Under 12

By ELENA SEWELL-DOLPHIN

Tough day in the office for the littlest Rovers, coming up against the top team this weekend, Lavington Panthers.

Despite the frosty morning, and the strong opposition, the Rovers had high spirits, and played an excellent high-pressure game - the score does not show any semblance of those efforts.

We struggled to get the ball past the forward 50, with the Panthers defence locking the ball in.

However, in the final quarter, Rovers fought hard to get the ball within striking distance, a loose ball came to Chloe who capitalised on the opportunity and scored her first ever goal.

Final score: Wangaratta Rovers 1.1.7 def by Lavington Panthers 19.17.131.

Best: Milly Bihun, Cassidy Thompsen, Mia Lepoidevin, Mailah Tremellen, Henrietta Leatham, Nellwyn Skermer.

Goals: Chloe Rooks.

Under 14

By BRON MCGORLICK

A terrific defensive display from our under 14s in a challenging matchup today against second on the ladder Lavington.

Our players began the game brilliantly with applying pressure acts all around the ground.

The highlight of the quarter was a chase down tackle on the wing from Bonnie Dalton.

The second quarter brought an event better lift in pressure from the team, with Mia Simpson playing a floating role in the backline, reading the play exceptionally well to take several intercept marks.

After bidding Mia farewell at half-time, the team reset and continued to run, chase and propel the ball forward.

Some terrific running through the middle of the ground by Bella Boulton resulted in a free kick just inside 50.

Issy Foster ran forward to provide a lead, Bella kicked the ball to advantage, with Issy finishing with a lovely running goal.

In the final quarter, debutant Teghan Moore provided some great run in the forward line, with KC and Lillianna’s tackles and work rate in defence another highlight.

A super-positive game from the team, particularly with our defensive effort and pressure across all four quarters.

Final score: Wangaratta Rovers 1.0.6 def by Lavington Panthers 8.9.57.

Best: Isabelle Foster, Bella Boulton, Ames Rea, Zara McCrae, Ashley Eliott-Scragg, Bridie Kay.

Goals: Isabelle Foster.

Under 17

By JESS WHITEHEAD

Despite a tough scoreboard result, the under 17 girls showed immense grit and determination in a spirited performance against Lavington on Sunday.

Lavington started fast, using clean ball movement and forward pressure to hit the scoreboard early, but Rovers didn’t shy away from the contest.

The midfield, led by captain Lily Gibb and vice-captain Gemma Couch Trinder, dug in deep and competed hard around the stoppages.

In the second quarter, Rovers lifted their intensity - Skylah broke through to kick the team’s first goal with a clever finish, and then added another at the start of the third quarter with a strong contested mark and accurate set shot.

The team’s pressure lifted across the ground, with tackles sticking and players working hard to create opportunities.

Gemma Couch Trinder led the way with tackling, recording an incredible nine tackles in the third quarter and over 30 for the game.

The backline was under pressure for much of the match, but Willow Foster and Zierra Melbourne were outstanding in defence, repelling multiple attacks with strong intercept marks and smart positioning.

The girls played with heart until the final siren, continuing to encourage each other and fight for every possession.

Final score: Wangaratta Rovers 2.0.12 def by Lavington Panthers 10.7.67.

Best: Willow Foster, Skylah McPherson, Gemma Couch Trinder, Lara Maples, Lily Gibb, Isabelle Foster.

Goals: Skylah McPherson 2.

Open

By AMY COLLINS

In a challenging round 10 clash, the Wangaratta Rovers open women took on the Corowa Rutherglen Roos in a determined contest.

The Rovers battled hard but couldn’t quite find an avenue to goal, managing just 0.1 (1) to the Roos’ 3.3 (21).

While scoring proved difficult, the Rovers’ defensive efforts stood tall, with the backline holding firm and limiting the damage on the scoreboard.

Emma Gosbell led from the front in the midfield, applying relentless pressure around the contest.

She was well supported by Kaea Tua, Amy Collins, and Chloe Kungl, who all worked tirelessly to win the ball and drive it forward.

Andie Bleicher was a standout, acting as a wall in defence and repelling repeated Corowa attacks.

Despite the loss, the Rovers showed grit and determination, giving them plenty to build on for the rounds ahead.

Final Score: Wangaratta Rovers 0.1.1 defeated by Corowa Rutherglen 3.3.21.

Best: Emma Gosbell, Andie Bleicher, Clare Collins, Kaea Tua, Abbey Snowdon, Gemma Couch Trinder.