Seniors
I have a newfound respect for Coach Gonzo after Saturday – apparently he predicted that it was going to rain! Nostradamus has got nothing on him! I dare say we had the most hydrated water boy in MFL history doing the job for us last Saturday – keep up the great work Bushy.
Moran out (“there was an echo, Ump”), with Killer, Teitzy and Lambo making way for DC, JC, Kieran Sheehan (henceforth Ke-She) and the inclusion of young Snowy for his first full game.
The message pre-game was a simple one (which is no surprise coming from our Three Wise Men, Coaches Gonzo, Sheeo and Pierco). Each name on the board was critiqued and each player’s task reinforced.
The first ten minutes was played in our back half which really put the focus on our defenders. Harry ‘The Rubberman’ Ellis was at his very best right from the first bounce. First a juggling mark in front of the pack, followed by a slips catch that Boonie would have been proud of. We did surrender the first goal, at which point a witty Cobramite suggested we should “look at the scoreboard now!” Despite the ideal conditions it was a scramble forward which produced our first to Hicksie. Congo, Bowlsie and Jack Linehan were very good, while Wacko had morphed into a tackling machine. Qtr time scores 1.3 apiece.
The challenge was issued and, just as Led Zepplin had predicted, the levee broke! A series of effective handballs found Diesel goaling from the square. A big pack mark to Joey at halfback sent Bowlsie on his merry way, running and bouncing, before delivery to Ke-She and on to Shanno for his first. Hicksie won a contested ball, delivered to Ke-She and on to Diesel for his second. Hicksie again, this time off halfback hit JC up for a major. Tigers were dropping as if at the ‘Safari Shoot’ booth at the Shepp Show. In what was an incredible event, JC actually marked his smother attempt, pumped it inside the 50, Moo on to Hicko for a goal and ‘play of the day’ contender. The smell of rain had Big Jack Ellis’ nostrils flaring as he began to take control in the ruck. A perfect tap to DC saw him hit Moo lace-out at 30. Sausage roll! The back six were impenetrable. Fergie went down from a fair, but very heavy hit to the hip and took no further part in the game. (One smarty asked Fergie at half time whether it happened before or after he had kicked two ‘out-on-the-fulls’). Half time scores 7.7 to 1.5.
Forty tackles to half time had Coach Gonzo excited, but wary that we had not scored a third quarter goal in our last two games. Major changes were Diesel to the wing and Becky onto the ball. Bowlsie put in his claim for ‘Mark of the Year’ with a screamer in the defensive goal square. JC and Wacko were presenting well. As predicted by the great man, the rain did come, and instantly transformed the ball into a cake of soap and the match into a scrambling slug-fest. No goals. Four points apiece. Three quarter time scores 7.11 to 1.9.
No idea what was said at three quarter time. Too bloody wet for me! Big Jack had no problems though and dispelled many ‘dumb ruckman’ myths with a brilliant display gaining precious meters with every contest. Shanno bagged another two, young Snowy took one home and Hicko received a free and goaled from 20. Final scores 11.18 to 2.12.
Reserves
The reserves had their third win for the season this week and if we can keep our strongest team out on the field each week we are going to continue to improve and be very competitive against the stronger clubs. With 18 available we once again had to rely on the thirds boys to help us out with all 3 playing really good games. Joel Costa continued his strong form taking plenty of marks around the ground and our midfield of Tim Zak, Jai Scott and Paul Simpson work had all day to provide our forward with plenty of opportunities. Brayden Lambert, Braden Thomas and Jaiden McCann also played well.
Under 17
Well Saturday was a chance to test ourselves against another good side. We started well kicking the first 2 goals quickly before Cobram had a chance to settle. This seemed to kick Cobram into gear and by quarter time they had taken the lead. After quarter time Cobram continued on getting their game going and playing good football. Congupna played well in patches but weren't allowed to get their game going. In what was a good standard game of footy Cobram ran out convincing winners by running harder, tackling better and teaming together really well. Goal kickers were Jak Trewin with 2 and singles to Anthony, Snowy and Brayden. Better players were Luke, Joel, Tom, Matt T, Sid and Anthony
Under 14
Round 7 had our lads up early for the trip up to the Murray to take on the second placed Cobram Tigers. Having several of our bigger named players out it gave those next level and younger players a wonderful opportunity to take a leading role and to show everyone their emerging talents. And that they did. Young Guns such as Brenton O’Brien, Brock ‘Curly’ Austin and Josh Dillon all played in front and put in really good performances. Tacking was a feature again and particularly the second half with boys like Jaco, Jordie G & Ring-a-ding ding all ferocious and hard at the ball. When we use our strengths, run more and man-up on the backline we look like a formidable opposition and very hard to score against. Awards went to Jaco (Family Club Meal Voucher), Fyfey (Congupna Shop), Ringy (Sportsfirst), Cooper Bromley (Beanie & Bottle), Jake Organ in his best game for the club (Hat & Bottle) and Jordie Gee (Trelly’s Award). Also a special presentation to Josh of a new hat, this time one without Lanky’s nits.
Netball
A Grade - Having lost 2 more players to injury in the last game, Congupna started the game with 17/U player Sophie Sidebottom playing. The first ¼ was a tight affair with Congupna creating many turnovers but also throwing the ball away to keep Cobram in touch. The 2nd quarter was much the same and Congupna turned its 3 goal lead into a 6 by ½ time. Congupna settled in the 3rd quarter and started capitalising on the turnovers it created. This created a 20 to 8 goal 3rd quarter in Congupna’s favour to lead 43-25 at the final break. Another strong performance in final term saw Congupna run away to win 61-34. In a great team effort the best on was Sophie Sidebottom, followed by Kelly Connor. A special mention for experienced mid court player Nicci Jeffery moving into goals and combining well with Mel Kittlety, who scored 53 goals.
B Grade - This week we congratulate Ash Sidebottom on playing her 150th game with the Congupna N.C and we saw Kel line up for her first game in B grade. These 2 combined beautifully in attack with Abbi and Nat to seal a comfortable lead by half time. Game fitness took its toll and Cobram drew back closer in the second half. Our 3 defenders worked hard for the game and our 7th different combination of players proved to work as a team beautifully. Well done girls. Awards - Nat Ryan (GV) and Mickaylah O'Donoghue (Ann's Waxing)
C Grade - came up against their toughest opposition and found themselves in new territory. Cobram started the better team jumping to a 5 goal lead late in the first quarter. The break saw Kara come on to GS and Kate moving to GA. This combination proved vital and turned the game. From that point we settled to play some really strong netball, winning the remaining 3 quarters. The mid court ran non stop all game, while the defenders tried hard creating many turnovers and opportunities. But it was the way Kate and Kara worked together that proved to be the difference. Special mentions Kara, Abbey and Bec. Lauren's Hair Lounge Award: Kate Boswell.
C.res - Well girls that was a disappointing loss, we were behind most of the game when we got our 3 goal turn around and managed to be 2 up, but it was not to be we could not hold on and went down in the last quarter , A Grade - Having lost 2 more players to injury in the last game, Congupna started the game with 17/U player Sophie Sidebottom playing. The first ¼ was a tight affair with Congupna creating many turnovers but also throwing the ball away to keep Cobram in touch. The 2nd quarter was much the same and Congupna turned its 3 goal lead into a 6 by ½ time. Congupna settled in the 3rd quarter and started capitalising on the turnovers it created. This created a 20 to 8 goal 3rd quarter in Congupna’s favour to lead 43-25 at the final break. Another strong performance in final term saw Congupna run away to win 61-34. In a great team effort the best on was Sophie Sidebottom, followed by Kelly Connor. A special mention for experienced mid court player Nicci Jeffery moving into goals and combining well with Mel Kittlety, who scored 53 goals.
17 & unders - Well we started this game with some different combinations , and we were a little slow to get going , once we started to settle ,and a couple of changes we started to play the way we have been all season, was wonderful to see Kate play such a strong game in her 100 th club game , a great effort, and a very good defensive game from Meg in WD, getting her hand to a lot of the ball,
Keep working hard girls , some tough games ahead, Best Kate Jeffery & Meg Bromley
15 & Unders - With Katie and Emma out due to injury our team found it tough going at times to hit their rhythm and timing down the court. We were caught making silly errors and not adjusting to umpire decisions. The game was close the whole match and we finally pulled away in the last quarter only to let Cobram back into the match. The last 5 minutes saw desperation by several players to steal the game by 1 goal, something we need to put more effort into ensure it occurs for 4 quarters. Let's find our determination for Echuca this week. Sophie Bell received the Nandos award for her great game.
Last Modified on 03/06/2014 10:05