Hoppers end season on a high
As the sun set on the home and away season on a beautiful winters day at Bull Plain Road, the Hoppers took on Deni Rovers on a day where the black cloud of COVID reared its head in rural NSW.
With nothing on the line for either team and most expecting not to be playing, both teams put on a solid quality match.
The Hoppers had a 4-goal lead at quarter time as their midfield led by Bigger and defence led by Wolfe were able to get space in the middle and provide better service to their forwards.
As the NSW lockdown news came through at the break both teams were happy to continue and the Hoppers were able to stretch the lead to 37 with McKimmie taking control at clearances, Willett being the forward target and Connell causing problems in the air.
After the long break the visitors kicked into gear to cut the margin to 20 but coach Ednie snuck on and playing his first game since May kicked a goal either side of the three-quarter break to ensure the game stayed in the Hoppers hands winning by 34 points.
Willett kicked 3 goals for the Hoppers. Congratulations to Chase Strawhorn on winning the league goalkicking and enormous effort for a team which only won 3 games.
Reserves
Rennie 11.12.78 defeated Deniliquin Rovers 3.6.24.
The only game of the day where the result really mattered as it was Rennie’s day to shine winning by 54 points and finishing 8th grabbing the spot from their opponent.
The Hoppers were on from the start as Freeman and Benjamin dominated on ball, Elliott had sticky hands all day, Chung provided run and carry and Bruce and Boulton were classy in the forward area. Rennie won all 4 terms and look forward to a clash against Berrigan if they get a chance.
Awards: Cellarbrations - Tana Freeman, Lake Mulwala Bakery - Brody Benjamin, Yarrawonga Hotel - Lach Elliott, Club Mulwala - Cooper Jones, Thyme for Coffee - Dylan Chung.
Under 17s
Rennie 1.1.7 defeated by Deniliquin Rovers 22.19.151.
Came up against the top team and had a red hot go for 3 terms but lost comfortably.
Great to see Daniel Herrod snag his first goal for the club, even if his mum didn’t see it.
The Hoppers have finished 7th and will hopefully play Blighty.
Awards: Murray Valley Rural Supplies Daniel Herrod, Paternoster Farms - Harry Hogan, Wingates -Lach Kelly, Bull Plain Farms -Luke Slattery, C & T Rhodes - Caleb Tanner.
Under 14s
Rennie 2.2.14 defeated by Deniliquin Rovers 9.17.71.
Played a slick opposition and went down by 57 points which was a huge effort. Brad Burrows starred all day, well supported by Clarkson and Lawless.
The Hoppers won three games and ended 13th with a great job done by coach Strawhorn after having only 4 players 3 weeks before the season.
Awards: I & P Ferguson - Brad Burrows, Kennedy Builders - Tyler Clarkson, STF Engineering - Connor Strawhorn, Murray River Electrical - Aiden Lawless, Yarra Pet Resort - Blair Strawhorn.
So, the twos and threes are in the finals and hopefully will get a chance to have a crack at it.
So, when the club were supposed to be having a drink and celebrating the season that was, the scoreboard at Rennie showed what we all thought. (see the Rennie Facebook page).