B GRADE
By MOLLY REDFERN
TEN Things Learnt from Saturday’s Game.
1. Euroa’s B Grade team started strongly, causing turnovers and capitalising on them early in the first quarter.
2. Euroa B Grade’s “Watson wizardry” – a dynamic combination of Millie and Ruby Watson in the centre – created a magic show in the midcourt.
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3. Euroa B Grade matched the Rochester Tigers’ physicality and did not back down from a tough game.
4. The Magpies’ wing players, Brodie West and Bree Sudomirski, were consistently strong and hardworking.
5. Euroa B Grade’s defence was solid down the whole court, making it hard for teams to transition and move the ball.
6. The shooters welcomed back premiership player Bree Poole, who joined forces with Sarah Ternes and Molly Redfern in a tough goaling circle.
All three were sure to be sore and bruised.
7. Euroa B Grade’s captaincy duo, Kelly Hill and Grace Warnock, also form the team’s defensive duo, once again causing havoc against the Rochester Tigers’ attack.
8. While the game was close, with scores only a few goals apart for much of the match, Euroa B Grade remained calm and composed for four quarters.
9. Euroa B Grade had an even happier Easter after defeating Rochester, with the final score 46–38.
10. Euroa B Grade take on the Seymour Lions at home next week in what is predicted to be another hard and physical game.
All welcome.
BEST PLAYERS: Kelly Hill, Grace Warnock, Sarah Ternes.
17 and UNDER
ROCHESTER dominated the 17 and Under game with a dogged display.
Their larger bodies and long wingspans unsettled the young Magpies early, as the Tigers piled on the first 12 goals.
Macey Watson used her body well in the goal ring as Rochester repeatedly delivered the ball inside.
Coach Demi Walker urged her team to “run to it”, and when they responded, it was to great effect – but not enough to halt the Tigers.
The half-time score was 36–5.
There were positives for Euroa, with Ruby Fowler working hard for four quarters, constantly leading, re-leading and refusing to give up.
The team was once again bolstered by two 15 and Under players – Avie Hill and Bethan Burton.
Bethan added spark in the goal ring, and her accuracy enabled Euroa to quadruple their half-time score by the final siren.
Jade Raleigh made a welcomed return after a long stint on the sidelines with a knee injury, while Evie O’Dwyer stepped into defence and made it tough for Rochester in the circle.
Alice Ludlow, coming back from illness, added vision and timing.
Although Euroa have yet to register a win in this age group, their first two games showed determination and potential.
With a tough draw to start the season, they will be looking to bounce back when they take on Seymour.
FINAL SCORE: Rochester 59 defeated Euroa 20.
BEST PLAYERS: Evie O’Dwyer, Ruby Fowler, Alice Ludlow.
15 & UNDER
THE 15 and Under team returned to the winners’ list after travelling to Rochester to take on the Tigers.
Rochester were looking to bounce back after a loss to Mooroopna, while the Magpies were equally keen for a win following their loss to Echuca.
Euroa started slowly, taking time to find rhythm in the goal ring, but rock-solid defending from Grace Hill kept them in the contest early.
By the end of the first quarter, they were back firing on all cylinders.
Goal attack Avie Hill was excellent under the ring, scoring nine goals to give Euroa a five-goal lead at the break.
Belle Ford found her groove in goal defence during the second term, her confidence soaring after several key intercepts.
The Magpies edged out Rochester 12–9 in the second quarter.
Strong defence in the third quarter limited Rochester to just five goals, while smart delivery from centre Bethan Burton and wing attack Maisy Wilson helped Avie Hill score another 10 goals.
Debutante Molly Fowler made a big impact after stepping into wing attack at the end of the second quarter.
Her quick thinking and speed were immediately noticeable and add to what looks to be a promising season for Tayla Robinson’s side.
The coach said she was pleased with the efforts of defenders Grace Hill and Belle Ford but added that the entire team had stepped up.
“We had a couple go missing last week, but this week everyone came with the right headspace and eagerness to make amends,” Robinson said.
“This team is a mix of experienced and less experienced players, but I’m delighted with how they’re coming together.
“This week is another big test as we take on Seymour – we’ll need to play our best.”
FINAL SCORE: Euroa 40 defeated Rochester 27.
BEST PLAYERS: Grace Hill, Belle Ford, Molly Fowler.
