Congupna too strong for Lions

Goals: Congupna: Daniel Schaper 5, Samuel Buxton 3, Jack Norman 2, Jak Trewin 2, Billy Cooper 1, Hugo Ingham 1, Thomas McCluskey 1, Charlie Mellington 1, Samuel Poole 1.

Mulwala: Joseph Bland 1, Will Robinson 1, Zach Scott 1.

Best: Congupna: Jack Norman, Daniel Schaper, Thomas McCluskey, Wil Norman, Jordan Gee, Samuel Buxton.

Mulwala: Nathan McNair, Owen Conway, Beau Seymour, Jackson Meade, Oscar Elliott, Charley McKenna.

A tough match up for the Lions’ senior side this week coming up against the benchmark of the competition Congupna.

The entire team was set on the hard at the ball ethos instilled by the coaching group and none were more committed than Nathan McNair.

A relatively even first half where Mulwala were unable to capitalise on their strong midfield work as the Congupna backmen worked in numbers to clear the many Mulwala forward attacks.

Oscar Elliott and Owen Conway were strong at the contest all game and Jackson Meade once again was the focal point up forward but Congupna were too strong in the end.

Awards: MDMK - Nathan McNair, BSM Weld - Owen Conway, Club Mulwala - Beau Seymour, Mulwala Water Ski Club - Oscar Elliott, Yarra Golf - Jackson Meade, Waldrons IGA Corowa - Charley McKenna.

Reserves

Congupna 9.7.61 def Mulwala 6.5.41.

The Reserves entered the clash against fellow top six team Congupna minus a few players but it was not evident in the contest.

The brilliant body of work of the ‘Wood Duck’ was on display in the forward line early as he ignited Mulwala and propelled them to the lead at half time.

Sean Robinson was prolific forward and around the contest up the field feeding off of the strong ruck work of Austin Fraeunfelder.

Congupna were able to score well in the third quarter as the older brigade tired, however the strong work of the younger statesman in Levi Saunders, Jye Brennan, Hunter Lonergan and Rhys Burgess were keeping Mulwala in the game.

An extremely even contest that will give hope to supercoach Marcus Larkin that the team is capable of matching it with the better teams leading into the second half of the year.

Goals: Sean Robinson 2, David Cornish 1, Austin Frauenfelder 1, Jaxen Wheeler 1, Lachlan Wood 1.

Best: Sean Robinson, Mitch Collins Bye, Randall Perkinson, Rhys Burgess, Axel Saunders, Jye Brennan.

Awards: Yarra Glass - Sean Robinson, Yarrawonga Hotel - Austin Frauenfelder, Poolside - Randall Perkinson, Mulwala Return & Earn - Rhys Burgess, One Zach - Axel Saunders, Yarrawonga Toyota - Jye Brennan.

Thirds

Congupna 1.1.7 def by Mulwala 21.16.142.

The Mulwala thirds came out with their fast ball movement style of football and immediately controlled the game from the first bounce.

Jai Sneddon was unstoppable in the forward line and finished with 12 goals ably assisted by Archer Kirchen, who also played well in the forward line.

Beau Sissons and Maiko Leith controlled the ball through the middle.

Along with the strong ruckwork of John Burns, they repeatedly won the ball and ran it through the middle of the ground setting up many forward attacks that resulted in goals. A great win which will set them up well against a tough clash versus Echuca this week.

Goals: Jai Sneddon 12, Archer Kirchen 3, Sonny Sneddon 3, Logan Cooper 1, Henry Donovan 1, Lucas Tonna 1.

Best: Jai Sneddon, Lucas Tonna, Maiko Leith, Beau Sissons, Tige Sanderson, Archer Kirchen.

Fourths

Congupna 3.0.18 def by Mulwala 8.19.67.

A cold Congupnah greeted the boys on Saturday morning. Ben Ferguson got the Lions off to a hot start, kicking the first in the first 30 seconds of the game.

Wally Hammon led all day and never gave up in a best on ground performance.

Some loose checking in the backline allowed some easy Congupnah goals.

The backline tightened up to dry the goals up led by Jake Sage and Blake Braun.

An even spread of goal kickers was pleasing for the coaches. Another win and another even team game.

Onto the Eagles at home.

Goals: Byron Dodd 2, Benji Watson 2, Finn Wood 2, Blake Carey 1, Ben Ferguson 1, Mitchell Smith 1.

Best: Wally Hammon, Byron Dodd, Levi Purtle, Alex Richardson, Ben Ferguson, Benji Watson.

Mulwala netball

A Grade

Congupna 32 def by Mulwala 56.

The defenders were relentless, reading the play beautifully and making life difficult for the opposition shooters.

They chased down loose balls, applied constant pressure, and kept their structure strong throughout the match.

The mid-court was tireless – running hard, creating space, and working end-to-end to transition the ball smoothly into the attacking third.

Their effort was the engine behind the momentum, constantly feeding quality passes into the circle.

In the goal circle, the shooters were composed and accurate, consistently finishing off the hard work from down the court.

Their movement and precision under the post kept the scoreboard ticking and the pressure on the opposition.

With everyone doing their bit and working together, the result was a well-earned win.

Well done, girls.

Awards: MFNC incentive - Tess McNamara, MFNC incentive - Georgie Hemphill, MFNC incentive - Kristie James and MFNC incentive - Ellie Lothian.

B Grade

Congupna 54 def by Mulwala 57

The first cold winter day saw Mulwala B take on Congupna. The Road girls came out with gusto and although the Lionesses had defeated them in round one they had a ten goal led by quarter time, their goalies just not missing.

The team had to really pull out their best performance in the second and had a real fight back with the score being 31 to 28, Mulwala still trailing.

Mid court, defenders and attackers were all lifting with the game becoming physical. During that passage of play the girls had made up the deficit only to see the opposition lead again by five at three quarter time.

In the huddle, the team were asked to lift and be smart with passing and stay positive. This talk saw the girls play their style of game and narrowly stay in front.

This was an important game to win and showed mental and physical strength.

More importantly, the Lionesses maintained their position on the ladder. A real team effort.

Awards: Judds Yarrawonga - Tayla Seccull, Free as a bird - Alex Ridley and Jaycees Sophia Shaw.

C Grade

Congupna 52 def Mulwala 35

Injury and illness caused it to be a tough day on the court. Congupna being the stronger side on the day.

Good effort girls -let's train hard and prepare for a few tough games ahead.

Awards: Showcase Jewellers - Stassy McCarthy, Mulwala Bakery - Jade Robinson and Hardluck Café - Mel McVicar.

Under 17s

Congupna 34 def by Mulwala 57.

Report not submitted before print publication.

Under 15s

Congupna 19 def by Mulwala 21

On a cold Congupna morning, in the middle of nowhere, the girls stood on the court, frost biting through the air.

They pulled their jumpers tighter, tied their laces with a grin, you could see it in their faces, they were ready for a win.

Now every netballer knows, the secret what to do, play smart, play strong, and back the girl next to you.

The wind it cut like wire, but they didn’t let it show. This game is yours for taking, so get out there and go.

You gotta know when to run, know when to pass, know when to take the shot, know when to move your…

You never count your bruises, while the games still getting wild. You just fake it like you’re fine, throw a wink and crack a smile.

Ever shot like fire, even with the frozen hands, Charli fed the ball in sharp, like she drew it in the sand.

Nat was locking down the back with Ruby and with Summer, they turned defence to pressure, and made the goalers stutter.

Claire ran full send, through the middle of the game, Bonnie played the angles, every feed a perfect aim.

And Chloe kept it moving, like a clock that never slows. Mid court strength and balance, where the real game flowing goes.

Now some games, they come easy… some leave you bruised and burned. But the best ones are the battles, where every lesson’s earned.

You give it all, together… not for glory or the prize… But for the team who stood beside you, under those grey skies.

Awards: Paradise Palms – Bonnie and Jacyee – Claire.

Under 13s

Congupna 1 def by Mulwala 31

In freezing cold and windy conditions, the Under 13s pulled off another great win. It took a little while to find momentum, but once the team settled, they delivered some awesome full court plays.

Defence was strong, passes were sharp, and everyone stepped up despite the tough weather.

A solid team effort all round.

Awards: Jaycees- Paige Varndell and Charlees charcoal chicken - Mila Hoskings.

Under 11s

Great game by the girls - they are all listening and following their coaches instruction and the improvement is evident. Great effort girls.

Awards: Housemade food & Coffee - Brydie Pearce and Charlees Chicken - Harper Van Roy.