Sean Robinson flies for a mark on his way to three goals for the day.
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Les_Garbutt
Mulwala 1.5, 3.9, 6.12, 7.15.57
Finley 3.1, 6.4, 7.5, 9.6.60
Goals: Sean Robinson 3, William Gorman, Harry Haley, Max Hemphill, Charley McKenna
Best: Max Hemphill, Dylan McNamara, Kade Rowe, Jackson Meade, Harry Haley, Charley McKenna
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The senior team started well against a committed Finley however inaccuracy was the issue early as Adam Rouell, Will Gorman and Harry Haley all missed opportunities in front of goal before Sean Robinson converted from the set shot after a wonderful passage of play from Matt Gorman in the middle of the ground.
The Finley forwards were taking their chances in front of goal and took a handy lead into the quarter-time break. Mulwala fell asleep early in the second quarter as Finley took full advantage slamming on two quick goals and then a third as the scoreline was beginning to look embarrassing for the reigning premiers. Mulwala’s midfield led by Kade Rowe and Matt Gorman began to take back control of the game and the silky skills of Max Hemphill and Connor Griffiths set up some Mulwala attacks allowing Sean Robinson a couple of quick goals to keep Mul in the game. Jackson Meade and Harry Haley were beginning to look dangerous up forward but were again unable to finish off in front of goals.
After the inspirational Cubs ran out at halftime Mulwala started putting their best foot forward with a much more efficient third quarter. Matt and Will Gorman were as tough as ever in the middle and Charley McKenna was burning the grass on the far wing using his pace in a magical moment of fleet footed brilliance that finished with a great goal to kickstart the team. Harry Haley and Max Hemphill both kicked goals to put Mulwala in front by the smallest of margins leading into the final quarter.
The last quarter was an arm wrestle for the ages with a couple of lead changes and the crowd beginning to get heavily involved. Harry Meade, Dylan McNamara and Lach Rouell were fantastic down back and counteracting many of the Finley forward forays. Will Gorman kicked a ripper goal from outside 50 to put Mulwala in front late in the game and when the Charley McKenna mark on the goal line was not allowed, Finley went forward quickly to break the hearts of the loyal Mulwala crowd and escape with a thrilling victory. The week’s rest will be invaluable to Mulwala who need a win against Deniliquin the week after to stay in touch with the top teams.
Nathan McNair handballs in the main game against Finley.
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Les_Garbutt
Reserves
Mulwala 2.6, 4.1,0 4.15, 8.18.66
Finley 0.1, 3.1, 4.2, 5.3.33
Goals: Jaxen Wheeler 3, Thomas Wilson 3, Josh Eder, Dylan Robinson
Best: Nathan Beasley, Lachlan Wood, Mitchell Appleby, Tim Cooper, Thomas Wilson, Riley Mitchell
A number of senior players injured meant that the reserves had to call on some vintage Mulwala names like Josh Hammond, Thomas Flanagan and Craig Frauenfelder who all equipped themselves well once disposing of their walking frames. The younger brigade of last year’s thirds players held the team together with Riley Mitchell, Josh Eder, Jye Brennan, Mitch Adkins and Mitch Appleby all combining brilliantly at times setting up full forward Jaxen Wheeler who finished off their good work up forward to bag three majors.
Veteran forwards Dylan Robinson and lookalikes Thomas Wilson and Lachlan Wood were influential up forward while in defence Tim Cooper and Nathan Beasley were controlling the airways allowing Cam Carling and Isaac Pitches to run the ball out sublimely giving their forwards many opportunities. Poor accuracy was the only issue which happens when you have a Robinson up forward otherwise the scoreline would have been a lot worse for Finley. Undefeated after three rounds setting up a classic match against Deni in two weeks’ time at Deniliquin.
Under 17s
Mulwala 4.2, 5.4, 9.6, 11.6.72
Finley 1.0, 1.1, 1.1, 2.4.16
Goals: Max O'Bryan 5, Jai Sneddon 2, Baxter Donovan, Hunter Lonergan, Jetta Norrish, Zachary Wheeler
Best: Hunter Lonergan, Riley Bone, Brock Johnson, Baxter Donovan, Charlie Drake, Max O'Bryan
After their standard ‘doof doof’ warm up and some sharp words from the coach about complacency the thirds were switched on from the start of the match. Brock Johnson was controlling the ruck contests and winning his own tap downs to set up countless forward opportunities for the likes of Baxter Donovan and Hunter Lonergan. Max O’Bryan was doing a lot of his own grunt work deep forward and reaping the reward with several goals and Jai Sneddon and Charlie Drake were outworking their opponents on the forward flanks. Ryan Cameron and Riley Bone were damaging coming off the halfback line the few times that it went down that end of the ground. The win entrenching the boys at the top of the Murray League ladder with a bye coming up and then a couple of tougher games to ensue, which will see just where they sit for the 2024 season.
Under 14s
Mulwala 3.4, 5.8, 9.12, 14.14.98
Finley 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0.0
Goals: Henry Donovan 3, Nate Leith 3, Axel Saunders 3, Logan Cooper, Finn Mitchell, Reed Phillips, Levi Purtle, Benji Watson
Best: Nate Leith, Fletcher Woodhead, Tyce Woodhead, Levi Purtle, Hugo Varndell, Archer Kirchen
The young Lions started well winning the ball out of the middle of the ground through the strong work rate of Axel Saunders. Tyce Woodhead was influential on the forward flank on the members’ side of the ground setting up numerous attacking options which finished with the first goal of the game to Logan Cooper. Henry Donovan was all class in the forward half creating a couple of opportunities for small forward Ben Ferguson and kicking two silky goals himself. Fletcher Woodhead and Archer Kirchen were doing their best work through the middle of the ground not allowing Finley to advance past the centre of the ground for much of the game and Nate Leith was brilliant in the ruck contests late in the game, floating forward onto his majestic left foot to finish with a handy three goals of his own. Levi Purtle, Benji Watson and Reed Phillips were causing headaches all day for the Finley backline and Axel, Henry and Hugo Varndell were scintillating with their slick ball movement finding teammates in better positions in front of goal.
Hot was the word coming out of everyone’s mouths as we all eagerly await netball to start feeling like a winter sport. Saturday, however, is the day we celebrate our defenders. Jess Linehan, welcome to senior netball. Your ability to listen, adjust and learn from your coaches and peers is what is going to make this year wonderful for you. Sharni Dickins relentless all day. Second and third attempts is the reason you were BOC. Tegan Larkin, you are a very welcomed addition to our club, your grit is what sets you apart. Congratulations girls on a great win. Looking forward to next week.
Awards: Sharni Dickins- Seeliger Real Estate. Tegan Larkin - Club Award Jess Linehan - Hick Butcher.
Violett Elliott watches as Iris Elliott receives a pass in the Under 17s.
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Les_Garbutt
C Grade
Mulwala 44 def by Finley 51
Hard fought game not reflected in the end score.
Brooke stepping into goals with Tahlia with an instant connection and working together brilliantly.
Our defence achieving many turnovers, Eliza playing another strong game with Kealy coming out in the last quarter and putting immediate pressure on the Finley shooters showing how dominant these two girls can be in defence.
The midcourt showed their versatility yet again, with Catherine leading the team, with Mel and Abbey switching roles through the game.
Exciting times ahead for these girls - looking forward to having Stassy and Pop in the coming weeks.
Awards: Club Award - Tahlia Dole. Yarrawonga Hotel - Brooke Bigger. Jaycees - Mel McVicar.
C Reserve
Mulwala 42 def by Finley 45
The girls really held the game for three quarters with players displaying their versatility throughout the game. The use of the rolling subs under hot conditions was great for the mid court and defence. Was goal for goal through the last quarter with Finley getting the breakaway to come away with the win on the day.
Awards: Yarrawonga Hotel - Addye Carr. Club Award - Katrina Jameison. Waterside Mulwala - Laura Nunn.
Under 17s
Mulwala 33 def by Finley 50
The Lions knew this was going to be a tough game, but they gave it their all. The girls showed their versatility with lots of position changes. Iris used her speed and skills to dominate all over the court, playing in goals and midcourt. It’s great to have Mia back and she was on fire, a standout in defence getting lots of intercepts and making Finley work hard for each goal. Myley worked hard in goals, moving well and scoring with accuracy. It was a tough game for the Lions but they never gave up and the girls should be proud of their efforts.
Another great team effort. Handover pressure created a lot of opportunities for turnovers which the girls capitalised on. Well done to all girls on another great win!
Once again, under 13s were the dominant team winning 27-8. Phoenix and Nancy were solid in defence with help from Claire. The second quarter saw a drop in concentration with Mulwala only scoring three goals. The girls responded well to the team talk by attacking with greater patience and building their play with care and precision. This resulted in nine goals scored in the third quarter. Once again, fantastic result.
Under 11s
Our Under 11 girls are continuing to develop their skills and this week really learnt a lot from the mentor night. Poppy Robinson’s defending in the ring was exceptional while Marley Davies did a fantastic job shooting and Tully Ewert did an awesome job attacking the ball and making some great intercepts. Well done to all the girls for a top effort!
Awards: Mulwala Canteen Voucher - Tully Ewert. Zambrero Award - Poppy Robinson. Mulwala Canteen Award - Marley Davies.
