THE Goulburn Valley League (GVL) took on a formidable opponent in the Ovens and Murray League (O&M) during a highly anticipated interleague clash held at the WJ Findlay Oval in Wangaratta on Saturday.
While the scoreboard ultimately favoured the O&M sides, Euroa representatives stood out in both football and netball, showcasing promising talent and gaining valuable experience.
Euroa’s own Cohen Paul impressed for GVL despite the heavy loss.
The senior football match saw Ovens and Murray dominate the contest, moving the ball swiftly and precisely to secure a commanding 18.19.127 to 7.8.50 victory over GVL. Paul, making his senior interleague debut after a recent transition from the elite Bushrangers program last season, was one of the standout performers for the GVL.
“It means a lot to be recognised among the best players in the league,” Paul reflected.
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“Just to learn from them and test myself against the best in country footy was a great experience.”
Though the match was a tough lesson in pace and physicality, Paul praised the leadership at Euroa for trusting his game this season and is focused on passing on what he’s learned to younger players back home.
The Under 18s GVL side suffered a narrow loss to O&M 9.6.60 to 10.13.73 with the team showing some promise.
On the netball court, Euroa players had a pivotal role in GVL’s commanding 68-31 senior victory over O&M.
The attacking trio of Liv Morris, Mia Sudomirski, and Hollie Reid led the charge, with Reid earning Best on Court honours.
Coach Bree Hanslow praised the balanced and composed play of the Euroa representatives, highlighting their key role in maintaining pressure and delivering accurate passes.
"I thought Mia (Sudomirski) was fantastic through the attack end," Hanslow said.
"She was great at balancing out the attack to give it some drive, and the passes she gave to the others were great."
Assistant Coach Kelly Hill, who also works with junior squads, praised the cohesion and talent on display:
“They looked sharp, and you could tell they play together regularly.”
At the junior level, despite a 38-69 loss in the 15 and Under match, Euroa’s Bethan Burton and Avie Hill stood out.
Both are part of the Netball Victoria Talent Academy and showed strong promise.
“Bethan is a nuggety midcourter with great vision, while Avie is a speedy, smart goaler at 5’10” who complements the taller shooters,” Hill noted.
Euroa’s netball teams continue to impress, with four out of five teams sitting in the top six positions midway through the season.
The 17s side is also finding strong form, hinting at an exciting second half of the year.
“For a small town to be competing with much larger clubs, it’s a super effort,” Hill said.
“Euroa Netball is in a great place.”
The Magpies line up away against the Tatura Bulldogs this week in a must-win game for the seniors and a winnable contest for the netball club, as both teams find themselves close to the middle of the season.
