungamah 1.2, 2.7, 4.9, 6.9 (45)
Goals: Strathmerton: Jonathan Pearson 6, Riley Sampson 2, Layne Baker 1, Adrian Crestani 1. Tungamah: Ashley Saunders 2, Josh Cheek 2, Duane Haebich 2.
Best: Strathmerton: Tyler Stephens, Ned Higgins, Jonathan Pearson, Riley Sampson, Brandon Duckworth, Tarrynt Neville. Tungamah: Ned Mckeown, Geoffrey Montgomery, Josh Cheek, Glenn Dominick, Brae Grant.
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Tungamah faced Strathmerton in tough, hot conditions and with a few key players missing, but there were still plenty of positives to take from the contest.
The first quarter saw a strong start from the Bears, with Josh Cheek leading from the front. Cheek came out firing and stepped up for the side early, kicking a couple of important goals.
It was also great to welcome James Lyall into the team alongside his brother Ben, with the duo showing exciting chemistry and providing plenty of energy around the ground.
In the second term, Duane ‘Brush’ Haebich was influential in the forward half, consistently finding the footy and snapping a couple of classy goals.
Moose continued his dominant form, while Wardy backed up last week with another strong performance.
Down back, Ned Mckeown stood tall and played a fantastic role in holding things together defensively.
After the halftime break, captain Jye lifted his intensity and led the charge in the second half, while Drew Haebich put in a hardworking effort around the ground to keep the pressure on.
Despite a determined effort, Tungamah went down by 27-points. While the result didn’t fall their way, the group remains confident that things are building and heading in the right direction.
Awards: Wingates - A Doyle, Hicks Butchery - Go Dominick, Smoko Shed - J Saunders, Doyle's Sock - J Lyall.
Reserves
Tungamah 7.7 - 79 def Strathmerton 6.5 - 41
Awards: Ricky D's - T Hayes, Doyle's Sock - S Haebich, Hicks Butchery - D Thomas, Purtell Electrical - P Haebich, Coaches Award - A Milner.
The Lunch Time Legends lathered up with sunscreen and got to work. The game was uncomfortably close all day, with the lead changing multiple times.
Pacey Haebich set the tone early, flying around like a man possessed. Not bad for a bloke who thinks the richest known source of vitamin C is Fanta.
Patches might’ve handed over the coaching gig, but couldn’t stay away from the bench, suiting up for the “running” role, which mostly resembled a brisk walk and a running commentary.
Liam was dubbed the Ferrari two weeks ago, but the chassis must have been parked up at the Broadmeadows train station this week because it was pretty worked over when it hit the field today.
The heat started claiming victims quicker than a dodgy buffet. Blokes were dropping everywhere, Lovell grabbed at the Shane Gillies and tried to clock off early, only for silver-tongued Player to convince the coaches his hammy would magically come good if he parked himself deep forward. Miraculously, it did. Funny that.
Down back, Ash Milner was rock solid again, hands stickier than a 7-Eleven Slurpee machine, picking everything off.
I’d rather take my chances riding shotgun with Tiger woods than try and shut down Rangi. Old, body falling apart, still elite.
Tyler was moving well all game, amazing what a few extra visits to the training table can do for a bloke’s mobility and enthusiasm.
The win was not classy, but the boys got what they came for.
Thirds
Tungamah 7.9 - 51 def Strathmerton 4.10 - 34
Awards: Doyle’s sock award - Taijan Ussher, Bamford Builders - Billy Doyle, Central Murray Bank - Slater Goudie, Tungamah Shop - Jett Bamford.
Wow what a game! It all started with Strathmerton unveiling their premiership flag from last year’s grand final match up, and both teams had fire in their bellies.
The first quarter was played in two halves with Strathy playing exceptionally well and running in numbers. It took the Tunga boys a while to settle in, but the second part of the first quarter saw us slow the game down and play some good football.
The second quarter we started to move the ball in the way that we like to and we played some fierce footy to get the game back on our terms.
Come the third quarter and the challenge was upon us. The boys did a brilliant job, they worked tirelessly to keep Strathy at bay down the scoring end.
Jim and Dean asked the young men to rise to the occasion at the final break and give it their all, which our young bears definitely did.
The boys showed exceptional courage, teamwork and heart to come away eventual winners and we could not be prouder. What a great game played by all.
Fourths
Tungamah 8.9 - 57 def Strathmerton 1.0 - 6
Goals: N. Lawless 2, J. Jones, T. Ellis, D. Doyle, J. Haebichs, R. Kelly, F. Cummins.
Best: I. McLarty, T. Buerckner, J. Haebich, R. Kelly, N. Lawless, K. Jones.
Awards: Crusty Loaf - T Buerckner, Tungamah Shop - K Jones, Wingates - L Ridley Doyle's Sock - J Dickins.
Another mild autumn morning greeted us for our first away game in Strathmerton.
The young bears were keen to continue their good form of late, however had to contend with a few players out due to other commitments and injuries.
In a tight opening quarter, the bears looked a bit unsure of themselves and continuously coughed up possession.
At quarter time coach Drew told them to back themselves and move the ball with purpose, and they sure started to listen.
Isaac Mclarty had a cracking game at full back and then in the ruck, continuously intercepting and driving the ball forward.
Tyler Buerckner at CHB was doing a similar job, doing his best to run and carry and turn defence into offence.
Judd Haebich was his usual dominant self, providing plenty of drive from the middle and his pressure was elite.
Noah Lawless spent more midfield minutes without skipper Chase in the side, and was a driving force, whilst also kicking a couple of goals whilst forward.
Ryder Kelly was busy through the midfield as was Lincoln Ridley in his best game of his career on the wing. Kai Jones was rock solid in defence, saving plenty of Strathy’s thrusts forward.
After a slow start the Bears ran out comfortable winners in the end.
Fifths
The Under 14s boys and girl took on the Dogs and the Bear cubs come ready to play from the start.
Dom, Phoenix and Charley were unstoppable, Ryder has his best game yet using his teammates as well as kicking snags from everywhere. Mason was in and under and even Kynan Sidebottom was playing like a champion, fair to say they came away with sided draw.
Awards: Kynan, Curtis, Ryder and Mason.
Netball
A Grade
Tungamah 65 def Strathmerton 31
It was a warm day as the Bears took on Strathmerton. The match started with a few mistakes and Strathy converting to start the game strong.
After a few resets the Bears started to settle into the game and saw some great passages of play.
Tungamah began getting reward for their effort, with Sophie and Chloe E both shooting well.
Defensive pressure from Molly and Kristie in the ring proved too strong again, seeing another great game from this combination.
A few changes through the midcourt throughout the game with Bella and Keeley combining well with defensive pressure on the opposition centre pass.
Chloe L and Keely continued to show their hard work off the court is paying off with great passing and speed driving onto the ring.
A few key pieces to work on for next week but another strong team effort from the Bears building into the season.
Awards: Players’ Player - Molly Grant, TFNC Award - Chloe Elliott and Kristie Parks, Jaycees Award - Molly Grant.
B Grade
Tungamah 55 def Strathmerton 24
With Anzac Day falling on Saturday, we made the trip to Strathmerton on Sunday under very warm, sunny conditions. It was great to welcome back our Captain Grace and Caity from their recent holiday, both making an immediate impact on court.
Amy was deservedly voted Players’ Player, with her defensive pressure and impressive reach leading to multiple turnovers and rebounds. Mollie continued her strong form, shooting accurately and seamlessly stepping into WA for a quarter where she provided great drive and delivery.
Mariah also had an outstanding game, switching between WA and WD with ease and proving to be a valuable asset across the court.
A special mention to our 17s players, Emily and Laila, who once again stepped up to help the side. When given the opportunity, they slotted into their roles confidently and contributed well to the team effort.
The warm conditions meant plenty of rotations through the midcourt to keep fresh legs on and maintain intensity, which allowed us to control the flow of the game.
It was a consistent performance across all four quarters, finishing with a strong 55–24 win.
Awards: Players’ Player & Purtle Electrical - Amy Perry, Hemphill Family - Mollie Walton, Rich Glen - Mariah Duffy.
C Grade
Tungamah 41 def Strathmerton 35
We knew this was going to be a tough game with the heat kicking in and the players feeling it even in the warm up.
The first half saw some really strong transitions down the court but also times where we lacked patience and control seeing us lose possession.
It was a tight contest with the Bears up by just a single goal at half time. A lot of rotations were necessary to manage fatigue in the heat but to also keep Strathy guessing with our match ups.
All players adjusted well as players rolled off and on throughout to game.
In the last quarter the pressure applied for the whole game turned into lots of defensive turnovers with goals converted to give us the win. A really solid four quarter effort by every member of the team.
Awards: Players player & Jaycees: - Madi Scott, One Zach towel - Adelle Symes , Rich Glen - Jorja Goldman.
C Reserve
Tungamah 27 def Strathmerton 9
The girls took to the court with a fierce fire in their belly ready to get back on the winner’s board.
The girls moved the ball smoothly down the court without a second thought our defenders did a great job keeping the oppositions score low while ours continued to grow.
A great team effort that has made the coach very proud of each and every player!
Awards: Judds - Tegan Barkley, One Zach - Chloe Cummins, Miss Dolly - Maya Howe, Players player - Rahni Gadsden & Danielle Rennie.
Under 17s
Tungamah 63 def Strathmerton 21
Tungamah delivered an impressive performance in warm conditions, showing great teamwork and skill across the court.
Despite the heat, the girls maintained strong intensity and focus, working the ball smoothly through the midcourt and finishing accurately in the ring.
Their defensive pressure was consistent all game, limiting Strathmerton’s scoring opportunities.
Tungamah came away with a dominant win, reflecting their hard work and determination.
Individual efforts were also recognised, with Chloe earning the Sock award for her standout performance, Lillie awarded the players player for her impact on the game, and Kiera taking home an award for her contribution to the team.
Awards: Doyle socks – Chloe, Central Murray Bank – Lillie, Tungamah Shop: Kiera.
Under 15s
Tungamah 38 def Strathmerton 13
A strong start saw the Bears convert lots of opportunities into goals with a nice lead at quarter time.
The defensive pressure was strong across the whole court gaining more possession to continue to extend the lead. Some congestion crept in later in the game as the players felt the heat starting to get to them.
Lots of subs today giving everyone a chance to try a few different positions and for the coaches to try some alternate combinations.
Overall, a good win, lots of positives to take away from the game but always more to work on at the early stage of the season.
Awards: Players player & Doyle’s socks - Lyla Payne, Bamford Builders - Asha Kelly , Tungamah Shop- Billie-Jo Buerckner.
Under 13s
Tungamah 45 def Strathmerton 2
Tungamah delivered a dominant performance on a beautiful day for netball, defeating Strathmerton 44-2.
From the first whistle, the girls came out focused and ready to take on the Dogs, applying strong defensive pressure across the court.
Their effort was clear, with everyone working hard to get their three feet quickly, contest every pass, and chase down the loose balls.
The team’s energy and teamwork stood out, and it was great to see how much they were enjoying the game.
The ball mover smoothly down the court, reflecting the effort they’ve been putting in at training.
It all came together in a well-rounded performance, with consistent play, great pressure, and plenty of positive movements throughout the match.
Awards: Bestfit Windscreens - Kiah Bedford, Tungamah Shop - Georgie Burns\, Rich Glen - Harper Powell.
Under 11s
A fantastic game this week with all 11 players taking the court and contributing across the six quarters.
The team showed strong focus, with great listening and real effort to apply directions during play this is making a big difference. Defensively, the girls were impressive.
They read the play well, positioned themselves strongly, and applied consistent pressure across the court.
Their ability to anticipate the ball and respond quickly really stood out.
We have some impressive height across the court- making the opposition wonder what’s in the water- and those who are shorter are short! But use their agility brilliantly, often surprising their opponents with quick movement and a strong read of the ball.
In attack, there was some excellent “zooming” and confident drives to the ball. The movement created space and opportunities, and the teamwork across positions continues to grow.
In comparison, the opposition often bunched up and didn’t spread out, which worked to our advantage. It allowed our players to step in, read the play, and intercept the ball effectively. It also showed our girls the importance of making space.
While we don’t keep score at this level, the team showed clear control of the game a great reflection of their effort and development.
As fatigue and heat sets in, we noticed a shift back to lobbing and relying on height.
We’ll keep building endurance and confidence to drive further and stay strong in our movement right through the game.
A great team performance proud of the way everyone is showing up and improving each week.
Awards: Jacyees - Lexi Cummins, Wingates- Maeve Inchbold, Tungamah Shop- Tilly Lawless.