Seniors

The Purples went into the game missing key players Troy Snelson and David Liddell who were injured against Tongala, while Alistair Corry was a late withdrawal and Dylan Butler was also still on the sidelines. While Danny Bourke led the team onto the ground in his 200^th senior game for the club. However, the boys started slowly, and after Mul had the first 2 goals on the board, the Purples fought back strongly to lead by 7 points at quarter time.  The second term was fairly even with neither side able to gain a break, and the Purples held onto a 1 point lead at half time. The third term was a see sawing battle with the lead changing several times, but it was Mulwala who took a 5 point advantage into the final term. The Lions broke the shackles in the last quarter and powered away form the Purps, whose accountability and intensity really dropped away in a disappointing finish. Nathan Gemmill was the standout performer winning countless possessions and booting 3 goals in a real captain’s game. Jarrod Maskell was dominant in the centre bounces and around the ground, while Jake Butler and Danny Bourke battled hard in defence. Promising performances from Sam German and Shaun Mortimer gives the Purples some hope for the remainder of the season.

Final score: Mulwala 17.9 –117 d. Nathalia 11.8 - 74.

Goals: Nathan Gemmill 3; Ross Garner 2; Ricky Barnes 1; Jarrod Maskell 2; Chris Seaman 1; Brodie Ross 1; Sean Mortimer 1.

Awards: Mug: Nathan Gemmill; Past Players: Jake Butler; Mick Hoga Excavations: Danny Bourke; Middle Hotel: Sam German; Brereton’s Bakery: Sean Mortimer; Club Award: Mitch Curtis.

Reserves

What a difference a week makes! It was great to see the boys being rewarded for effort and they totally deserved the come away with a victory. Good players were everywhere and it was hard to split the best players. Jono Tamburro was elusive playing forward and kicked 5 goals 6 behind, but I only counted 10 touches, have to rely on your honesty on that one Tambas. James Smith rucked all day and was the driving force behind getting the ball out of the centre. Ash Dohnt was asked to fill a different role this week and was ferocious at the footy. Matt Ratcliffe found space at will and has a very good football brain. Lachlan Smith did an outstanding job on a dangerous forward and showed enormous courage.

Final score: Nathalia 12.7 - 79 d. Mulwala 12.1 - 73.

Goals: Jono Tamburro 5; Todd Hicks 2; Andrew Liddell 2; Samuel James 1; Troy Grant 1; Matt Rattcliffe .

Awards: Mug/Past Players: Jono Tamburro; Blake Street Butchery; James Smith; Middle Hotel: Ash Dohnt; Club: Matt Rattcliffe; Lachlan Smith.

Under 17s

The U/17’s took on Mulwala last week and we took it straight up to Mulwala. The boys’ endeavour was fantastic. Our backline was under extreme pressure in the first quarter and kept us in the game.  The second quarter saw our boys link up, put pressure on Mulwala’s runners and we were able to attack our goals. Joel Cahir had a great game in defence and Joseph Nihill was great on the wing turning his defence into attack. Aaron Thompson, Marcus Walsh and Angus Armstrong also had good games..

Awards: Lowy’s Farm Fencing, Joel Cahir; TJ’s Supermarket, Marcus Walsh; Salon 12, Ilija Kolundzija; Al’s Cafe, Joseph Nihill; Rex James Stockfeed, Aaron Thompson; Tony Ryan Best 1^st Year, Angus Armstrong.

Under 14’s

School holidays were over and we had a full contingent to pick from, so it was great to see 33 boys turn up for our team photo. The morning saw a number of highlights. Brenton Boxall was inspirational with his tackling and second efforts. Matts Ginnivan was terrific with his pressure, smothering and work in the forward line. Jared Laffy showed great dash from full back. Anthony Bourke-Hunt showed the rewards of training hard on the track. Chris Brown was tenacious and tackled boys twice his size. Rhys Shannon, Alex Hicks, Dylan Bell, Tom Nihill, Kodi Hicks and Bowen Smith were good contributors all morning.

Awards: Al’s Cafe, Anthony Bourke-Hunt; Salon 12 Hairdressing, Brenton Boxall; TJ’s Supermarket, Matts Ginnivan; Rex James Stockfeed, Jared Laffy; Lowy’s Farm Fencing, Chris Brown; Al’s Cafe medal, Alex Hicks; Past Players Footy, Dermot Nichols; Nathalia Printers, Rhys Shannon; Tony Ryan Best 1^st year, Ben Nagel; Drink bottle, Dylan Bell.

Netball

B Grade: Great start to the game as we matched it with them. But the odd turnover and drop of intensity saw us slowly drop away. But it was a high standard game. Thanks to Steph for having a run with us, also great effort to Ash. Thanks Brittany for stepping up from u17 and applying herself very well. Awards: Nathalia Pizza, Nicole Walpole; Nathalia Tyre & Brakes, Kirby Shanahan; Brereton’s Bakery, Steph Cusack.

C Grade: Crappy first quarter let us down and we couldn’t catch up. Great shooting from Caitlin and Amy. Some magnificent intercepts from Alysha kept us in the game. Well done girls. Awards: Nathalia Pizza, Alysha Cornell; Casual Step. Caitlin Wilkie.

C Reserve: A great friendly game, everyone played well. Awards: Fastway Courier, Rhonda Hicks; Brereton’s Bakery, Natalie Bourke.

17/U: The girls played brilliantly, adjusting to the feedback at quarter time. Rachael never gave up and lifted the team’s spirit. Brit goaled excellently all game and Gemma got plenty of top intercepts. Well done! Awards: Cameron’s Lawyers, Rachael Quinn; Al’s Café, Brittany Shannon; Lowy’s Farm Fencing, Gemma Cusack.

15/U: Nathalia played a fantastic game, every single girl fought hard to win a very physical game. Great teamwork by everyone. Taylah played a great crowd pleasing game with Meg and Erin working it through the centre. Great effort girls. Awards: Casual Step, Taylah Shanahan; Al’s Café, Meg Byrnes; Lowy’s Farm Fencing, Erin Michel.

13/U: Magnificent game from every player. All girls showed great team spirit which was a credit to them. We gave them a great contest and almost came away with a win. Let’s keep the momentum going into next week. Awards: Nathalia Supporters, Jemma Bell; Al’s Café, Nakea Maddigan; Lowy’s Farm Fencing, Taylah Lee.

11/U: Great game – good team effort. Work on passes paid off. Accurate shooting by all in goals. Very happy coach. Awards: Nathalia supporters’, Amelia Vaughan; Lowy’s Farm Fencing, Martha Craig; Canteen Voucher, Marni Atkins.

Thankyou: Laura and Nathan thank everyone for their attendance and assistance involved with the Trivia Night held last Saturday night.             GO PURPS!!!