What a fantastic day last Friday. In ideal conditions, a huge crowd turned out to see the local derby against our neighbours, the Cobram Tigers. Thanks to everyone who chipped in to make the day the success it was, especially those who gave more than expected. Without your efforts, this would not have been achieved. It was a mixed bag of win/losses with the Hawks getting up in 5 of the 12 contests.
The Senior game was being touted as one that would go right down to the wire and it didn’t disappoint. Players from either side fought out an epic, with not too many coming off the ground absolutely spent. Throughout the game, the ascendency changed regularly but only by small margins. It was until mid last quarter, the Hawks skipped out to a handy 3 goal lead. Unfortunately, someone forgot to tell the Cobram boys to give up and accept defeat, and they clawed their way back into the contest, hitting the front with a minute to go. Wilson kicked a goal after the siren, signaling a 7 point win to the Tiges. It was a disappointing result considering the position the Hawks had got themselves into and they will need to rebound today against the Road, which will be no easy feat. Bernard Price, Michael Sumner and Brett Clarke played exceptional first up games for the club and we look forward to many more of this standard. Hendo was great in the Ruck and around the ground, Holty repelled many Tiger attacks and Pinny had a super game, holding down the key position of CHF.
The Reserves commenced the day by unfurling last year’s premiership flag and, after a slow start, produced the type of footy which has won them the past couple of titles. Numbers were not looking good on Thursday night but after a bit of coaxing, Chriso, Gas and Boa came out of retirement to help out. Thanks to Will Robinson and Mat Foster, who came up from the U17s. The boys were very happy to see the last quarter shortened and they came away with a 38 point win. Sean Connor was sensational in the guts, as were Joffa Elleray, Flanno and Jamerson, giving Hawks first use. Bosnich McNeill, Chimp Bourke and Conor Ryan also had outstanding games, rebounding many forward thrusts of the Tigers.
The U17s went into their game full of confidence after a terrific pre-season. Unfortunately, from the onset, the Tigers dominated proceedings, having plenty of shots on goal. Their inaccuracy gave the Hawks a glimmer of hope. As the game progressed, the boys did everything in their power to get back into the game but it was to no avail as the Tigers gave them no breathing space whatsoever. When the final siren sounded, it was the Tigers prevailing by 39 points and definitely giving the Hawks a bit of a wake-up call. Ben Sim, in his first game for the club and crook, was a shining light for the side. Artie Rootsey also gave everything he had in trying to ensure a Hawks’ win. Daniel Davis, Sam Jenkins, Brayden Smith and Tom Currie were other notable contributors.
In the U14s game, the Hawks came up against bigger opposition and, although they tried their little hearts out, found the going too tough and were well beaten to the tune of 73 points. It doesn’t get any easier as they face last year’s premiers today. Good luck to the fledglings. Great to see the U14s leadership group featuring in the best and leading by example. Lachie, Cal and Hary did everything they could to lift their young side and stay competitive. Caleb Brooks also put in a huge effort in trying to get the Hawks over the line.
The netball season started with the 11 & under girls. The girls played well but unfortunately Cobram came away with the win. Barooga 4 lost to Cobram 24. Congratulations to Charlotte Wright on winning the Barooga General Store Award.
12 & under's played a fantastic first quarter leading Cobram 8 to 2. They had wonderful passages of play down the court and converted them into goals. The second half was good and the team moved around positions and we secured the game with a 19 to 4 win. Huge thank you to Abbey, Chloe & Tayla for filling in and we welcome back Phoebe and Jess this week to take on Congupna. Emma Buchanan played an awesome game and took out the Cobram Rural Centre Award.
13 & under girls had a tough game and to their credit they never gave up. They played well but unfortunately Cobram came away the winners 36 to 12. Maddy Dunn & Georgia Papalia took out the Barooga Takeaway& Cafe Award.
15 & Under. This was another tough game for Barooga. The girls tried very hard and have a couple of things to work on at training this week to change the score around for their next match. Barooga 15 lost to Cobram 32. Jess Brooks won “The Beach” Award.
17 & Under Great to see to the girls start the season with a win. Must be all the hard work Coach Steph has been doing with them. Looking forward to seeing more wins for this season. Keep up the great work! Cassi Perri took out the Barooga General Store Award. Barooga 26 defeated Cobram 18.
C GRADE saw the usual old warhorses, minus Coach Foster, come out firing in the first 3 quarters. Hannah was on fire in the goal ring, and Cath and Linda (fingers) were combining fantastically in defence. Cath Brooks took out the Barooga Hotel Award. Barooga 26 narrowly defeated Cobram 21.
B GRADE saw a close 1st half with only a few goals in it. The second half saw Wendy and Theresa extend the lead with accurate shooting and the defenders working hard with intercepts to take out the match 44 to Cobram 30. Fosters & Seppelts Award went to Wendy Brooks.
A GRADE With a very young side the girls played a very good game against a strong Cobram side. Emma Streeter gave it her all and played 110% and won the D’Vine Award. Cobram were too good in the end, taking the match 48 to Barooga 31. We would also like to wish Louise a very speedy recovery from her injury on Friday.
This week sees us up against the Road at Congupna. We always seem to have tough battles at Memorial Park. Good luck to all our teams. Don’t forget next week, after the Numurkah game at home, we have the Players Auction @ the Golf Club. For this and all the lastest news, visit the website: baroogafc.vcfl.com.au.
Turn the tiniest sparks of potential into the roaring flames of reality!!!!
C’mon Barooga!