Corowa-Rutherglen Roos travelled to Albury to face the Tigers last Saturday, hoping for opportunity to test themselves against a team above them on the ladder.
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A win would have closed the gap between the Roos and the top teams on the Ovens and Murray ladder.
The Roos were buoyed by the inclusion of former Geelong West player Jake Wood who was expected to be a welcome addition to the team at centre half back. Unfortunately, Jason Marks was unable to take his place in the team and was replaced by youngster Zander Nash in the lead up to the game.
Preparation for the game was thorough, with some basic changes to the game style to counteract the way the Tigers set up behind the football.
All was set for a quality game with the Albury Sports Ground in near perfect condition and a sunny winter’s day.
The Tigers were the earliest to settle with their ball control and confident movement into their forward fifty. This resulted in two early goals to the home team.
The Roos needed to improve their ball use and be more composed in their attacking moves.
Jy Lane’s work through the midfield saw him score a long goal, Kaelan Bradtke was able to follow up with another shortly afterwards.
At the first break it was the Tigers leading 3.5.23 to the Roos 2.1.13.
In the second quarter the Roo forwards presented up as targets for the hard-working mid-field of Cameron Wilson, Jy Lane, and Jarred Lane.
Stoppage work was giving the Roos first use. As a result, Cameron Wilson and Jy Lane were able to score goals. Unfortunately, the Tigers were able to exploit the Roos inability to fill holes in the Tiger forward fifty to kick two goals against the tide.
Jedd Longmire was presenting in the forward fifty to score a much-needed goal. It was a relatively even quarter with inside fifties being equal and the stoppages favouring the Roos.
Mid-fielders Darcy Melksham, Jy Lane and Cameron Wilson were taking advantage of Tom Goodwin’s work at the stoppages. The Roo backline led by Cody Howard and Zander Nash won crucial contests during the quarter.
At the long break it was the Tigers 6.8.44 to the Roos 5.2.32.
At half time the Roos were feeling confident about the state of the game but also very aware that being strong around the ball and keeping their work-rate high were going to be crucial in the second half.
However, it was the Tigers who came out and lifted their intensity to score two early goals from the centre bounces.
Momentum was shifting in favour of the Tigers and the Roo leaders were having difficulty turning the tide.
Adding to the Roo woes was a gashed eye suffered by forward Hayden Filliponi, and midfielder Jy Lane leaving the ground with a dislocated shoulder. A goal-less quarter put the Roos under the pump. At the three-quarter time break it was Albury Tigers 10.12.72 to the Roos 5.3.33.
As the final quarter began, an early goal to the Tigers was widening the gap on the scoreboard, making the challenge even more difficult.
However, the Roos were not done yet as Ollie Struve managed his second goal for the game with a long goal that was followed up by a Will Robinson major to reduce the Tiger lead and offer a glimmer of hope for the Roos.
However, the Tigers were able to steady, use the ball with more precision and score goals late in the quarter to run out 47-point winners.
The result sees the Roos sitting outside the top five on the ladder with an 8-point gap from those inside the top 5. Next up, on July 9, the Roos host ladder-leaders Wangaratta Magpies at John Foord Oval in another huge round of Ovens and Murray games.
Final scores: Albury Tigers 15.12.102 to Corowa-Rutherglen Roos 8.7.55.
Award Winners: Corowa Golf Club – Jarred Lane, Aussie Hotel – Jy Lane, Newmarket Hotel – Tom Goodwin, Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Factory – Cameron Wilson, Origin Clothing – Darcy Melksham.
Reserves
The Roos were again challenged by player shortages, and again it was thirds players who were asked to make up the playing numbers on the day.
Despite kicking the first goal of the game, it was the Tigers who exerted their control on the contest and were largely unchallenged over the four quarters.
It was great to see George Sandral make a comeback to football after enduring a lengthy period of rehabilitation following knee surgery early last year.
The club look forward to George regaining match fitness over coming weeks and becoming an important part of on-field efforts.
Reserves award winners: Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Factory – Paddy Lavis, Aussie Hotel – Matt Bush, Sodens Hotel – Bailey Minogue, Club Award – Luke Backhouse and Jesse Johnstone, Ricky Ds – Will Seymour.
Under 18s
After a week off, the boys were keen to take on an in-form Albury and it was a very even contest for the first three quarters.
The Roos had a lot of chances early to get a jump on the opposition but didn't capitalise.
Jesse Moloney, Justin Lewis and Jesse Johnstone all in the action early and helping the Roos stay in touch with the Tigers going into the final break.
The last quarter, however, was a good one for the Tigers, and they started to get away from the Roos with a five goals to two final term.
Coach George Sandral said, “the boys have shown that they can match it with the top sides, but just need to string four quarters together and the results will come.”
Final score Albury 11.16.82 to the Roos 8.5.53
Goals - R. Beveridge 3, F. Osborne 1, M. Bush 1, P. Lavis 1, N. Taylor 1, N. Harvey 1
Best/Awards- Sportspower - J. Moloney, Doc's - J. Johnstone, Urban Graze- R. Allen, Ladies Committee - J.Lewis, Corowa Takeaway - P. Lavis
Black Tie Ball
Coming Event – CRFNC Black Tie Ball is on Saturday, 16 July at Corowa RSL Club. 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start. Adults $70, Under 18s $50. Tickets can be purchased on the club website - corowarutherglenfnc.com.au
This week – Round 12
This coming Saturday, July 9, the Roos host the Wangaratta Magpies at John Foord Oval.
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