Barooga Seniors were soundly beaten by flag favourites, Moama, in the big clash at Barooga a fortnight ago. The Reserves however maintained their unblemished record with a strong win over the second placed Magpies. The Under 17s put up a spirited performance against their more fancied opponents and the Under 14s returned to the winners list with a solid four quarter effort.
Mick Dunns young charges got the day off to a great start with an impressive 15 point win over the Magpies. Coming off a big loss against league leaders Cobram, the boys restored some pride with a strong showing against Moama. The win was set up in the first half when the Hawks booted 5-2 to the Magpies 2-4. The second half was a battle of the backlines with the boys adding 3-3 to 3-4 from the opposition.
Sam Gough (Outdoor Indulgence) was best with a great game in defence and Declan Brooks (Barooga Bakery) displayed great maturity for a young player. Jake Brooks (Barooga General Store) and Arty Rootsey (Spanner Brooks Encouragement) were very good with Arty slotting through 3 goals. Tom McNeill also played very well.
Moama would have expected to win the Under 17s comfortably as they had beaten the Hawks by over 20 goals in their previous encounter. The Hawks had other ideas though and they took it right up to the Magpies, displaying dogged determination throughout the contest. In fact in the second half both sides booted 3 goals, with the Hawks intensity rattling the Magpies. Moama took the spoils 13-11 to 6-1 but the Barooga boys could be proud of their effort.
Zeke Bunge (Menthas) was outstanding, Josh McGaw (Andrew Jenkins Real Estate) and Hayden Atkinson-Thring (Babcon Hire) gathered countless possessions and James McNeill (Barooga General Store), with his strength and leadership has added a dimension to the side since returning from injury. Tom Currie (Barooga Bakery) and Sam Jenkins are both enjoying fantastic seasons in their first year of thirds footy.
The top of the table clash in the Reserves saw the Hawks stitch up the minor premiership with a dour showing. Moama had come to play but the Hawks grabbed the early ascendancy and led by 20 points at the long break. Barooga continued to play well in the second half and never really looked in any danger, coming away with a 29 point win.
Adam Fox (Bottom Pub) and Joel Kirk (Barooga Hotel) controlled the engine room for the Hawks and provided opportunities for the forwards. Col Ross (Babcon Hire) goes about his work unobtrusively in the back half and Jamie Stanyer (Barooga Sporties) may have played himself back into the ones. Jono ODwyer and Nick Flanagan showed the benefit of their experience and will be critical players come finals time.
The build up to the Seniors couldnt have been any better and a large crowd had built up in anticipation of a classic contest. Moama had other ideas though and bolted from the blocks, effectively wrapping the game up in the first quarter. They booted 8-5 to 2 points and the crowd was shell shocked. The Hawks showed what they are capable of in the third term, making a charge at the Magpies and when they booted early goals in the last to get within 4 goals it looked like they might pull of a remarkable win.
A shocking umpiring error pulled the rug out from under the Hawk charge though and the Magpies were able to regain the initiative. They took charge again and piled on 8 unanswered goals to run out 69 point winners and firm as premiership favourites.
It was a disappointing display from the Hawks and the bye was probably timely. Some soul searching and a couple of solid weeks on the track to regroup and focus on the run to the finals should have the side pumped for today.
Four quarter efforts were few and far between but Stuey Galloway and Marty Brooks battled manfully in defence and they won the Major Incentives. Rowan OCallaghan and Hayden Woodward received the Minor Incentives. Matty Byers, Andrew Smith and Sean Robbins were others to do well.
This week we host Mulwala in our final home game for season 08. With only 2 games until finals players will need to show they want to participate and that should bring out their best.
~ Squawk
Netball
A Grade: Barooga 50 d. Moama 40. Player award: Carly Brooks. An up and down game but Sensational third quarter set up a good win. Well done girls. Lets keep it rolling on for the final two games and finish on a high note. Special mention to Sharni for a great game in Goals.
B Grade: Barooga 44 d. Moama 41. Player award: Rosemary Bunge.
C Grade: Barooga 44 d. Moama 24. Player award: Jeni Bates. A huge thankyou to Rhiannon Armfield and Emma Brooks for filling in at the very last minute. A few sick girls meant we were not playing our best netball, but it was still good to come away with a win. A few minor skills we can work on with trainings over the next few weeks will ensure we are ready for finals, try to keep up some fitness during the week as well as come to trainings, and shooters- remember to practice your goals!!! Lets boost our percentage against Finley and give it our all.
C Reserve: Barooga 27�Moama 32. Player award: Haley Robinson. Certainly not one of our better games! We struggled all game to steady and our passing just wasnt hitting targets...the girls managed to get back to within two in the last quarter but we just couldnt finish it off. A great positive to come out of this game was the endeavour of the girls right to the end.
17/U: Barooga 5�Moama 61. Player award: Shauna Doyle. Bad luck girls a least you all had a bit of Fun trying! Only 2 games left lets just go out there and have some FUN!
15/U: Barooga 17�Moama 70. Player award: Helena Sanderson.
13/U: Barooga 8�Moama 23. Player awards: Maggie Kelly, Dana Millsteed.
11/U: Barooga 6�Moama 9. Player awards: Allanah Quirk, Maddie Dunn.
Social Notes
Hawks Club Bowls Day - tomorrow Sunday August 17th from 11.30am onwards. All welcome, lunch provided. refreshments on sale. Teams of three at Barooga Sporties Bowls Club. Come and join in the fun!
GO HAWKS!!!