Strathmerton Football Netball Club wrap from the weekend of action

The minis had a tough match against a tall Tocumwal side.

We tried hard all game and showed some beautiful sportsmanship and encouragement of our teammates.

We will keep working on getting in front with strong, forward leads. Jess Laidlaw was among the awards for her strong game in centre, while Rosie Stokes played a terrific defensive game as goal keeper.

Awards: Jess Laidlaw ($10 Chester family award); Rosie Stokes ($5 Laidlaw Electrical); Alyssah Wilson (canteen).

Under-13s

Won 8-15

The hard work at trainings really started to pay off this week and we came out firing.

Each and every girl was switched on and significantly contributed to an excellent game. We recorded our first win for 2021 and the club is proud of the whole team.

Giselle Wren was named best on court for her stellar defence in goal defence.

Awards: Giselle Wren ($20 Wingate sports voucher); Maddison Knight (Crestani Concreting $10); Emma Koopman ($5 from the Shannon family)

Under-15s

Lost 24-11

We came up against another tough team this week. We didn't get the win but keep working hard at training and hopefully we can see the results we are after next week.

Awards: Claire Moore (Bromac Farming)

Under-17s

Lost 42-24

We had a great start to the game and at the end of the first quarter there was only one goal in it.

After some positional changes made by both teams the girls just lost their rhythm and silly mistakes across the court saw Tocumwal capitalise on the turnovers.

Awards: Tahlia Woodlands, Mackenzie Stephens, Mikayla Kelly

C-reserve

Lost 21-14

We finally got a team together to hopefully compete for the remainder of the season. We’ve pulled a couple out of retirement and found some first time players.

Although we didn’t get a win on the board we all had a great time and we’re all happy having a run.

Once we gel as a team after a couple of games together we will get a win on the board. Great work girls.

Awards: Sophie Metaxas, Amy Duhring (Strathy Pub)

C-grade

Won 23-29

After juggling around some players for the new C-reserve side, we were able to work out a great team.

The girls worked brilliantly throughout the court, the defence created many turnovers and brought the ball back down to attack.

Although we lost a bit of momentum in the fourth quarter we were able to hold our lead and come away with our first win.

Awards: Kerry Edgar (Ambiance); Madison O’Brian (Casual step)

B-grade

Won 8-52

A very consistent four quarters against Tocumwal saw the side come away with a convincing win.

The defensive pressure all across the court was fantastic; resulting in lots of turnovers and ‘held ball’ calls from the umpires.

It was lovely to hear lots of positive talk out on the court and see everyone backing each other up and chasing up every loose ball.

Great lead up for us as team as we take on a tough outfit in Tungamah next.

Awards: Tessa Koopman (Railway Hotel); Joy Maher (Supreme Meats); Caitlin Mills (Ambience Bakery)

A-grade

Lost 45-41

The girls played out a hard fought game in what was a rough four-goal loss with a few girls now on the sidelines with injuries.

We were very fortunate to have four players step up and take the court for us with Sarah Quick and Kasey Baker providing great defensive and mid-court pressure respectively.

The pair took home the awards in the very physical encounter with the Toc girls.

With a bit of reshuffling over the coming weeks we look forward to a big week on the track to prepare for Tungamah.

Awards: Sarah Quick (Wingates Sports Store) and Kasey Baker (Strathy Pub)

Football

Fourths

Lost 9.15 (69)-1.2 (8)

Our short journey interstate saw our boys take on a much bigger and stronger side at Tocumwal.

This didn’t deter our endeavour for the ball, this being lead by our leadership group in Harry Barnes, Cody Harris-Cunningham and Jackson Webb.

Second quarter was another tough match up, with Jayden Edgar playing very strong and earning himself a hard-earned goal.

The third quarter saw us hold off Tocumwal’s run of goals, which was a great effort from the whole team.

In the final term, they continued to fight for the ball in true bulldog style, never giving up regardless of the score.

Keep up the great work boys. Thank you to all our helpers on game day.

Goal kickers: Jayden Edgar 1.

Best players: Harry Barnes (Inter sport award); Cody Harris-Cunningham (Crestani Concreting); Lachlan Stiff (Macca’s $10); Cody Edgar (Lewis’s 1%); Jayden Edgar (coach’s award)

Thirds

Won 1.1 (7)-35.18 (228)

Round four saw us travel to Toc where we came up against an undermanned side and played just 13-a-side.

Strathy hit the ground running and was able to hit the scoreboard hard in the first quarter with 10 goals.

After half-time it was decided to give the back line a run up forward mixing things up contributing to 11 separate goal scorers for the day.

Toc continued to try hard all game and was finally rewarded with a goal towards the end of the game.

A great little percentage booster for the boys as they take on Tungamah.

Awards: J.Payne (Crestani Concreting); C.Spriggs (Maccas $10); T.Stephens (women’s committee); M.Easden (coach’s award)

Reserves

Won 6.4 (40)-7.9 (51)

The reserves were up for a bigger challenge than they anticipated and held off a determined Tocumwal by 11 points.

Mick Keane continued his excellent season dominating each contest and putting it to Joel McKenzie, Zach Cunningham and Christian Speechley’s benefit, who got the bulk of our clearances to our experienced users of the ball in Jose TeJones, Jade Shannon and the timeless James Daniel.

Early injuries limited rotations, so it was very handy to have Tim Bramich hunting the ball for three quarters.

The backline had its first real test of the season with Jason Hay, Danny Buzza and Jacob Aitken resisting the continual attack.

Up forward it was great to watch the chemistry between Daniel Allen and new addition Aaron Woods combining for four goals.

Seniors

Won 4.4 (28)-21.19 (145)

What a great day for footy and as usual the Tocumwal ground was in terrific condition.

The seniors got off to a slow start until they worked out the Tocumwal style of play.

Tys Sidebottom continued on his great form from last week, as did Simon Russell, with Tim Looby kicking three goals for the quarter.

The second quarter saw the Bulldogs kick another six goals to be leading by 69 points at half-time.

The message at the long break was to continue playing in a similar style to the first half and, with the Bulldogs kicking nine goals to Tocumwal’s two in the second half, it resulted in Strathy running out comfortable winners by 117 points.

Looby was the most dominate forward on the ground kicking eight goals, while Zack Betson and Simon Russell kicked three each.

A special mention must also go out to Mick Laidlaw and Zeke Bunge on playing their 150th senior match for the club last week.

Best players: Tys Sidebottom, Simon Russell, Theo Thomas, Luke Sanderson, Lance Oswald and Tim Looby.