The trip to Tongala proved worthwhile with some great wins on both the Footy field and the netball courts.
The Under 14s kicked off in Arctic conditions and played like they were all frozen stiff. Coach Mick Dunn wasnt too happy when the boys trailed 6-8 to no score at the long break. He read the riot act to his charges and they came out and played their only quarter of footy in the third term. However there wasnt to be a happy ending because Tonny saved their best for last with a five goal final term whilst keeping the Hawks scoreless. If the boys thought the half time spray was a good one they were kidding themselves!! The after game one was much bigger and I think the lads may have had a pretty torrid week on the track if it was anything to go by! Daniel Russell (Barooga Bakery) was an exception to the rule as he put in a solid four quarter effort. Isaac Bunge (Barooga General Store) also tried his heart out and is in good form. Ryan Welch (Spanner Brooks Encouragement) and Logan Morey (Outdoor Indulgence) were others to play well. Congratulations to Logan for playing his 50th game for the Under 14s last week, a mighty effort.
The Under 17s were always going to be up against it, with a very undermanned outfit and playing the second placed team. Five fourths stepped up to help out and they all acquitted themselves admirably. Despite the difference in class between the two teams, the Hawks had a real dip. They tackled and chased hard and forced Tongala to earn every kick. While the scoreboard indicated a 159 point win to Tonny, there was plenty for the Hawks to take out of the game. Riley Brooks (Menthas) played a fantastic game across half back and then in the middle. Matty Connors (Andrew Jenkins Real Estate) is the best fullback in the comp. Hayden Atkinson-Thring (Babcon), Cam Nye (Barooga Bakery) and Damian Hyde (Barooga General Store) all competed strongly as did Pete Connors and James Leech. The Reserves faced a stern test and came through with the spoils after fighting every inch of the way. Tongala exerted plenty of pressure and were able to bottle things up, with neither side able to score a major in the first term. Two goals apiece in the second quarter meant it was still anyones game at the long break. The arm wrestle continued in the third but in the last the Hawks were finally able to break the shackles and come away with a 25 point win. Colin Ross (Barooga Hotel) did a great job on the reserves leading goalkicker, restricting him to two goals and providing plenty of rebound himself. Daniel Brophy (Babcon Hire) covered plenty of territory and is keeping the pressure on selectors. Micky Connors (Bottom Pub) had his best game for a while and Nick Flanagan (Barooga Sporties) displayed composure when it was required. Scotty Nye and Dylan Brooks were others to stand up when the game was in the balance.
The Seniors new they faced dangerous opposition and Byso had been challenging his side throughout the week. The Hawks started off well and appeared to be in control but goals late in the term kept Tonny within touch. The second quarter was a goal for goal affair and it looked like the boys were doing just enough to keep the Blues at bay. Byso wasnt a happy camper at half time and he served it up to the Hawks with an address I reckon you would have heard in Echuca!! However it was Tongala that came out revved up and they took the lead by 2 points going into the final term. Once again Byso implored his side to lift and this time they answered the challenge taking the lead back and then holding on to win by 11 points. The umpiring certainly did the Hawks no favours with our supporters left baffled at numerous dubious decisions that went in favour of the home side. I cant think why the league would see the need to have three umpires officiating. Surely important games like this one shouldnt be used as training grounds for inexperienced umpires. Tim ODwyer and Paul Mason took out the major incentives and were prominent throughout. Brent Chapman was a dangerous forward and booted 6 goals and Sam Ryan found some form. They took home the minor incentives. Andrew Smith, the OCallaghan brothers and Tyron Hill were instrumental in getting the Hawks over the line. SOCIAL NEWS - GOLF DAY TOMORROW! See Mal McKean or Adrian Kirk for details. Dont forget that the Ball is on next weekend (after Numurkah game). Tickets are being pre-sold so see Jordan or Carmen to let them know how many tickets you will need and if you are booking a table. Should be a great night if any of the previous Social Functions are anything to go by, so you wont want to miss out on this one! Formal Dress, 2-course meal, Live band Outrage will be playing, so get those suits and dresses out and take them to the dry-cleaners ladies and gents, for what will be a great night out in the Garden Room. Also mark in your calendar that after the Cobram match we are all back at the Bottom Pub backroom where there will be dinner and drinks after the game. Everyone is welcome, there will be a live band playing and we would like to show our support to the Bottom Pub for their sponsorship on the 26th July, so come along for another great night out. Today we play host to our near neighbours Tocumwal. Wins in all grades is not out of the question. ~ Squawk.
Netball 11/U: Barooga 8 to Tongala 19. Barooga Bakery and Brays canteen awards went to Georgia Papalia and Sophie Leech.
13/U: Barooga 21 to Tongala 15. What a week!!! The girls had another win. Tongala played a competitive game, but our girls held strong and lead the majority of the game. The defence held tight and the attackers moved the ball beautifully. Well done girls. Award this week went to Kayla Eddy and Nat Jarred.
15/U: Barooga 43 to Tongala 21. A great win to the girls with everyone playing extremely well. Very few errors and some great turnovers allowed the goalers to capitalise with accurate shooting. Our defence was strong against some tall opposition applying great pressure in and around the ring forcing a lot of turnovers. With the mid court also applying a lot of pressure this was a pleasure to watch. A few positional changes showed the versatility of these young girls. Well done to you all.
17/U: Barooga 30 to Tongala 18. Good work girls, what a great win! Keep up the good work and lets go for another win this week! Awards to Shawna and Amelia
C Reserve: Barooga 50 to Tongala 27. DVine Ideas award went to Michelle Buchanan.
C Grade: Barooga 48 to Tongala 50. With 4 consistent quarters we could have been 2 goals up in the end instead of 2 down. Only winning 2 quarters is not enough to win the game. We need to learn how to want the ball and start showing more aggression on the court. However, still a good effort- by playing all 4 quarters to our best we know we can beat the top teams! Award to Jackie Vogel for her consistency in goals.
B Grade: Barooga 29 to Tongala 35. We had our chances in what was a very defensive game. Enormous pressure was applied down the court creating so many turnovers with Tongala then doing the same to us. Theresa relished her opportunity in defence and played a blinder. Emily played like she had been playing all season - thank you. Kristie, Lauren S, Nikki and Lauren N sensational. Wingate Sportz Award: Theresa, Bottom Pub: Emily.
A Grade: Barooga 44 to Tongala 43. SENSATIONAL!!! It was a fantastic game by both teams. We played four quarters of netball and came back from being 6 goals down in the 3rd quarter. Everyone gave 100% all game. Be proud team, it was great. Lets keep it up for the rest of the season. Fosters Wine Award to Carmen.