Plenty of on-court joy for Towners in round 12

It was always going to be a tough ask for Violet Town headed to third-placed Rushworth. That task was made even harder as GS Maddie Gottschling couldn’t take the court due to injury. A big hit considering GA Jacqui Bast is also out injured.

Towners took to the court regardless, and against a very athletic and well-rounded Rushworth side. While the scoreboard didn't fall in Towners’ favour, the match showed plenty of grit and promising moments.

After a tough opening quarter, Towners found their rhythm in the second and third quarters, lifting intensity across the court and really challenging Rushworth's flow. Defensively, our Towners stood up well to their athleticism, applying constant pressure and forcing some key turnovers.

Although Towners went down in the end, the effort, structure, and determination shown - particularly during the middle quarters - were a credit to the team. There are definitely positives to take forward, and Towners will look to build on this performance as they move into the last part of the season.

Awards went to Kolby Wild and Mel Humphries.

B-grade

Rushworth 22 defeated by Violet Town 31

Not much separates these two on the ladder, and it showed on the court. Towners went into the game knowing it was a do-or-die match if they were to have any finals aspirations this year.

The nerves were visible, but the determination outweighed them. Towners got off to an early lead, albeit a small one, by the first break. It was still anyone’s game, and both teams fought hard.

The next three quarters continued in a similar vein, with both teams fighting hard and creating turnovers in defence.

It was just that the Towners were able to capitalise on them better, combined with their early lead, that managed to get them over the line on the day. Towners were also savaged with injuries and the whole team rallied to get over the line for the win and keep their finals hopes alive.

Awards went to Millie Elliston and Megan Bamford.

C-grade

Rushworth 24 defeated by Violet Town 49

Towners had an absolute cracking game against Rushworth and move into sixth spot and well and truly in with a shot at finals. This is big news for a team that until round one this year, hadn’t had a win in over three years.

This team showed extreme promise a few rounds ago, with the upset of the season defeating Shepp East. Last week though, they struggled to secure a win over bottom-placed Longwood.

Thankfully, they were back in form this week and worked well right across the court to secure the win. The big figures posted by Towners came from never once dropping their intensity.

Awards went to Courtney Pilcher and Bianca Robins.

C-reserve

Rushworth 15 defeated by Violet Town 21

What a day, what a win! This season has been a tough slog for Towners C Reserve, particularly as it is almost a completely new team. Until Saturday, they were winless, but they fought hard to finally get a win and boost morale.

Towners started strong and looked like the game was all theirs. However, in the third quarter, they let Rushworth back into the game and had to fight in the final quarter to make sure they took the win.

Awards went to Georgia McLean and Kaya Rufford-Sharpe.

17-and-under

Rushworth 35 drew Violet Town 35

Despite being the underdogs in this match-up, with Rushworth in third position on the ladder and Towners in fifth, Towners took it to Rushworth early.

Towners opened up a five-goal lead at the first break with shooters Leila and Ella converting the efforts of the mid-court. By halftime they pushed that lead out to seven.

But in the third, they couldn't capitalise on turnovers, which allowed Rushworth to close to four points by the third break. The last quarter was nearly goal for goal and Rushworth crept back, scoring an extra goal with seconds remaining and levelling the score for a rare netball draw.

Awards went to Georgia McLean and Ella Bast.

13-and-under

Rushworth 22 defeated Violet Town 5

Awards went to Queenie and Lilly.

Under-11

Rushworth 4 defeated by Violet Town 23

What a fantastic game from Under 11s this week, coming away with a well-deserved win! The team played with great energy and spirit, and it was especially pleasing to see some of the older players really step up and play a beautiful, composed game.

From the first centre pass, the girls worked together with confidence, moving the ball smoothly through the court and supporting one another at every opportunity. The teamwork and talk on court were a real highlight, showing just how much the group is growing each week.

Defensively, we held strong and made it hard for the opposition to find space, while our attacking play was creative and calm under pressure. It was a great display of how far this group has come, with moments of smart play and great decision-making across all positions.

A great team effort and a proud win—well done, girls!

Awards went to Bella, Rylie and Queenie.

Football

Seniors

Violet Town has slipped to ninth spot on the ladder following its Kyabram District League senior football clash at the weekend, falling by 64 points at the hands of Rushworth at Ironbark Stadium on Saturday.

The Towners were on the back foot from the opening bounce, with the gap growing at every break before eventually going down 8.10 (58) to 18.14 (122) at the final siren.

A six-goal-to-two opening term from Rushworth set the tone for the encounter, with the Towners trailing by 24 points at quarter time, a deficit which grew to 32 points by half time despite the visitors managing three goals, their best return in a quarter for the contest.

It was more of the same after the break as Violet Town struggled to keep pace with their higher-ranked opponent, a five-goal-to-one third quarter blowing the margin out to 54 points with one term to play.

As they had done all day, the Tigers kept the foot down in the last, against outscoring the visitors to hand Violet Town the 64-point loss.

James Herring (one goal) was named the Towners’ best, closely followed by Nathan Butler, Patrick Horsburgh and Wil Smyth, while Joshua Robertson (three goals) and Sam Leigh rounded out the best.

The loss has Violet Town occupying ninth spot on the ladder at 5-6 for the year, a game behind Rushworth in fifth, amid a gaggle of five teams all vying for the fifth and sixth spots to secure a finals berth.

The Towners will look to bounce back on Sunday when they host Avenel at Violet Town Recreation Reserve, the Swans another one of those teams locked in the battle for finals, meaning the result could have big implications come round 18.