Loddon Herald 22 June 2023

BRADLEY of Boort knows a thing or two about growing old. He hasn’t put up a new sign this week because the youngsters of the family both had birthdays to celebrate over the weekend. Guess his last sign to be erected on the Treemendous tree sign may be interpreted as fatherly advice to offspring, in one case, now able to consider driving on the roads.

THE “growing up is optional” phrase may well have been used out Waanyarra way over the recent King’s Birthday weekend. There camped among the gum trees were “alleged” perpetrators of the recent attempt to rewire wipers and reverse seatbelts as reported in OTF last week. We have been told that the victim - The Oracle - decided to pay a visit to the happy campers where he witnessed one of the greatest juggling acts since Ashton’s Circus last visited the area. He gave them top marks for stumbling over twigs and bracken after a heavy day of campfire discussions without ruining the next day’s breakfast. Not a drop or a crack on the recently-collected free range eggs from a Loddon chook yard. The Oracle did comment, however, “There were a few woolly moments not seen in a shearing shed.”

MUST record in OTF this week that radio and telephonic silence of The Oracle since the Tigers’ stunning victory over his Saints at the weekend. All I can say is the Tigers can still do it!

WE’RE unsure whether Ashton’s Circus ever made a stop in the Loddon but rival Wirth’s performed in Inglewood in 1931 when it was reported that two tiger cubs were born in its menagerie. “They will be reared on a baby’s bottle as the mother frequently kills her cubs through trying to hide them from view.” Earlier still, in 1890, Fitzgerald’s Circus performed in Pyramid Hill after crowds had flocked to the annual agricultural show earlier in the day.

F OUND out, too, that our newspaper ancestors were captivated by Matthews’ Circus touring the goldfields around Loddon. “The clowns are of beyond average ability, and keep up a stream of fun throughout the evening. The performing dogs are perfect wonders of docility and intelligence, and the performance of a lady trapezist was also much admired,” it was written.

ALL this just goes to show that throughout the ages, we’re always young at heart and enjoy a good laugh and entertainment - engaging in things that put a twinkle in the eye in every effort to retain that youthful, jolly spirit. As always, we love it when you share those experiences and observations with OTF!

LODDON THREE AT ASSEMBLY Mayor Dan Straub, Australian Local Government Association delegate Cr Gavan Holt and Cr Linda Jungwirth attended the association’s four-day national general assembly in Canberra last week. They are pictured with MP Anne Webster and other council leaders from the Mallee electorate after a dinner at Parliament House. The conference theme was Our Communities, Our Future looking for ideas for new federal programs and policies that would support councils to build stronger communities in the future.

Licence suspended after test

A SWAN Hill man will appear in court after having his licence suspended by police in Inglewood last week.

The man allegedly returned a positive breath test last Wednesday and will be summonsed on a charge of having exceeded 0.05

Earlier, police also fined a man for unlicensed driving, speeding and exceeding 0.05.

Loddon police issued multiple fines for speeding across the

region over the King’s Birthday long weekend.

The highest speed recorded was 142kmh on the Bridgewater-Serpentine Road with a Melbourne man fined $600 and had his licence suspended for three months. And an Argentinian national was clocked at 135kmh on the same road.

Across Victoria, police reported 2652 speeding offences over the long weekend.

Crossing voice call

RESIDENTS have started a petition demanding a long-awaited pedestrian crossing be installed on the Calder Highway at Wedderburn.

Retired nurse Cheryl Fowler launched the petition at the weekend after seeing an elderly resident struggle to cross the busy highway.

“There was a frail lady using a walking frame trying to cross the street and struggling with turbulence from trucks as she walked from the doctor’s surgery to the chemist,” Cheryl said.

“This is happening all the time and people are frightened.

“Trucks and other vehicles speed through town .. our shopping area.”

Cheryl said she had already received support for the petition from Wedderburn business owners wanting installation of a pedestrian crossing.

She said underground services were installed when the town’s streetscape was upgraded five years ago.

“VicRoads, the TAC and Government run road safety cam-

paigns but they only tick the boxes and they don’t produce action to make local roads safer,” she said.

“All is ready to go to install the crossing. It’s sad nothing has been done ... this is a chance for the Government to act before someone is hurt.”

Cheryl said she had spoken with Loddon Shire’s Wedderburn Ward councillor Gavan Holt and Ripon MP Martha Haylett.

Cr Holt said the need for a pe-

destrian crossing had been raised with Calder Highway Improvement Committee over the past 15 years.

He said underground electrical cabling installed during streetscape works meant the project could quickly proceed if the Department of Transport received funding.

Cheryl said copies of the petition would be sent to Transport Minister Ben Carroll, Roads and Freight Minister Melissa Horne,

Award finalist

WEDDERBURN’S Crystal

Hardiman is a finalist in Bendigo Zonta Club’s award for indigenous women and girls’ achievements. The Wedderburn College VCAL dux last year will join other finalists at Bendigo’s NAIDOC week flag raising and awards in Bendigo next Friday.

Blazeaid donation

VICTORIAN Farmers’ Federation has donated $50,000 to natural disaster relief organisation Blazeaid to help regional communities and farmers continue to recover after Victoria’s recent floods.

“Farmers and regional communities are still picking up the pieces, months after record floods devastated so many,” said president Emma Germano. Blazeaid’s first recovery efforts after October’s floods were in the Bridgewater district.

Dog owner warning

government transport and road safety agencies and Ms Haylett.

Wedderburn’s push for improved road safety through the Calder Highway town adds to calls this year to lower the speed limit in Inglewood and a pedestrian crossing in Bridgewater.

Cheryl said she did not understand why the Department of Transport had rejected previous requests for a Wedderburn crossing, The department has been contacted for comment.

THE Loddon Herald has been contacted by several Inglewood residents with warnings of poisoned food found by owners walking their dogs in recent weeks.

Numbers stable

OFFICIAL; statistics show there were eight COVID-19 cases reported in Loddon communities last week, the same as a week earlier. Across the state, new cases dropped 35 per cent last week.

Debbie Tuson, Cindy Cochran, Cheryl Fowler, Steve Giorlando and Emad Sidhom campaign for a crossing. LH PHOTO

Maiden glow shines on resources

CATALYST Metals maiden mineral resource has shown high grade gold deposits at its Four Eagles project.

The mining company’s initial resource on exploration in the Mitiamo district said Four Eagles Gold Project delivered 665,000 tonne at 7.7g/t for 163,000oz Au.

Crime reports buck state trend

RECORDED crime in Loddon communities is at its second lowest level in seven years, according to statistics released last week.

There has been a 9.2 per cent drop in crime in the 12 months to March, going against the statewide average increase of 3.5 per cent.

Wedderburn had 71 of the 463 reported crimes in local communities for the year. There were 60 reports in Inglewood, 44 at Pyramid Hill, 28 at Calivil and 23 at Bridgewater.

Crime Statistics Agency said arrests or summons had been issued in 47.1 per cent of incidents while 36.7 per cent remained unsolved.

Criminal incidents dropped by 11.9 per cent with 341 matters listed. There were 46 in Wedderburn followed by Inglewood 51, Pyramid Hill 24, Bridgewater 20

and Boort 16 - almost one third were theft and burglary.

There were 17 service station incidents for the year.

There was a 17.7 per cent drop in reported family violence incidents - 107 for the year ending March compared with 130 for the previous year.

The family violence figure was the Loddon’s lowest since the first year of the pandemic in 2020 and lower than 2019.

Crime Statistics Agency said the rate of recorded offences increased, up 3.5 per cent to 7349.1 per 100,000 Victorians in the last 12 months, while the number of offences increased 5.6 per cent to 496,589.

“All offence categories increased in the last 12 months, except for category F Other Offences related to Breach of Chief Health Officer offences, which had been recorded at higher lev-

els during the first two years of the pandemic.

“Offences not related to family violence drove the increase up 6.4 per cent or 23,030 offences to 384,018, while family violence related offences increased 3.1 per cent or 3394 offences to 112,571.”

The agency said that in the 12 months to March, the number of criminal incidents increased, up 5.6 per cent or 19,042 to 361,140 incidents.

The rate also increased, up 3.4 per cent to 5344.6 per 100,000 Victorians.

Alleged offender incidents increased 10.5 per cent to 166,666 in the last 12 months, as did the rate up 8.1 per cent to 2795 per 100,000.

The majority of the age groups increased in the last 12 months, the only age groups to decrease were 18-19 years and 20-24

New ambo station almost finished

CONSTRUCTION of Inglewood’s new ambulance station is within weeks of being finished.

Crews have been putting finishing touches to the three-bay station and landscaping around the Hospital Street building.

Demolition of the old station will also start within weeks, according to the Victorian Health Building Authority and take about four weeks.

“Demolition is expected to get underway in the coming weeks. During this time demolition works are likely to generate some noise and dust, there is also expected to be a temporary increase in traffic to and from the site,” the authority said. “This work will take place during approved work hours and within Environment Protection Authority Victoria and council guidelines.

“The condition of the existing buildings onsite are poor and no longer fit-forpurpose. To ensure the new Inglewood ambulance branch is safe for paramedics and delivers the required amenity and functionality for paramedics to quickly respond to local emergencies, the decision was made to demolish the old Inglewood ambulance branch.

Ripon MP Martha Haylett said: ““It’s exciting to see works on the multi-milliondollar Inglewood ambulance station near completion.”

“The new station provides a modern, fit-for-purpose facility for our hard-working ambos to do what they do best – save lives.”

The heritage ambulance illuminated disc sign outside the station will be retained, according to an update from the authority.

years. The victimisation rate increased by 4.9 per cent to 3093 reports per 100,000 Victorians.

The number of person-related victim reports was up 7.1 per cent to 208,998 and organisation reports was up 13.9 per cent to 72,331.

CSA Chief Statistician Fiona Dowsley said that “the upward trends observed in recorded crime measures in the last 12 months coincide with a return to pre-pandemic related movements in the community.

“The volume increase in recorded offences is largely attributable to non-family violence related crime.

“While there has been an increase in recorded crime measures for the year ending 31 March 2023 the figures remain below those recorded in 2019” Ms Dowsley said when releasing latest statistics.

This resource includes Iris Zone; a high-grade deposit of 70,000oz at 26.2g/tonne.

“The Boyd’s Dam and Iris Zone grade block models are considered to represent global (not local) mineral resources and therefore there is no underlying assumption of selectivity. It is anticipated that further drilling will be required to produce estimates at a local scale, and this will provide information important to mine planning,” it said.

Catalyst CEO James Champion de Crespigny said: “This is a significant milestone for Catalyst Metals.

“There are many similar nearby prospects already with high grade intercepts. “These need to be tested. Further, the location of Iris – in close proximity to both Boyd’s Dam and the proposed exploration tunnel – is significant as it has the potential to underwrite the cost of the proposed exploration tunnel,” he said.

We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours

The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.

For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on

— but most of all we are a community. We are in this together, and together we will get through.

If you need advice or assistance with anything related to government, or in your general day-to-day life, please contact my of ce on the details below and we will do our best to help you.

Turning circle leads to pathway doors

DOORS were again opening for vocational careers, Wedderburn College principal, Danny Forrest told Loddon employers last week.

The college hosted an information session on traineeship and apprenticeship pathways through CVGT.

Mr Forrest said the college had an even split of students studying VCE and vocational subjects.

“We are about setting up students with individual pathways. The circle has turned and there are options again for trade careers,” he said.

“We have a dedicated team helping students in Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 and we want to keep

working with the community and employers.”

The school has linked with businesses across the Loddon over the past 18 months to place students in vocational partnerships.

Among employers at the session was builder Bruce Hargreaves.

“Some kids are not made to go to school, they are made for being hands on,” he said.

Mr Hargreaves has put four apprentices through their training during his decades in the industry.

“Many tradies are getting older and we need young helping hands,” he said.

IN BRIEF

Picket painters

PROSPECTORS Sports Club wants Loddon schools to be part of its Paint a Picket Post for Prosperity project. The Bendigo-based group has received a grant from Women’s Health Loddon Mallee. “Our aim is to provide an outlet for primary school girls who were impacted by the 2022 flood and feel they might benefit from an opportunity to paint about their experiences,” said facilitator Meredith Dixon. Kooyoora Women’s Network is also supporting the project.

New CARE strategy

MORE than 25 organisations and councils are working together across the Loddon Mallee region of Victoria to prevent violence against women before it starts through the Collective Action for Respect and Equality Partnership. Women’s Health Loddon Mallee will launch the new strategy today, outlining the actions partner organisations are taking to collectively end violence and promote gender equality in the Loddon Mallee.

Truck rollover

FIRE brigades were called to a truck rollover on the PyramidYarraberb Road on Tuesday morning. The freight tanker rolled about 6.30am near the Prairie Road intersection. The driver was taken to hospital.

Volunteer thankyou

RHEOLA Charity Carnival will recognise volunteers behind the successful 150th event at Easter with a thank you afternoon tea on Sunday.

Not all banks offer 100% offset on their home loans.

CVGT’s Marg Duncan and Christine Coombes. LH PHOTOS

Charlie and Carol Woodman with Kylie Turnbull and Shaun Polkinghorne.

Steve Poole, Bruce Hargreaves, Robyn Vella, Geoff Burnside and Matt Holmes-Brown at the traineeship information evening..

Ball starts rolling on referendum

CASES for and against the Voice referendum will be lodged with the Australian Electoral Commission next month.

Mechanisms for the first constitutional referendum in 24 years were approved in Parliament this week.

The National Party, including Mallee MP Anne Webster, will be campaigning against creation of an indigenous body to advise the Parliament and the Government.

The AEC said MPs and senators had until July 17 to prepare official arguments for and against the referendum.

The vote must be held this year.

Meanwhile, DJAARA CEO Rodney Carter is among 21 people elected to First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.

Mr Carter heads the organisations responsible for redevelopment of Kooyoora State Park.

Week to go before aged care change

Centenary will open gates of history

IT’S been more than half a century since Bridgewater welcomed former residents back to the river town.

But this October, today’s residents are opening the welcome gates with a back-to bash to celebrate the centenary of their hall.

Opening in 1923 as a memorial to men and women who had

served in World War One, the hall will be a focal point of activities over two days.

“The weekend will be a party where everyone can catch up,” said one of the organisers Jill Hobbs.

“We’re inviting people throughout networks and also asking them to contribute to displays on the history of the

hall and the town for the weekend.”

Graham Morse said the backto had grown from an initial discussion on how to celebrate the centenary.

“Everyone enthusiastically agreed that was a good idea,” he said.

Barefoot bowls and other activities in the community are

being planned to open celebrations with the major event in the historic hall on the Saturday night.

Jill said it was too early to gauge how many would attend the back-to but encouraged current and former residents to sign up early for celebrations.

The centenary bash will be on October 20 and 21.

LODDON Shire Council formally ends its in-home aged care services in seven days.

But while the council has said new providers have been appointed, the Federal Government is yet to make the official announcement. The Department of Health has been contacted for comment.

The Loddon Herald understands the Government has contracted three organisations to service residents of Loddon communities.

Loddon Tourism Networking Night Community plan for town

The Loddon Valley Tourism team invite industry partners to a Business Networking Dinner in Inglewood in July. With so much happening across the tourism sector, the tourism team is excited to see business networking events return this year and rolling out in towns across the Loddon Shire into the future.

The July event will be a special occasion to reconnect with new and existing business operators, and hear an overview of current and future tourism and business initiatives.

Where: Inglewood Town Hall Hub, 25 Verdon Street, Inglewood

When: Monday 10 July 2023, 6:00 - 8:00pm (Doors open from 5:45 pm for a 6:00 pm start)

Dinner: You will be treated to a delicious Spanish street food inspired meal provide by Little Sangria

Keynote Speaker: Susan Fayad, World Heritage and Regional Development Lead, City of Ballarat

Susan is co-coordinating the roll out of the Victorian

Gold elds World Heritage Bid program for 13 local government partners and will provide an update on the project and discuss opportunities for tourism.

RSVP: To con rm your attendance at the Networking Dinner, please RSVP by Monday 2 July via the booking link https://www.eventbrite. com/e/loddon-valley-tourism-businessnetworking-dinner-tickets-657252438737

If you have any questions or dietary requirements, please contact Faith Cooper on Fcooper@loddon.vic.gov.au or 03 5494 1257

Are you interested in developing a community plan for Serpentine?

An initial meeting has been organised for interested community members to learn about community planning.

Serpentine community members are encouraged to come along to see how they can contribute.

The community meeting will be on Wednesday 5 July 6.30pm, Loddon Shire o ce – Serpentine

For further information and apologies please contact:

Jayden Gladman 0417 109 061

Back-to organisers Ian Cluton, Glenys Harrison, Graham Morse, Jeff Hobbs and Jill Hobbs outside the historic hall. LH PHOTO

Independent review bid on phamarcy changes

PHARMACISTS are backing a new report that calls for an independent evidence-based review on Federal Government plans for 60-day dispensing.

Inglewood’s Kel Selwanes welcomed Monday’s report release.

“This report commissioned by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia backs up the concerns of community pharmacies in the Loddon Shire and across rural Australia,” Mr Selwanes.

“The Government needs to suspend its plans for change from 30-day to 60-day dispensing, consult and gather all the facts.”

The report by economist Henry Ergas found 20,000 jobs would be lost, 665 pharmacies closed and Australia’s most vulnerable patients will suffer under the Government’s 60-day dispensing policy.

The report has also recommended the policy, due to start on September 1, be delayed and the community and pharmacy sector be properly consulted. Conducted by Mr Ergas with Tulipwood Advisory and the Relational Insights Data Lab at Griffith University, the report found elderly people with chronic health conditions and regional Australians would suffer.

“In addition to the closure of 665 pharmacies, a further 900

will be at risk of closing due to significant financial pressure.

“To deal with these closures and cost pressures, pharmacies will cut opening hours, including on weekends and end free services for patients such as blood pressure monitoring, home delivery of medicines and diabetes and asthma programs.”

The report also says the Government’s policy would cut $4.5 billion from community pharmacies over four years, and the money taken out was not being reinvested, negatively impacting millions of patients.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia president Trent Twomey said the independent report was a wake-up call for the Federal Government given its policy was announced without consultation or modelling, as confirmed in Senate Estimates, to

understand the vast negative impacts.

“This independent report confirms the policy is catastrophic in its current form, leading to over 20,000 job losses, more than 650 pharmacies shutting, weekend opening hours drastically scaled back and millions of free services cut,” Mr Twomey said.

“You scratch the surface and look behind the positive headline, and you find only a small number of people benefit compared to millions of Australians who will either miss out, pay more, or have reduced services.

“We welcome the Health Minister’s commitment last week in Federal Parliament to a viable pharmacy network but his words need to be matched with action.”

The report was commissioned by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and endorsed and supported by the Australian Patients Association, Pain Australia, National Pharmaceutical Services Association and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.

Mr Selwanes said: “We want meaningful consultation with all stakeholders in the community pharmacy sector.

“We don’t want our patients being worse off which they will be under the Government plan,” he said.

Careers in focus at meeting

NORTH Central LLEN has featured young people discussing agricultural career pathways.

Hosted by CEO Jane Hosking and fellow staff member Molly Meadows, the meeting in Charlton had Will Simpson (Berriwillock), Danielle Lang (Nareewillock) and James Taylor (Tandarra) on the panel interviewed by Angus Verley.

Chair Cr Dan Straub welcomed more than 50 people to the meeting where board members Colleen Condliffe (Inglewood) and Win Scott (Charlton) were

re-elected. Careers in the 21st Century in Agriculture project officer Sue Gould talked about the project and what she has leant so far.

The project runs until mid2024.

She introduced some footage from the first stage of filming for a series of new videos on why young people should choose a career in agriculture featuring young people involved in a range of agricultural roles including Landcare, research, technology, machinery, and farming.

Local money goes straight to charity

LODDON fundraising for RUOK? has been donated direct to the national mental wellbeing charity.

Wedderburn Hotel publican Craig Fuller has confirmed that money contributed by patrons was deposited with RUOK? a fortnight ago.

The national charity late last week said it had withdrawn authorisation for Warren Wright to collect on its behalf.

Wright had been walking from Mildura to Portland and stopped in Wedderburn,

VNI West – Have your say

VNI West is an essential infrastructure project to build a vital new transmission line between Victoria and NSW.

It will harness clean, low-cost electricity from renewable energy zones in both states and improve the reliability and security of our electricity supply, as ageing coal-fired power stations retire.

Upcoming community events

Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) is committed to working closely with communities throughout the project. We are currently seeking feedback to help refine the transmission line route. Come along to one of our community events to meet the VNI West team, find out more about the project and share your local knowledge.

• Monday 3 July, 4–7 pm, Boort Memorial Hall

• Tuesday 4 July, 4–7 pm, Kerang Memorial Hall

• Wednesday 5 July, 4-7 pm, Charlton Park Complex

• Wednesday 12 July, 4–7 pm, Navarre Football and Netball Club

• Saturday 15 July, 1-4 pm, St Arnaud Town Hall, Stewart Hall

You can also visit our website to provide feedback using our interactive map, register your interest to join the Community Reference Group and find out more about landowner engagement.

For more information visit: transmissionvictoria.com.au

E: enquiries@transmissionvictoria.com.au P: 1800 824 221

Inglewood, Bridgewater and Dunolly on his way south. Also a former ambassador to Beyond Blue, Wright had travelled through the Loddon 18 months earlier on his charity walk.

National media reports at the weekend said Wright had been convicted of a sexual offence in Mildura.

Wright’s charity walk facebook page that had him in Hamilton has since been removed although the Instagram page remained live early this week.

Webster plans regional aged care ‘crisis summit’

A REGIONAL aged care summit to address the claims of a crisis will be called by Mallee MP Anne Webster.

Dr Webster, who is also shadow assistant minister for regional health, will host the summit in Mildura next month.

“I continue to receive very concerning

advice from providers in Mallee that they are in desperate need of help,” she said.

Dr Webster acknowledged the aged care sector nationwide had sustainability issues but raised serious reservations of any new tax that could be proposed by the Federal Government.

Kel Selwanes

Sue Gould speaks on rural pathways at the NCLLEN annual meeting.

Students learn emergency, health drill

STUDENTS from four schools were in good hands last week when they explored health and community safety.

Bridgewater, Inglewood, St Mary’s Inglewood and Raywood students experienced interactive presentations from Inglewood Fire Brigade and the State Emergency Service’s Marong unit.

St John Ambulance also instructed students in basic CPR during the session on local heroes and emergency services day.

And students learnt the importance of health by running their own clinic and teddy bear’s hospital.

Inglewood principal Lex Johnstone said it was the first time since COVID that the four schools have been together for an activity.

“The kids had a ball climbing in and out of trucks, playing with fire hoses and other awesome equipment and learning CPR,” he said.

Students took part in mock emergency service exercises using the jaws of life and learnt about the SES rescue boat that was used across the Loddon during last October’s flood emergency.

The day was co-ordinated by Bridgewater principal Linda

MeetTCV

Short for Transmission Company Victoria, TCV is a new company created by AEMO Victorian Planning (AVP).

The TCV team is already busy with the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West), an essential transmission project to carry clean, a ordable renewable electricity to towns and cities around Victoria.

AVP has set up TCV to make sure that important commitments made in the early stages of VNI West are captured and honoured across the life of the project.

TCV will play a big role in consulting with communities, landholders and Traditional Owners in this next stage of the project, the work to refine the route.

TCV is committed to working closely with all our stakeholders and the new TCV website will provide regular project updates and details of upcoming community events or opportunities for input.

For more information visit: transmissionvictoria.com.au

Gus Ferguson, Link Zurcus, Abby Wilson and Rhiannon Murphy with SES leader Emma Comello.

Ruby Scolari,Rylea BaIley, Kiara Blake and Tyler Pearce with Inglewood CFA volunteer Simon Taylor.

St John Ambulance Brigade’s Robyn Leeson with Olivia Morrison, Ryan Farrugia, Mia Blake and Mitchell Luke.

Laxford Ashley, Emmett Weeding, Nakodah McEwan and Isaac Kellogg check the health of their teddy bears. LH PHOTOS

Ava Elliott-Barnes-Johnson takes her bear to the eye clinic during last week’s health and emergency heroes day.

THERE was Just a modest lift in supply at Bendigo on Monday after no sale last week with 11,050 lambs and 2500 sheep yarded.

Quality was again very mixed with fewer heavy grain-fed lambs available and more plainer trade and light types off grass.

Five processing orders were absent and others didn’t operate to capacity.

The market was very erratic, with all but the best heavy lambs cheaper than a fortnight ago.

The weaker trend was most evident over trade lambs in the 20-22kg and 2224kg ranges, some sales loosing up to $20. Overall the sale lacked buying depth, so if buyers didn’t like a pen of lambs for quality or skin presentation reasons the price tended to drop away.

Lambs in long woolly or seedy skins were discounted the most.

Best lambs over 30kg cwt were limited and made $190 to $208 at an estimated 600c to 620c/kg cwt.

Once off the lead pens more price variance started to show up in the market.

The heavy 26-30kg lambs $139 to $203, ranging from 550c to 600c for most but secondary types down below 530c at times.

Heavy trades 24-26kg $135 to $164. The 22-24kg cwt lambs $116 to $147, and the 20-22kg $96 to $131. There was a big price spread of about 450c to 580c/kg cwt over the general run of trade lambs.

Light lambs were generally cheaper on very plain quality, although there was still some pockets of strong sales to local restockers.

Limited sheep yarding which trended cheaper, most mutton estimated between 300c to 370c/kg cwt.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

J & B Kennedy Arcadia (52) $205, Blencowe Farm Massey(47) $204, J,S & W Brown Colbinabbin (70) $203, T & S Lockhart Berrimal (57) $200, Naturi Farms Arcadia (75) $193, Forres P/L Rochester (59) $190, GJ & GM Bremner P/L Mansfield (20) $189, KP & PL Kelly Werrimull (81) $188, Brown Ag (50) $185, GW & N Crow Bainlea (48) $183, HA & ER Westblade Kerang (49) $180, ID & PM Durie Wycheproof (47) $176, N & M Hocking Pyramid Hill (15) $175, DJ & SL Lloyd Stuart Mill (29) $168, Mrs L Dingwall Pyramid Hill (30) $164, R & B McKenzie Elmore (22) $160, D & S O’Rourke Nominees Boort (50) $159, PA Bourke Mathoura (98) $158, D & H McKinley Leichardt (58) $156, G & K Pink Boort (30) $156, Killara Past Co P/L Boort (77) $152.

MERINO WETHERS

ST & JJ Verley Boort (186) $159, Walla Past Yarrawalla (128) $114.

CROSSBRED EWES Hannaby Farms Bears Lagoon (34) $112, Fairfields @ Mysia (95) $108, Burnewang Nth Past Rochester (24) $102, Crosthwaite Family Trust Hawthorn East (43) $97, Everdale Holdings Calivil (86) $95.

MERINO EWES

D & D Hancock Murphy’s Creek (65) $124, Wooroonook Moama (130) $110. N& K Mholt Kurrara West (56) $102, Wanalta Ag Wanalta (49) $99.

Next week’s order of sales: Nutrien, Nevins, Elders, McKean McGregor, Nuttall.

SUPPLIED BY ASSOCIATED STOCK AGENTS

Boort Grain Co-op prices Tuesday. Wheat – H2 $348 FIS. APW1 $333 FIS. ASW $333 FIS. AGP1 $333 FIS. SFW1 $333 FIS. FED1 $310 FIS. Barley - PL1 $323 FIS. SP1 $323 FIS. Bar1 $293 FIS. Bar2 $275 FIS. Bar3 $255 FIS. Bar4 $235 FIS. Faba1 $75 FIS. Faba2 $375 FIS. *GM CANOLA - ISCC +/- AOF $355 FIS. 2023-2024 - ASW $323. BAR1 MG $295. NonGM canola $625. GM canola $575.

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

Similar yarding from a fortnight ago, with a mix in quality, fully firm across the lamb market.

Strong season start

TERRICK West Merino Stud claimed the champion March shorn strong wool ewe title at weekend’s Hay Sheep Show.

The stud also won the March strong wool lamb ewe section in the first show of the season for March shorn sheep.

The largest show in New South Wales attracted more than 300 entries where Terrick West principal Ross McGauchie also saw the stud awarded minor prizes including second in the ewe hogget competition, three ewe lambs, medium wool ewe March lamb, medium two tooth March ewe and August shorn four tooth and over medium wool ram.

Monday, June 19th 2023 - Bendigo Yarding: Lambs - 12,000 Sheep - 3,000 Alex Collins - 0408

Trade Sheep $70-105 $3.40-3.80-$4-6

Light Sheep $35-65 $3.40-3.80-$4-6

To discuss the marketing opportunities available for your livestock, contact the McKean McGregor team.

Young Pups earning full barks

A JUNIOR football resurgence that started three months ago with a dozen players has matured into a match-winning side for Pyramid Hill.

The Bryden Morrison-coached under 18 side on Saturday won its first AFL Central Victoria league match.

The Bulldogs took honours by 54 points over Bridgewater with spirit and committed dash out of the backline.

Co-skipper Harrison Goodes was named best player and kicked three goals for the morning while Lewis Stubbs was again ranked among major contributors for the young Pups and booted four goals.

The rebirth of Pyramid Hill’s junior side came after an absence from under

age football for three seasons following the club’s premiership in 2019.

Many of the youngsters are pulling on a football jumper for the first time this season.

Pyramid Hill kicked clear of Bridgewater after quarter time and the win lifts its to fourth place in the five-team competition.

The success has marked Pyramid Hill as the most improved side at the midway mark of the fledgling competition.

President Bruce Moon said: “It was significant win for our exceptional young people but also the resilience and determination it took to reform our junior team.”

Veterans flag victory

VETERAN Pyramid Hill trio Bruce Moon, Barry Dingwall and Rowan Broad have landed back in Australia with premiership medallions around their necks.

The three were part of the victorious Darwin Waratahs who won the annual Bali Masters nine-a-side competition first played in 2008.

Moon has only missed one year - rebuilding the farm after the 2011 floods ruled the Pyramid Hill club president out of the next year’s tournament.

This year Moon, club trainer Dingwall and netball operations manager Broad lined up with the Waratahs in the masters team for players aged 55 and over.

Moon said Pyramid Hill and the Waratahs had strong links through Shane Carroll. It was Carroll who first asked him to play in the tournament.

Shane, who grew up in Pyramid Hill and played with the Bulldogs, sees the family connection continue with son Brodie part of the senior line-up this season after player for Peel Thunder in the Western Australia Football League last year.

It has been through the Carroll connection with the Darwin Waratahs that Dylan Collis is into his second season at Mitchell Park.

AFL Asia bills the Bali Masters as the biggest Australian football tournament in the world.

Hosted by the Bali Geckos, the Masters sees teams from all over the world flock to the island for the June long weekend. Clubs have squads of up to 15 players. “It’s hot and humid conditions playing

NORTH CENTRAL

GOALS - Nullawil: T. Vearing. Boort: C. Gooding 2, B. McPherson, C. McNally, S. Muller.

- Nullawil: T. Vearing, N. Harrison, H. Humphreys, C. Poyner, L. Higgins. Boort: D. Perryman, S. Muller, S. McClelland, C. Hird, J. Malone.

GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: J. O’Sullivan, C. O’Sullivan 3, H. Cox, S. Barbary, C. Wight. Wedderburn: E. Clarke. BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: S. Barbary, C. O’Sullivan, H. Cox, F. Austerberry, M. Bailey, J. O’Sullivan. Wedderburn: B. Cunningham, W. Huismann, E. Clarke, T. Clarke, C. Finch.

Sea Lake Nandaly 32, Donald 28, Boort 24, Charlton 20, St Arnaud 16, Birchip Watchem 12, Nullawil 8, Wycheproof Narraport 4, Wedderburn 0.

GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: L. McInerney 6, C. O’Sullivan 4, E. Ellis, B. Allan 3, C. O’Sullivan 2, H. Warne, J. Stacey, S. Harker, T. Griffiths. Wedderburn: E. Clarke, R. Whyman.

BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: C. O’Sullivan, B. McClelland, E. Ellis, J. Stacey, S. Harker, C. O’Sullivan. Wedderburn: N. Winslett, M. Punguika, R. Whyman, E. Clarke.

GOALS - Nullawil: M. Fawcett. Boort: L. Baker 4, N. Scott 2, A. Cockerell, A. Chamberlain, J. Hird, B. Herrington, B. Arnold, B. Whykes.

BEST - Nullawil: S. Kelly, M. Fawcett, L. Cooper, T. Perry, T. Mitchell. Boort: A. Chamberlain, R. Wagner, L. Baker, A. Cockerell.

over there,” said Moon who took to the ground in four matches as the Waratahs won their way to the premiership.

The Pyramid Hill connection in the side also included Shane and Paul Carroll, Rod Sewell and coach Anthony Hoban who was named most valuable player.

Moon said: “A special mention must be made to the Darwin Waratahs and Herbie

and Cindy Hoban for the tireless work they put in behind the scenes in making all of this happen and including all of the Pyramid Hill players and supporters.”

Darwin Waratahs went through the qualifying rounds undefeated and had a 22-point win in the final.

Eight teams contested honours in the 55-plus grade.

St Arnaud 32, Boort 26, Birchip Watchem 22, Sea Lake Nandaly 22, Wycheproof Narraport 16, Nullawil 10, Donald 8, Charlton 8, Wedderburn 0.

AFL CENTRAL VICTORIA

GOALS - Marong: K. Harris, H. Bourke 3, Z. Justice, Z. Conroy, D. Tannock, H. Roberts, S. Taylor, K. McCaig 2, K. Thomson, R. Kerr, L. Hale, K. Terrill. Inglewood: L. Harris 3, G. Nevins.

BEST - Marong: L. Hale, K. Thomson, H. Bourke, K. Harris, Z. Justice, R. Kerr. Inglewood: A. Tresize, G. Nevins, T. Murphy, J. Luckman, W. Schepers, L. Harris.

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GOALS - Bridgewater: S. Hewett-Scull 3, M. Brown, T. Woodhatch 1. Pyramid Hill: L. Stubbs 4, H. Goodes 3, B. Gibson 2, R. Hutton, X. Emmerson, C. McCoy, F. McGillivray.

BEST - Bridgewater: C. Woodhatch, S. HewettScull, C. Orton, S. McMahon, M. Brown, H. Daldy. Pyramid Hill: H. Goodes, J. Clough-Fidler, L. Stubbs, B. Gibson, F. McGillivray, J. Gould.

PREMIERSHIP FLUTTERS Flags were flying from the scoreboard at Serpentine on Saturday when members of the 1982 and 1983 Bears Lagoon Serpentine premiership sides gathered for a reunion. More than a dozen players from Loddon Valley league premiership sides recalled past stories and victories as today’s team stirred supporters with a hard-fought 10-point win over Inglewood.

Rowan Broad, Bruce Moon and Barry Dingwal after playing in the winning Darwin Waratah’s side at the Bali Masters tournament.

Pyramid Hill skip[per Harrison Goodes heads towards goal.. LH PHOTO

Forward errors blow hopes out of ground

FORWARD structure and accuracy has caused scoreboard havoc again for Boort.

The Pies were deadly off target in their North Central game against Nullawil on Saturday with just better than one in four shots for goal a success.

Coach Dale Cameron has lamented the lost opportunity from the encounter that saw the Pies’ defence stand tall so often.

“We had most of the play but the ball came quicker out of our forward zone then it went in” Cameron said after the game that Boort lost by 46 points.

The Pies have been plagued by poorchoice kicks around goal all season. Saturday’s five goals were kicked by just two players - midfielders Jarrod Fitzpatrick and Tom Potter.

Other forwards were left frustrated and hemmed in as the Maroons flooded into defence.

Mis-kicks and not making the right decisions aside, Boort was still in the contest at half-time.

Nathan Twigg was again having a big influence in the ruck and around the ground.

SENIORS

40 - (8) - Sam Dunstan - Donald

Keiran Wilson continued to marshal Boort’s defence stocks where he teamed with McGhie and Starr across half-back to create the Pies’ best line all day.

Winger Chris Hatcher, lining up for his 150th senior game, was also part of an efficient midfield.

Nullawil’s third term snuffed a bit of

IN FRONT OF GOAL

32 - (5) - Ben Edwards - Birchip Watchem

28 - (3) - Adam Thomson - Nullawil

24 - (1) - Billy Mcinnes - Sea Lake Nandaly

22 - (1) - Sam Barnes - Wedderburn

21 - (0) - Gedd Hommelhoff - Wycheproof N

21 - (4) - Nathan Gordon - Birchip Watchem

21 - (2) - Tom Campbell - Wedderburn

19 - (0) - Mitch Farmer - Nullawil

18 - (1) - Will Simpson - Sea Lake Nandaly

18 - (1) - Daniel Castellano - Birchip Watchem

17 - (6) - Joshua Jenkins - Sea Lake Nandaly

15 - (3) - Jarrod Fitzpatrick - Boort

RESERVES

33 - (9) - Billy Poulton - Sea Lake Nandaly

27 - (0) - Sam Goldsmith - Nullawil

23 - (3) - Callum Goode - Birchip Watchem

18 - (0) - Gerald Riley - Wedderburn

17 - (0) - Patrick O’Rourke - Boort

the Pies’ spirit when the Maroons added seven goals and a solitary behind.

Whatever the angle and despite windy conditions, Nullawil was nailing what Boort was missing.

Boort had much of the play in the final term but could only score 1.5.

Wedderburn had a tough game against league leaders Sea Lake Nandaly.

The Redbacks registered just one score in the opening term as the Tiger skipped to a handy lead.

Down 43 points at the main break, Wedderburn had a better third term as defenders Jones, Isaac Holt and Jacob DeAraugo limited opportunities for Jenkins and Cox in front of Tiger goals. Rosengren in the centre and Joe Lockhart up forward were also giving their all to keep the Redbacks somewhere near Sea Lake.

But the Tigers came roaring back with the wind in the final term with 7.7 added to the scoreboard and keeping Wedderburn to 1.1.

Tom Campbell was best in front of goal with two majors.

THIS SATURDAY

LODDON HERALD TIPS

Nullawil v Birchip Watchem

Sea Lake Nandaly v Boort

Charlton v Wedderburn

Wycheproof Narraport v Donald St Arnaud bye

Life gets tougher on the road for Pies

A SECOND week on the road for Loddon sides will yield mixed fortunes in this Saturday’s North Central round.

From being pitted against the second top side one week, Boort now squares off against the undefeated Sea Lake Nandaly.

The Tigers have already amassed a percentage that shades the other eight clubs thanks to a strident defence, creative midfield and options in the forward zone.

Even if Billy McInnes has a quiet day around goals, there are still Will Simpson and Joshua Jenkins ready to slot through six-pointers.

SENIORS

GOALS - Nullawil: N. Grigg, A. Thomson, A. Oberdorfer 3, A. Casey 2, D. Isbister, J. Bamford, J. Humphreys. Boort: J. Fitzpatrick 3, T. Potter 2. BEST - Nullawil: P. Kelly, A. Thomson, A. Casey, Z. Caccaviello, D. Putt, J. Humphreys. Boort: K. Wilson, J. Fitzpatrick, N. Twigg, J. Lanyon, R. McGhie, J. Starr.

GOALS - Charlton: N. Thompson 3, C. Gavaghan 2, A. Walklate, M. Heenan, J. Cowling. Donald: S. Dunstan 8, H. Geddes, T. Grant, R. Young 2, B. Grant, S. Dinnell, R. O’Shannessy, R. Bath.

BEST - Charlton: J. Thompson, J. Cowling, N. Thompson, R. Woods, C. Gavaghan, M. Heenan. Donald: C. Lynch, R. O’Shannessy, S. Dunstan, R. Young, B. Grant, J. Wallin.

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GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Jenkins 6, T. Cox 4, B. McInnes, J. Bath, T. Mckenzie, C. Cox, W. Simpson, B. Delmenico, W. Donnan. Wedderburn: T. Campbell 2, S. Barnes, D. Benaim, J. Rosengren, J. Lockhart.

BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: L. Martin, T. Cox, T. Donnan, R. Osullivan, K. Donnan, T. McKenzie. Wedderburn: J. Lockhart, I. Holt, J. DeAraugo, S. Lockhart, J. Rosengren, J. Jones.

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Birchip Watchem 2.9 12.11 16.14 19.20 (134)

GOALS - St Arnaud: J. Tillig, J. Male, J. Hicks, A. Bourke. Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 5, N. Gordon 4, D. Batarilo, N. Rippon 2, S. Simmons, J. Reid, D. Reid, L. Foott, D. Castellano, M. Rippon.

BEST - St Arnaud: D. Baldock, W. Bertalli, H. Durward, N. Birthisel, K. Torney, B. Organ. Birchip Watchem: S. Simmons, M. Rippon, N. Rippon, J. Builder, D. Batarilo, L. Ryan

RESERVES

Boort’s defence has often been the hope this season, part of the reason the Pies outclassed Sea Lake in the first term when they met in the opening round when the final margin was just 25 points.

That was a close call in the wet under lights but the Tigers are a more strengthened outfit two months later and will be prepared for every challenge the Pies put up.

Wedderburn, last week’s prey for the Tigers, should bounce back with a solid win over Charlton.

The Blues put in perhaps their best showing in another tough season, only going down by 60 points to Donald last

Saturday. Playing at home, the Blues will give Wedderburn moments of angst.

Depending on playing availability however, the Redbacks are well placed to replicate the solid opening round win.

Campbell, Barnes and Benaim were key in front of goal back in April at Donaldson Park.

They have been among the more consistent Redbacks since the season opening and should again have a big say on the final score line this Saturday.

Do not be surprised if this match offers up a tight, entertaining first half before the Redbacks roll onto a good percentage boosting win.

Memo Mean Machine: beware lacklustre style

THE 2023 Loddon Valley journey for Bridgewater is popping up challenges and frustrations.

The Mean Machine was challenged beyond expectation by Mitiamo last week and on Saturday they face the frustrating Maiden Gully with a lacklustre game style that has caught other teams out this season.

It’s not that the Eagles are showing hints of a late-season surge - just three behinds against fellow league switch pitch club Marong dashes that thoughtbut they have been a niggle against some sides above and below them on the ladder.

Bridgewater coach Rick Ladson will

need to have his team focused on a direct game plan against the Eagles.

Experienced hands in Collins, Martyn and Donegan will be vital to guiding emerging youngsters like Wood to not fall for Maiden Gully’s doodle style of play around the ground.

Inglewood, showing great maturity in the thriller against Bears Lagoon Serpentine, has the likely mission impossible on Saturday against Marong.

The Blues and the Bears are the only clubs to have matched for a quarter against Marong this season.

Inglewood actually had the Malone Park Panthers stunned for almost two quarters earlier in the season.

It’s hard to see Marong being knocked off on the scoreboard just yet but Inglewood has the potential to again take the game up to the reigning premiers and perhaps just avoid a blowout.

Newbridge is home against Bears Lagoon Serpentine in the flood recovery round.

The Maroons will be after another win, a struggle perhaps against the Bears even though they may be without midfielder Darcy Poulter with an injured knee.

Pyramid Hill comes back from the long break against Calivil.

The trip to Mitchell Park will be tough for Calivil with the Bulldogs having too much class and strength.

GOALS - Nullawil: M. Poyner 4, J. Taylor 2. Boort: N. McNally 2, J. Mulquiny, E. Coleman, W. Toose. BEST - Nullawil: J. Taylor, D. Kelly, M. Poyner, S. Kelly, L. Braine, M. Hogan. Boort: J. Kerr, M. Hodoras, J. Kane, N. McNally, A. Jackson, J. Hall

- St Arnaud: B. Williams, Z. Bigmore, C. Campbell. Birchip Watchem: J. Goldsmith, T. Colbert, C. Goode 3, R. Doran, A. Noonan 2, K. Leith. BEST - St Arnaud: C. Snell, S. Elliott, E. Swanton, A. Craddock, C. Campbell, D. Bridgeman. Birchip Watchem: J. Goldsmith, R. Doran, A. Noonan, T. Colbert, L. Randall. Charlton

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GOALS - Charlton: J. McGrath 5, H. Sait, P. Sanderson, A. Johnstone. Donald: B. Dixon, M. Donnellon. BEST - Charlton: J. Zagame, D. Whykes, T. Catherine, J. McGrath, B. Sexton, L. Holmes-Brown. Donald: G. Beckham, C. Anderson, J. Talty, B. Burke, J. Heslop, H. Connolly.

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GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: B. Poulton 9, J. Clohesy 5, N. Wight 4, L. McClelland 3, C. Noonan, J. Trewick, C. Tait, C. Michael, R. McClelland, D. Bailey.

- Sea Lake Nandaly: W. Conlan, C. Michael, J. Donnan, L. McClelland, B. Poulton, J. Trewick. Wedderburn: C. Lang, B. Collins, S. Carroll, F. Turnbull, C. Cunningham, L. Price.

Tom Campbell

Bears get grip on points

BY CHRIS EARL

BEARS Lagoon Serpentine has stamped itself as a legitimate top three contender in the 2023 Loddon Valley race for finals actions.

Saturday’s gritty 10-point victory over Inglewood had its turning point in the final 10 minutes of the third quarter.

The Bears chipped away at a 12-point deficit at the main break and hit the lead when Andrew Gladman bagged the third of his four goals of the day.

Nash Kent and James Bailey joined the goal surge followed by a strong wind-assisted roost by Ryan Prendergast, leaving the Blues flat.

Serpentine coach Justin Laird then took his growling Bears out to a 35-point lead at the final break with another snap.

Inglewood had dominated the game in the first half - the second term was full of champagne football only soured by a couple of goals late in the quarter for Serpentine - and needed to quickly refocus and use the wind assistance to advantage in the last 30 minutes of play.

Captain’s goals from Charlie Ingham quickly put spark into the game that was taking on all the hallmarks of a classic finals encounter.

Gabe Nevins was putting in his best senior game of the season, popping up in defence and in the forward zone.

A solid turnover in the midfield saw

the ball propelled towards Dorevitch who took a stunning one-hand mark centimetres from the ground and goaled to bridge the margin to 14 points.

The Blues were peppering their forward line, an erratic wind sending kicks for goal the wrong side of the posts.

Serpentine’s midfield tightened but then suddenly, Dorevitch found an opening, kicked to Keelan Payne and the margin was just seven points.

Inglewood kept going deep but Serpentine had loose men on the last line of defence for a series of chip kicks before heading to its Kerang end goals. The Bears got the margin back out to 12 points

when ruckman Aidan Brohm, kicked truly on his way to be named the side’s best. Intensity levels were high, umpires constantly breaking up packs to get the game flowing and just awarding frees to both teams in crucial parts of the ground. The final minutes saw more behinds scored, Inglewood still needing two goals when the siren sounded.

Andrew Gladman was key to the thrilling victory for Serpentine. Besides his four goals, the Bears’ veteran set up clever passages of play in the forward zone that were converted to scores by teammates. There was a fighting spirit not seen for decades in the Blues. The continued improvement of Nevins and Jayden Leach this season has added to the depth and versatility being cultivated by coach Darrell Billett.

Inglewood and Serpentine finished with equal scoring shots. They shared honours around the ground in a great tussle. It was only on the scoreboard that Serpentine achieved an edge.

With wins of 13 points and now 10 points over Inglewood, Serpentine has cemented itself in third spot on the ladder.

There’s a fair chance these two will meet in the finals. On Saturday, there were the signs of a classic encounter coming up in August.

“Yes, we’ve come a long way but there’s still a long way to go,” Billett said after the match.

One kick, persistency and inaccuracy

BRIDGEWATER averted an upset loss with a final term that left Mitiamo stymied and stunned.

The Mean Machine kept the visitors scoreless after going into the last quarter three points down.

Mitiamo had been persistent all dayscores had been tied up late in the first half before two goals gave the Mean Machine a handy lead.

Lachlan Cohen’s 30-metre punt through the sticks also showed the difference between the sides.

Bridgewater was deadly accurate all day. Mitiamo wayward in the first hour of the enconter with seven behinds.

Nicholas Naughton LH PHOTO

The Superoos were kept in the game up to the main break by committed play from Zach Morrison and Dylan Clohesy in

the defensive zone. Brayden Baines was also crucial with his three goals for the day. Walters, Luke Lougoon, Seth Wright and Ross Turner put spark into Mitiamo’s play.

But the final term, with Bridgewater on the receiving end of a slight wind advantage, would be Mitiamo’s downfall when there was more purpose to the Mean Machine’s attack - unlike in the third quarter when struggling to find a gap in the forward zone and used four kicks heading back to defence - to snatch a six-point win.

Nicholas Naughton had his best game of the season and finished with four goals, being named in the best along with Ben Derrick and Darcy Wood.

Pearce boots Maroons’ first goal back home

THE scoreboard swamped by floodwaters eight months ago was ticking into action within minutes of the senior game bounce when Newbridge returned home on Saturday.

A gritty opening between the Maroons and Calivil saw play see-saw before Caleb Saunders wobbled through a behind.

Newbridge kept the ball in its forward zone, controlled by skipper Will Daly who kicked to Brodie Pearce who slotted through the first major in the Maroons’ return to home base.

Stalwart full-forward Chris Dixon in his 300th game was a focus of multiple attacking thrusts - 20 minutes into the

SENIORS

opening term he brought up the first of three goals for the game after marking an Aidan Moore kick out of the centre.

Ritchie, Anderson, and Richards were keeping Calivil in touch. Their work in defence and across the midfield would continue all day.

At the opposite end of the ground, Newbridge also had defenders working well. Romer and Lloyd constantly repelling the Demons while Stevens and Daly were the links that sent Newbridge deep into its forward zone.

Copeland had the ruck edge for Newbridge that gave life to a constant run of umpire bounces and boundary throw ins.

IN FRONT OF GOAL

59 - (10) - Brandyn Grenfell - Marong

39 - (2) - Joshua Martyn - Bridgewater

34 - (5) - Kain Robins - Marong

28 - (0) - Charlie McGaw - Inglewood

24 - (2) - Matthew Riordan - Marong

22 - (2) - Ryley Taylor - Marong

22 - (3) - Justin Laird - BL Serpentine

20 - (4) - Andrew Gladman - BL Serpentine

19 - (0) - Bailey George - Pyramid Hill

18 - (2) - Sam Dorevitch - Inglewood

SENIORS

BL Serpentine 5.3 8.7 15.15 16.16

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17 - (2) - Jack McCaig - Marong 17 - (1) - jay reynolds - Mitiamo

17 - (4) - Ben Baker - Calivil

RESERVES

32 - (0) - Rowan Pollock - Pyramid Hill

26 - (3) - Bradley Matthews - Marong

16 - (2) - Clay Anstee - BL Serpentine

14 - (0) - Jayden Gladman - BL Serpentine

13 - (0) - Reece Gretgrix - Marong

13 - (1) - Joel Pianto - Mitiamo

Calivil came back within three points late in the opening term when Baker kicked one of four goals for the day before a Fithall snap gave Newbridge a handy 10-point lead at the first break.

Combatants went goal for goal, and behind for behind for the next three quarters. Scores were tied up late in the final term before the Maroons broke clear to win by 18 points.

Ben Baker finished with four goals for Calivil and Cody Thompson, another of the Demons’ key contributors, chipping in with two. But while the scoreboard was back in use, the game was really one of defence by both sides most of the day.

THIS SATURDAY

JUNE 17

Pyramid Hill v Calivil

Newbridge v Bears Lagoon

Serpentine

Inglewood v Marong

Maiden Gully v Bridgewater

Bridgewater 2.0 6.1 7.1 10.4

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3.7 7.8 7.8 (50)

GOALS - Bridgewater: N. Naughton 4, L. Cohen, J. Martyn 2, A. Pollock, B. Derrick. Mitiamo: B. Baines 3, C. Milne, D. Walters, L. Lougoon, J. Reynolds.

Marong 10.5 16.9 23.12 29.15 (189) Maiden Gully 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.3 (3)

Marong 9 9 0 1465 224 654.02 36 Pyramid Hill 8 7 1 847 460 205.87 28 BL Serpentine 9 7 2 843 731 115.32 28 Inglewood 9 5 4 927 765 121.18 20 Bridgewater 9 5 4 630 679 92.78 20 Calivil 9 2 7 511 813 62.85 8 Maiden Gully 9 2 7 417 905 46.08 8 Newbridge 9 2 7 425 939 45.26 8 Mitiamo 9 1 8 470 1119 42.00 4 RESERVES Newbridge 2.5 5.9 9.11 12.17 (89) Calivil 2.2 3.3 3.5 3.5 (23) GOALS

- Newbridge: O. Gordon, B. Treacy 2, D. Hamilton, O. Friswell, K. Bertuch, N. Gray, J. Harkness, J. Dawkins, C. Grant, C. Coleman. Calivil: D. Canfield, T. Hayes, J. Manderson. BEST - Newbridge: O. Friswell, M. Van Poppel, K. Bertuch, C. Hoye, J. Dawkins, J. Harkness. Calivil: J. Manderson, S. Fawcett, B. Columbus, D. Masson, D. Canfield, T. Hayes.

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Serpentine 2.2 4.3 8.8 8.9

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GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: C. Anstee, L. Joel, D. Tineo 2, J. Wingrave, Z. Hollis. Inglewood: L. Else 2, S. Hare.

Bridgewater 2.1 3.3 6.5 7.5

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GOALS - Bridgewater: L. Harrison 3, D. Valentini, J. Campbell. Mitiamo: K. Pentreath 3, K. Galvin, T. Fitzallen, J. Pianto.

Marong 9 9 0 1093 182 600.55 36 BL Serpentine 9 7 2 494 485 101.86 28 Pyramid Hill 8 6 2 576 364 158.24 24 Newbridge 9 4 5 560 482 116.18 16 Inglewood 9 4 5 532 492 108.13 16 Maiden Gully 9 4 5 441 596 73.99 16 Mitiamo 9 2 7 388 607 63.92 8 Bridgewater 9 2 7 340 593 57.34 8 Calivil 9 2 7 242 865 27.98 8

Game-turning goal ... Justin Laird LH PHOTO

Loddon HERALD sport

Thursday June 22, 2023

FROM FLOODS TO FIELDS - SPECIAL REPORT PAGE 15

WELCOME HOME! ROUND OF RESILIENCE

THE sporting resilience of Loddon River football and netball will be celebrated on Saturday when Newbridge hosts Bears Lagoon Serpentine in the Loddon Valley league’s flood recovery round.

Loddon Shire, Loddon Valley league and the Newbridge club have pooled resources for the match, eight months after the town’s recreation reserve was submerged by floodwaters for a second time in 11 years.

Hundreds of volunteer hours by club members and the community have added to work by council staff and

insurance contractors to have the ground and facilities ready for match day activities.

Loddon Mayor Dan Straub says the “special round is testament to the resilience and tireless dedication of the entire Newbridge community”.

Newbridge warmed up on the ground last Saturday with wins over Calivil where one of the happiest supporters was Isla Friswell, 2, who signalled support for dad Owen after he had been named best on ground for the reserves.