UNDER 11 By RICKY CHRISTIAN ON a frosty Saturday morning, the Euroa Magpie under 11s team took to the court to face their formidable opponents, the Orrvale Thunderbirds. Despite the cold air biting at their noses and perhaps a few toes, the Magpies stepped up with spirit, determination and plenty of energy. The game was a fast-paced contest filled with sharp passes, determined interceptions and a number of enthusiastic attempts at goal. The Thunderbirds brought strong competition, but the Magpies held their ground, seizing every opportunity and displaying impressive teamwork throughout the match. The final score was 12 to six in favour of Orrvale. However, the real highlight was the resilience and camaraderie shown by the Magpies. Although they did not win on the scoreboard, they certainly demonstrated what it means to wear the Euroa colours with pride, showing teamwork, sportsmanship, and plenty of smiles after each play. This week’s award recipient was Marley French. Marley consistently displayed the qualities that define the Euroa spirit, boundless enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and the determination to never give up. Marley earned well deserved recognition for an outstanding performance. Well done, Magpies. Here’s to many more cool mornings, strong matches and continued growth on and off the court. UNDER 13 By TAMMY PRETLOVE AT the risk of using the old cliche “the scores didn’t reflect the game”, it couldn’t have been more accurate today. The entire team kept a tight hold of Kyabram in the first quarter, with Zoe and Olivia keeping the goalies honest and making them earn absolutely every score. Birthday girl Harper was fantastic through the centre, creating many turnovers. Isla and Chloe were a strong support to our goalies bringing the ball down and feeding into the ring beautifully. Mackenzie and Skye took a while to warm up in the goals, but once they did they made the most of the limited scoring opportunities. All girls should be so proud of themselves. Not once did their enthusiasm drop despite the score and they played with gusto and ferocity for the entire game. Picking star of the week was not an easy task, but this week's winner was Zoe. UNDER 13 EUROA THREE SECONDARY DIVISION ONE By THERESA THOMPSON THE first quarter began with a few missed goals, but Ava Gordon and Zara Hill quickly found their rhythm, combining with strength in the ring to score 13 goals. The whole team showed hunger for the ball, chasing down every loose pass. Issy Gordon produced her trademark intercepts, helping set the tone for a strong defensive performance. In the second quarter, Leila Thompson started strongly as goal keeper, intercepting the first centre ball and working hard to shut down the Saints’ scoring opportunities. She, along with Issy, Evie Buchanan, and Molly Fowler, formed a solid defensive wall, creating multiple turnovers. Euroa began to settle their passing game and found good flow through the midcourt. The third quarter highlighted Tully Watson’s consistency. Always dependable and well-positioned, she combined well with the equally reliable Molly Fowler to deliver strong feeds into the shooters, Ava and Zara. Isla Moore demonstrated impressive strength in goal defence, while Evie Buchanan’s tight marking in wing defence added pressure through the midcourt. In the final quarter, Euroa made several positional changes, with Tully moving into goals, Molly into defence, and Ava into centre. The team adapted well, showing their versatility and depth. SCOREBOARD: Euroa 43 defeated Saints Opals 30 This week’s award went to Tully Watson for her strong attacking work across WA, C, and GA. UNDER 15 TEAM TWO EUROA started strong in the opening quarter, applying early pressure but missing a few chances to convert on goal. The team took some time to settle into rhythm, and Tatura Storm made the most of the opportunity, gaining early control of the match. Eventually, Euroa began to lift, with Bridie and Adi combining well to push the ball into their attacking end. In the second quarter, Euroa’s defensive work improved significantly. Heidi W was a standout, working tirelessly to repel Tatura’s attacks and transition the ball up the court. In the goal circle, Brianna had a confident quarter, displaying quick movement and accurate shooting. Strong efforts through the centre court from Bridie, Mabel, and Audrey gave Euroa more possession and control, making it the team’s most productive quarter. Returning to court after the break, the Euroa players remained positive with continued encouragement from coach Tracey. Some position changes were made, and while it took time to adjust, Aggi and Brianna showed good connection in the goal ring. A few unlucky misses and rushed passes allowed Tatura to take back momentum late in the quarter. As the winter chill set in during the final quarter on court 17, Euroa continued to fight hard. Despite this determination, Tatura capitalised on a few errors and extended their lead. Euroa showed spirit and teamwork across the match and never gave up. SCOREBOARD: Tatura 28 defeated Euroa 18 CAPTAIN: Heidi W BEST ON COURT: Brianna UNDER 11 BLACK By CIARA HAMILL IT was a crisp, sunny Saturday morning as the Euora Under 11 took to the court against St Lukes in a spirited and evenly matched game. The first goal of the day was scored by Paige, kicking things off with great energy. Paige and Lilly kept the momentum going, working brilliantly together and going goal for goal, linking up seamlessly through the centre. In defence, Lexi and Holly were rock solid, reading the play well and stopping several key passes. \ Matilda added to the scoreboard with a fantastic goal in the third quarter, showing great composure under pressure. Eden gave it her all, running tirelessly throughout the game and making a big impact all over the court. It was a tight contest, but in the end the opposition edged ahead with a final score of 18 to 10. This week’s Best Player Award went to Eden Timperley for her incredible effort and determination. Great effort by the team, with plenty to be proud of and lots to build on for next week. UNDER 13 EUROA FOUR SECONDARY By KRISTEN ICK IN the first five minutes of the game, the girls came out firing, supporting Jess to shoot the first three goals. Strong intercepts by Piper, Ella and Ayla in defence, with the back up of Zoe and Crystal, kept the ball down Euroa’s end, allowing shooters Rylee and Jess to take advantage. The first quarter ended with All Saints on five and Euroa on 21. The second quarter saw All Saints start well with two early goals. The girls used their voices effectively, with excellent passing and interceptions. At the half time break, Euroa led 37 to All Saints’ eight. Coach Maggie was pleased with the team’s use of space and the pace of the game. The third quarter began with two goals scored by Rylee in under a minute. The team did well to keep the ball at the scoring end, with Jess adding another three goals soon after. Zoe and Crystal worked exceptionally well, providing support on the outside of the ring. The quarter ended with Euroa on 59 and All Saints on nine. The final quarter was more of a challenge, but the team held firm, restricting All Saints to only two goals while Euroa added another 17. Chloe starred in the ring, making her mark on the scoreboard and helping keep the team in front. SCOREBOARD: All Saints 11 defeated by Euroa 76. AWARDS: Jessica Lipscombe.
