Border Mail |
COROWA-Rutherglen’s five-year finals drought looks over after a 22-point win over North Albury on Saturday gave the Roos their best start to a season in almost a decade.
Corowa-Rutherglen, which last started a season 6-2 back in 2005, held off an exciting Hoppers’ side that will again rue another missed opportunity.
The Roos, conversely, have developed a healthy habit of winning.
Bryce Campbell, in his first year as coach, is fully aware of what the Roos are achieving.
“It’s a long time, isn’t it?” Campbell said of the club’s finals drought.
“You can see the improvement and the joy on the supporters’ and players’ faces and it is a good place to be around.
“But we are still fully aware of where we are at.
“Until you start pushing and beating the top sides, you aren’t a genuine side.
“But we have come a long way and still have a lot of improvement left in us.”
The Roos shot clear in the opening half, taking a 28-point lead into the main break at John Foord Oval.
Five goals on the trot spaced over the first and second quarters gave Corowa-Rutherglen control of the contest.
However, North Albury fought back strongly in the third term, with three goals from Jarrah Maksymow in that quarter alone keeping the Hoppers alive.
But poor execution going forward, coupled with Corowa-Rutherglen’s pressure and several cruel umpire calls, prevented the Hoppers from making further inroads.
Luke Gestier again provided a strong target in attack during the first half opposed to Murray Bushranger Mitch Mahady but had his output curtailed in the second half once Daniel Leslie was thrown into defence.
The North Albury skipper was fantastic.
Jamie Seymour, Jarred Lane, Hayden Singe, Hayden Filliponi and Mick Mattingly all had a significant impact for the Roos.
Corowa-Rutherglen’s pressure was superb, with Sean Kelly and Kade Kuschert laying plenty of crucial tackles when the match was on the line.
Jarrah Maksymow again provided plenty of highlights for the Hoppers and booted four vital goals.
Despite slumping to 2-6, North Albury coach Jason Akermanis hasn’t given up hope.
“We want to play finals,” Akermanis said.
“That’s what we’re here for.
“We’ve unfortunately got that bad habit of being in games but not being able to do enough but once we shake that habit, I’ve got no doubt we’ll be in the mix.”
