Seniors

Wet wintry conditions and a home crowd reunion provided extra obstacles to the Purples in a must win round. Finley, hyped by the pre match address given by their favourite son Shane Crawford, signalled at the very first bounce they had certainly come to play.

Finley ended the first quarter with three goals to our one thanks to the fine efforts of our “rubber” man Matt Elborough.

After some well constructed criticism from coach Trimby the team focus lifted to the required level and were rewarded with four straight goals to nil in the second quarter. Two belonging to Elborough and one each to Brodie Ross and first game for the year player Ross Garner.

As quick as we had gained game authority we once again lost it as Finley poured on six goals to our two in the third.

The final quarter became a last man standing affair, after Nathalia kicked the first two goals both side’s players were constantly throwing themselves at the ball, and each other. Danny Bourke, brilliant all day, was definitely one of the main reasons Finley could only manage one goal for the quarter. So too Ricky Barnes, who worked tirelessly in the mid field working the ball forward, then kicking a late goal to put the Purples in front.

Final score: Nathalia 10.11 (71) d. Finley 10.7 (67)

Goals: M. Elborough 4, B. Ross 2, D. Liddell 2, R. Barnes 1, R. Garner 1

Awards: Mug/Past Players’: Ricky Barnes; Mick Hogan Excavations: Matt Elborough; Middle Hotel: Danny Bourke; Brereton’s Bakery: Ross Garner; Club: David Liddell.

Reserves

It was a case of the have and have nots, they had the will and we did not. It all started badly when 1 player did not show up, 1 was taken to seniors and 1 hurt half way through the match, not much more we can say, really started bad and got worse as the game went on. Good players were hard to find but when you have to give awards, they went like this Andrew Liddell was consistent all day, Daniel Robinson had a great first quarter and got us back in the game, Chris Hindle done a disciplined job on Finley’s best player and was crucified by the man in white, Pommy found an extra yard when they moved him to the wing and Paul Barton’s fitness continues to improve and lead up well.

Final score: Finley 11.8 (74) d. Nathalia 7.4 (46)

Goals: D. Robinson 3, J. Nihill 1, D. Hindle 1, S. Bell 1, S. James 1.

Awards: Mug/Past Players’: A. Liddell; Blake Street Butchery: D. Robinson; Middle Hotel: C. Hindle; Club: D. Pomfret and P. Barton.

Under 17’s

Our boys came up against Finley this week and we were very undermanned. The backline was under extreme pressure all day. Aaron Thompson and Jordan Nave were standouts. Finley are a very strong team and our boys never dropped their heads.

We have to learn to move up and be more accountable. Best players for the day were M. Walsh; A. Thompson; C. Hicks; T. Kalatzidis; L. Terry and M. Barnes.

Awards: Lowy’s Farm Fencing: M. Walsh; TJ’s Supermarket: A. Thompson; Al’s Café: C. Hicks; Rex James Stockfeed: T. Kalatzidis; Salon 12: L. Terry; Tony Ryan Best 1st Year Player: M. Barnes.

Under 14’s

Thanks to the Finley Coach, Mark Milthorpe and their boys for a very enjoyable day. The game was played in the true spirit of country footy with lots of boys getting a run.

Our U/14 boys played a terrific game and many of the younger players stood up and got many possessions. Jared Laffy played a great game and kicked an excellent goal late in the game. Bowen Smith was polished with his disposal and Tom Brooks was sterling in defence. Logan Mortimer turned in a dashing display and along with Harrison Hawks showed pace and attack on the ball.

Little fellas Chris Brown and Tyler Petric got under the packs and Matts Ginnivan defended stoutly at full back.

Alex Hicks, Tom Nihill and Kodi Hicks played their usual determined games and we welcomed Ned Nihill for his first game. Over all the boys had a fun day.

~ Thanks to Brenton Boxall for making a miraculous recovery and getting out onto the field.

Awards: Al’s Café: Jared Laffy; Salon 12: Tom Brooks; TJ’s Supermarket: Logan Mortimer; Rex James Stockfeed: Josh Bolger; Lowy’s Farm Fencing: Tyler Petric; Al’s Café Medal: Harrison Hawks; Past Players Footy: Matts Ginnivan; Nathalia Printers: Chris Brown; 1st Year Player (Tony Ryan): Bowen Smith.

Netball

11/U: Won by 13. Awards: Nathalia Supporters’ Ball: Bridgette Brooks; Lowy’s Sox: Alley Ryan; Canteen: Martha Craig. Great game, all played well considering the cold. No stepping well done!

13/U: Lost by 16. Awards: Nathalia Supporters’ Ball: Danny Parker; Al’s Café: Caitlan Hawks; Lowy’s Sox: Tania Sutton. Bad luck girls, all played well under wet conditions. Well done Tanya Sutton, Danny and Caitlan. Speedy recovery Ash with your ankle.

15/U: Lost by 2. Awards: Casual Step: Marni Hicks; Al’s Café: Taylah Shanahan; Lowy’s Sox: Bianca Kolundzja. We let them get a 4 shot lead in the first but due to a great second quarter sat one up. Two up after 3rd left a close hard fought last quarter to be pipped at the post. Still need to watch passes.

17/U: Won by 1. Awards: Camerons Lawyers: Nicole Mahncke; Lowy’s Sox: Rachel Quinn; Al’s Café: Jordon Will-Holland. Started slow in the first quarter but made up for it grabbing a 2 goal lead at halftime. Only 1 up at completion of 3rd quarter made an exciting last quarter. A 1 goal win in the last few seconds of the game. Great intercepts from Gemma Cusack and Blaise Mortimer. Rachel Quinn was strong in the centre with her great passes into the goal ring. Jordan Will-Holland and Sophie Casey shot very well under pressure.

C Reserve: Won by 2. Awards: Kinnards Retreat: Debbie Hicks; Fastway Courier: Michelle Brown; Brereton’s bakery: Natalie Bourke. Great win, everyone played well under very wet conditions.

C Grade: Nathalia won by 11. Awards: Nathalia Pizza: Jo Terry; Kinnards Retreat: Rose Nihill; Casual Step: Shelley VanLuenen. Another win on the board. Thanks Rose for filling in. Great team work under trying conditions. Well goaled Alysia and Shelley.

B Grade: Nathalia lost by 19. Awards: Nathalia Pizza: Caitlin Wilkie; Nathalia Tyre & Brakes: Nicole Walpole; Brereton’s Baker: Kirby Shanahan.

 

 

* CLUB BALL TONIGHT, GET YOUR TICKETS FROM WAZZA.   GO PURPS!!!