Alpine Division 090823

It's brazen grazing

ALPINE Shire’s deer problem is hitting home for Bright residents in the vicinity of Walkers Lane, with one distinctive sambar a common sight in gardens, stripping carefully-tended shrubs.

Bright local John Hart first spotted the “unwanted lawnmower”, as he calls it, when he and his wife installed CCTV for their home in July last year.

“We were reviewing it every night - seeing what creeps around the garden,” he said.

“Suddenly this thing came around the corner.”

Mr Hart said the deer is a regular consumer of their blood orange, tangelo

Pest on the loose, has taste for citrus , f

BY BRODIE EVERIST beverist@ nemedia.com.au

and lemon trees, all while leaving hoofmarks across the lawn.

“Walking through the hedges and the bushes he just tramples everything down,” he said.

Wife Hilly Hart said on one Saturday morning she inspected her Chinese lantern, a popular flowering perennial, to find it half the size from the creature’s grazing.

“There was not one

flower left, not one leaf left,” she said.

While it was initially elusive, the pair said, the deer has now become more brazen, regularly entering their garden during the day and hiding in the hedge between their property and their neighbour’s.

Mr Hart estimated it is the same size as a jersey cow.

“It’s quite frightening if you turn around the corner and he’s standing there looking at you,” he said.

A few houses away Russell Manton said the deer commonly travels down a gully beside his

house, but since he put a fence in the deer hasn’t been a problem for him, though it has been for others.

“It gets in the gardens across the road and strips all the lemon trees,” he said.

Mr Manton said he hasn’t it seen it much, but spotted it in May.

“I just assumed it was a goat,” he said.

Because of the deer’s distinctive bent-back antlers, Mr and Mrs Hart also thought it was a goat when they first saw it on CCTV.

The creature is also recognisable from its

deformed front left leg.

Local deer hunter Luke Savage confirmed it is an aged sambar deer.

“You can see he’s gone skinny and he’s in poor condition,” he said.

“When they start getting over nine years old their antlers start deforming and they go backwards.”

The Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action encourages landowners share sightings of feral deer with DeerScan, a website and app to record deer sightings, damage they have caused and any control methods used.

PLANT PEST: John and Hilly Hart’s garden is a regular haunt for a local sambar deer, and the Chinese lantern (right) a favourite snack.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

■ Further stories on feral deer in the Alpine Shire on page 5.

NIGHT-TIME VISITOR: CCTV footage of the deer.

MAKING ITSELF AT HOME: Another image of the sambar deer in John and Hilly Hart’s garden.

SEWING AND SPINNING

Potential flight risk

Myrtleford man facing historic offending charges is bailed but banned from leaving the country

A MAN from the Myrtleford area has been banned from leaving the country ahead of his return to court later this year, as he faces some 95 charges relating to alleged historical offending across the state.

The accused, who the court heard had spent time in a rehabilitation facility recently following a marriage breakdown, faced court on summons on Friday, having been formally charged by

Frankston’s Sexual Offences and Child-abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) on July 18.

Crown prosecutor

Natasa Stevic told the court the alleged offending was “extremely serious” in nature, with officers undertaking a “complex investigation” around allegations involving at least five complainants and a number of other witnesses.

She urged the court to place the accused on

bail for alleged indictable offending, which will see the matter return before the court in October for a committal mention ahead of being upgraded to a higher court, likely the County Court of Victoria.

Ms Stevic outlined concerns the accused may be a flight risk, noting family ties to Asia as well as a valid passport, which she called on the court to confiscate throughout criminal proceedings.

A police informant from Frankston SOCIT said the alleged offending was historic in nature.

Defence counsel Geoff Clancy said the accused had first been interviewed by police in September last year, before being officially charged last month.

“At no stage in that period has he attempted to flee – he’s attended (court) on summons,” he said.

“You don’t have any actual (evidence) – other than your

suspicions – that he would be planning to leave the jurisdiction.”

AMANfromthe Frankston’sSexual bailforallegedindictable Apoliceinformantfrom suspicionsthathewould Abailcondition

Mr Clancy conceded the alleged offending was serious.

Magistrate Belinda Franjic noted the “assortment of charges” was very serious, and said the accused would be facing a lengthy jail term if found guilty.

She agreed the alleged circumstances were worthy of a bail order being imposed.

A bail condition preventing the accused from speaking to witnesses for the prosecution case was disputed by Mr Clancy, and a condition preventing contact with complainants was instead agreed.

Ms Franjic ordered the accused surrender his passport to police immediately, and banned him from leaving the country ahead of the matter’s return to court on October 27.

KATE Martin and Sue Bolden, along with two other shire residents, have started a twice-monthly textiles group, with the first meeting this weekend in Myrtleford. Story page 2. PHOTO: Brodie Everist

boosted by energy efficiency grants Group starting twice-monthly fabric fun

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

ALPINE Shire is about to get even more delicious, with Ovens business Pepo Farms receiving a $25,000 Federal Government grant for a new chocolate kettle and pan.

Independent Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines announced 24 local businesses across Indi will share in $554,906 as part of the Energy Efficiency Grants for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Program.

The 24 local businesses were awarded between $14,628 and $25,000 to replace or upgrade existing equipment to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.

“Small and medium businesses are crucial to our local economy and I am excited to see small businesses across Indi supported to invest in efficient energy use,” Dr Haines said.

“These grants empower small business owners to manage their energy use and reduce their power bills.

“Right across Indi, business owners tell me rising electricity bills make running a small business increasingly challenging.

“These grants offer relief to 24 local businesses that will be saving energy for years to come.”

Pepo Farms chief executive officer Marcus Warner said the company is one of the largest producers and manufacturers of chocolate products in the North East.

“The equipment we’re investing in is a more efficient chocolate kettle which melts thousands of litres of chocolate into liquid form to then handcoat our pumpkin seeds, hazelnuts,

walnuts and whatever else we need,” he said.

“The kettle and pan we’re replacing are nearly 20 years old so the upgrade will be a much more efficient piece of equipment and will reduce energy running costs and be able to melt more chocolate, more efficiently and more frequently.

“We have 12 months now to execute on the grant agreement starting from September first;

we’re currently talking to local and interstate manufacturers for the kettle as it is a specialist piece of equipment but we’re looking to have it installed in the next six months.”

Mr Warner said there were three key benefits of the funding.

“One will be more efficient processing of our products,” he said.

“There will be a significant reduction in energy usage and a chance to develop new products.

“We’ve never done a product using white or milk chocolate and that may give us flexibility into new products in the future.

“It also gives us more opportunity for contract chocolate coating for local businesses, which we already do a little of.”

Under the grants scheme a Mount Beauty restaurant also received $21,000 for an oven and coolroom replacement.

By BRODIE EVERIST

FOUR enterprising ladies have started a new textiles group to cover a range of fabric creations, from dressmaking and dyeing to patchwork and felting.

The group will meet at the Myrtleford Uniting Church Hall on Albert Street from 10am-4pm every 2nd Saturday and 4th Thursday of the month, starting from this Saturday.

Group member Sue Bolden said they will cover a range of textile skills and activities so all attendees are welcome.

“We decided that we’d keep it fairly broad, because not all crafters do the one thing,” she said.

“They all dabble in a lot of different avenues.

“If you’re good at doing one particular craft, you might like to showcase it to some of the others so they can learn.

“Or if someone’s got a project that they’re trying to finish, bring it along to the group.”

According to the Bright resident, she was keen to start a group and began discussing with it her neighbour Kathy Volkmer.

Ms Volkmer then introduced her to Beth Smith and Myrtleford resident Kate Martin, and the four began searching for a place to start the group.

They decided to hold it in Myrtleford because of its central location and a strong show of interest from local residents.

Ms Bolden said the church hall was a good space for their needs, with tables, good light, parking and a garden out the back they can use for dyeing.

Attendees need to bring their own sewing machine, powerboard, extension lead and light (if needed).

The sessions will cost $10 per attendee, and from September there will also be a $20 joining fee and a $10 annual fee to cover the cost of the hall and other expenses.

Attendees are asked to bring cash until the group starts a bank account.

Family success for agile Franzke brothers

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

THESE two young brothers from Mount Beauty are running circles around the competition, with both winning gold and silver medals at the Athletics Victoria All Schools Cross Country event last month.

Alec and Eddy Franzke will be heading to the Nationals titles in Canberra next month after the passionate runners won big in July.

Mum Kim said she’s always proud of her boys, win or not.

“Alec achieved a gold medal in the 4km under 16 age group and Eddy achieved a silver medal in the 3km under 14 age group,” she said.

“The previous week they

both achieved a gold medal in their age group at the School Sports Victoria Cross Country representing Mount Beauty Secondary School.

“They’ve both been running as soon as they could walk but it was one of the first fun runs they did, when Alec was four or five, when I realised I couldn’t keep up anymore.

“My husband did a lot of running and bike riding when he was young and into his early 20s and his family have run a lot so it’s in their genetics.

“They’ve always been very busy and love to get outside in a range of ways.”

Kim said as they boys have grown they’ve also enjoyed the friendly competition with other runners.

“They know lots of the

people they’re running against now and they enjoy that,” she said.

“I think they enjoy the personal challenge as well, they set their own goals and

they enjoy training and it’s now something they need to do in the morning before school to get the extra energy out.

“Their competitions have

also meant a lot of travelling which they love, we’ve had some great family holidays around Australia when they have things on.

“The next place we’re headed is Canberra for the Nationals; their training is tapering off now as it’s only a couple of weeks away; they’re enjoying their school skiing program but easing back the kilometres they do each week and making sure they’re staying injury free, eating well and resting bodies so they’re going in to the run with the best chance.

“I’ve always been proud of what their achievements are, whether they come first or not, they put the effort in and if they’re focused and want to do well they normally do well.

“Eddy has now broken many of Alec’s records; Alec is trying to run fast now so Eddy can’t break more in the future, it’s friendly competition between them too.”

Kim said the boys hold Victorian Country records for the 3000 metre track event, Alec holds the under 14 record and also held the under 13 record until earlier this year when Eddy took it from him.

They support the local running events and for a number of years have been on the podium of the Nail Can, Mount Beauty Running Festival and Conquestathon, often beating older competitors.

They are regulars at Mount Beauty parkrun with Alec holding the overall course record and Eddy holding the under 11 age category.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

GOING THE DISTANCE: Eddy Franzke at a recent competition.

Art venue funding sounds great

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

BRIGHT’S performing arts venue, The Courthouse, has received $12,000 in funding from Alpine Shire Council to continue upgrading the auditorium for the community.

Committee member Kellie Gray said the grant will go towards the audio visual component of the space.

“At the moment artists have to build-in their expense for outsourcing audio, therefore often times resulting in the artist choosing not to hire our venue,” she said.

“The lack of access to audio equipment and technology constrains The Courthouse as a hireable venue.

“A theatre audio visual system is the final digital component to complete our auditorium upgrade.

“This system has been custom designed by industry tech experts to suit our performance space in all aspects of live entertainment.

“Quality speakers, micro-

phones, and visual screen projection will complement our recently installed LED stage lighting within our venue.

“Once installed The Courthouse will become a ‘learning hub’, available to our community offering training workshops focused on building essential elements of theatre, music production and performance skills using the latest digital audio software.”

Ms Gray said The Courthouse is a dedicated performing arts venue in Bright and plays an important role in community access to the arts.

“Our learning hub offers a unique creative platform to educate, train or upskill interested community members towards producing innovative and community-led work to be performed or presented within the Alpine Shire,” she said.

“Our committee is dedicated to preserving our heritage

listed courthouse building by respecting its history whilst repurposing its use to stay relevant and contemporary by creating a more accessible, inclusive and vibrant arts and

culture community.

“The Courthouse ‘Learning Hub’ platform encourages experienced local theatre groups and artists to mentor and pass on their skills and

knowledge to the next generation of aspiring performers and music specialists.

“Our venue has an ongoing demand for live performances by both the per-

Turnbacks down on last year

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

DESPITE more than 2000 cars being turned back due to not carrying snow chains so far this winter season, Senior Sergeant Doug Incoll of Bright police said it’s a 40 per cent improvement on last year’s numbers.

Checkpoints at Harrietville and the Mother Johnson picnic area between Hotham and Dinner Plain have been monitoring requirements.

“About 90 per cent of those being turned around are from the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community,” he said.

“I’ve done a lot of work in preparation this year to get the reminder out about chains and we’re seeing that reflected in the reduced numbers.

“Obviously we’ve still got a ways to go but it’s good to acknowledge the improvement and those doing the right thing.

“Last year we saw a total of 5700 vehicles turned around at the end of the season so it’s looking like we’ll improve on

that number this year, though there’s still eight weeks to go in this season.”

Sen Sgt Incoll said visitation changes at Mount Hotham may have also affected this.

“It’s been a little unprecedented in Mount Hotham as it used to be a destination for skiers

but post-COVID many are day trippers who arrive unprepared without chains,” he said.

“It’s a recipe for disaster, we’ve already had a family who ended up 250m over the edge which resulted in a multi-agency rescue and road closure, who didn’t have chains.

“It’s so important that everyone carries chains; the underlying reason is safety of the public.

“We’ve issued a number of fines this year as it is a legal requirement on the Great Alpine Road, and it’s certainly a safety issue on Mount Hotham as well.”

Despite the recent warmer weather, Sen Sgt Incoll reminded everyone to continue to carry chains while travelling.

“No matter how the weather presents itself, it can snow at any time of the year up there so don’t be remiss with chains,” he said.

“We want people to enjoy the experience of the resorts so abiding by those requirements is for visitors to get there safely.

“Be patient on the roads, don’t take unnecessary risks while driving and take your time,”

According to VicRoads, a person in charge of a vehicle who enters an alpine resort must at all times during the snow season, carry wheel chains suitable to be properly fitted to that vehicle.

former and the audience.

“Attracting diverse audiences and performers, the Bright Courthouse has great potential to become a prolific small capacity venue on the Australian touring circuit, this significant increase would stimulate much needed funds back into our regional town whilst attracting new residents to our region.

“The Bright Courthouse committee is ecstatic to receive funding for an audio visual system upgrade, we’d also like to thank Bright Community Bank (Bendigo Bank) for their support.”

Bright Courthouse was also recently awarded with a $29,000 grant from the Epic Promise Foundation from the Playground Chair Charity Auction at Hotham.

“They have just officially come through with their contribution which picks up the remainder of funds required to complete a full fit out of our wishlist components,” Ms Gray said.

SAKE: All vehicles entering alpine resorts must carry snow chains, and fit when and where directed.

FINAL COMPONENT: Bright Courthouse Committee members (from left) Kellie Gray, Darren Ferrier and Jenny Packham at last months committee meeting.

Further ambulance support needed: McCurdy

By RYAN MALCOLM

OVENS Valley MP Tim McCurdy has called on the State Government to further increase paramedic resourcing throughout the state’s North East, amid ballooning response times throughout the Ovens Valley electorate.

Ambulance Victoria performance data for the fourth quarter of 2022/23 was released late last week, indicating increases in the average response times for two of the Ovens Valley’s three local government areas (Wangaratta, Alpine and Moira shires).

Code one (urgent) response times increased by 24 seconds and 18 seconds in Alpine and Wangaratta LGAs respectively in the most recent data, while ambulances in Moira shire were on scene an average of seven seconds quicker.

However, each of the LGAs remained well below Ambulance Victoria’s statewide goal of attending all code one incidents within 15 minutes 85 per cent of the time, with Alpine (41.4 per cent), Moira (50.2 per cent) and Wangaratta (66.4 per cent) each leaving room for improvement.

For code two (non-urgent) callouts, ambulances took 48 minutes and nine seconds in Alpine Shire, 45 minutes and nine seconds in Moira and 42 minutes

and 45 seconds in Wangaratta.

The most recent figures mark an almost three minute increase for Alpine Shire, however, they also indicate improvements of more than two minutes in each of Wangaratta and Moira shires.

Mr McCurdy said many of his constituents had expressed concerns about their challenges in accessing ambulance services.

“I have been hearing and reading about locals who have been told to drive loved ones to

the hospital because an ambulance will take too long or is not there,” he said.

“This is a matter of life and death in some cases, and we cannot accept substandard results in regional Victoria.”

An additional 16 paramedics were recently recruited to bolster Hume region’s ambulance capability, although Mr McCurdy said there was always room for additional support.

“The paramedics are working

as hard as they can, they simply do not have the funding they need to ensure there are more staff and more ambulances on the road.

“The resources in regional Victoria are lacking greatly, so I urge the government once again to provide the support we need.

“When people call triple zero, they should expect an ambulance to arrive, not hope for one.”

A State Government spokesperson said 2022/23 had been Ambulance Victoria’s busiest year on record, with more than 1000 people requiring a lights and sirens response each day across the state.

“We won’t be lectured by the same people who slashed $1b from Victoria’s health system and went to war with our hardworking paramedics,” the spokesperson said.

“The records show that under Tim McCurdy and the Liberal Nationals, hospitals closed and health services were cut.

“Our paramedics are the very best of us – that is why we have invested more than $2b into ambulance services since we came into office, putting an additional 2200 paramedics on the road, delivering new ambulance branches and investing in services that give Victorians alternative care pathways when they need it most.”

Report shows the high price of prevalent pest

By BRODIE EVERIST

A NEW report has confirmed what many in the Alpine Shire already know – feral deer are expensive.

The Canberra-based Centre for Invasive Species Solutions has estimated the cost of Australia’s growing feral deer population at a hefty $91.3 million in 2021.

The report estimated the losses to Australian agriculture in 2021 at about $69.1 million, with government funded management and research costing around $17.8 million.

The impacts on motor vehicles was estimated at around $3.3 million, with train impacts involving deer adding a further $1.2 million.

Andreas Glanznig, chief executive of the centre, said feral deer numbers are expanding, as are their impacts.

“Without concerted action to control feral deer numbers the report finds that their costs are set to jump over the next few decades, with Australian agriculture bearing the brunt,” he said.

Peter Jacobs, president of Upper Ovens Valley Landcare said deer densities are high across the alpine region due to the large tracts of forest combined with open spaces.

“Deer are absolutely right through from the river going up to the highest mountains,” he said.

“They also like coming out and grazing on open country on that interface commonly within a kilometre of the forest boundary.

“The deer will come out and graze on crops, pastures, gardens, vineyards and orchards and all sorts of things and then go back into the forest again during the day.”

Mr Jacobs, who also works

Timber plantations also seeing deer impact

part-time for the Invasive Species Council, said sambar are the most common deer in the Alpine Shire, but there are also isolated populations of fallow deer.

He also cited a 2022 report suggesting that feral deer in Victoria could cost the community between $1.5 billion and $2.2 billion over the next 30 years if they are not controlled.

The report by Frontier Economics and commissioned by the Invasive Species Council similarly shows a significant cost to agriculture through feral deer grazing and landowner management of the pest, and losses to the forestry industry.

“We’re seeing a pretty consistent picture there about the cost of deer,” Mr Jacobs said.

However, he also said neither report took into account the environmental cost of feral deer, whether through stripping the bark off trees, wallowing or competing with other native grazing animals.

“The damage to our forests, damage to riparian areas on the rivers are all big costs which aren’t accounted for in these economic costs,” he said.

“Once you get to the high country there’s a real concern they’re getting into those really sensitive alpine fields and peatlands.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action said the State Government is implementing the Victorian Deer Control Strategy –a state-wide plan for government and authorities to manage deer populations across the state and coordinate where deer control action needs to be prioritised.

According to the spokesperson, $19.25 million over four years has been allocated to the program.

“In 2022-23 nearly 30 projects have been supported to reduce the impact of deer across the state,” they said.

“These projects include ground and aerial deer control works in the alpine region around Bright including at Mount Buffalo and Mount Bogong.”

HAVE YOUR SAY

Are feral deer impacting you, and if so, what needs to be done?

Email your comments/opinions, with contact details, to Brodie Everist at beverist@nemedia.com.au

MYRTLEFORD has some of the worst-affected timber plantations from feral deer across the Hancock Victoria Plantations estate, according to Mick Evans, general manager for HVP Plantations’ northern region.

“Across the entire HVP estate, we have seen around 30 per cent of age five trees sustain stem damage caused by animals rubbing or bark stripping, with our plantations in the Myrtleford area suffering the most damage,” he said.

“Significant populations of feral deer in the Ovens area have certainly been a concern for us, other primary producers and local communities.”

Mr Evans said HVP has established strong relationships with Parks Victoria and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), together with landcare and catchment management authorities, to encourage strong collaboration amongst the broader community.

“We’re proud of our contribution to the Victorian Deer Control Strategy Regional Plans, the National Feral Deer Action Plan, and many other groups that have come together to discuss and share knowledge on deer management options and impacts.

“Recent community gatherings held in Buckland and Buffalo Valleys to open the lines of communication with government departments and local landholders have been vital to the progress we are seeing today.

“A whole-of-community approach is required and underway for the control, protection and monitoring efforts across Victoria to mitigate animal damage.

“It’s important this is undertaken in a safe, sustainable, collaborative and cost-effective way.”

THE DAMAGE DONE: Upper Ovens Valley Landcare president Peter Jacobs showing tree stripped of bark from a suspected deer.

Volunteer grants program opens for local community organisations

EXPRESSIONS of interest are now open for Federal Government grants of between $1000 to $5000 to assist eligible not-for-profit community organisations support the efforts of their volunteers by enabling the inclusion of vulnerable people and promoting volunteer participation.

Wangaratta-based Indi independent federal MP Helen Haines said the 2023-24 Volunteer Grants always generate strong interest locally.

The grants funding is available for specific uses including:

 purchasing eligible small

PEOPLE AROUND TOWN

Rachel Flack

How long have you been living in the area?

My family and I moved to the area in 2015, so I have been living in Myrtleford for just over eight years now.

What do you do for a living?

I have recently taken over ownership of Catani Clothing in Bright, previously known as One Zach. Over the last two weeks I have enjoyed meeting many friendly locals, as well as tourists coming to the area to enjoy the snow season.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I enjoy anything outdoors, whether it’s going for a hit of tennis, going for a bike ride or walking along the river trail. I also enjoy going for a bite to eat at any of the local restaurants with family or friends.

What do you like about the area?

Everyone is so friendly! Even when going for a walk everyone makes an effort to smile and say hello. The friendliness of this area is a unique charm that sets it apart from the cities. Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

I would love to take them up to Mount Buffalo, stopping along the way for a quick walk to Ladies Bath Falls. Alternatively, any of the other nice walks the area has to offer such as the Cherry Walk or Canyon Walk in Bright, or the Rail Trail loop in Myrtleford, finishing with a food and drink tour of the local restaurants, (and of course, a quick stop into Catani Clothing). Is there anything you would change about the area?

I think the area already has a lot to offer, but I know no one would complain about some more activities for young people or families to get involved in, especially during the winter months.

equipment for volunteer use;

 contributing to volunteer transport costs;

 training courses for volunteers;

 adapting practices to support volunteers’ safety;

 costs of background screening checks for volunteers; and

 activities that promote awareness of or increase participation in volunteering.

“In previous years, recipients of these grants have invested in first aid training, purchased iPads and sound equipment, and covered the costs of promoting and recruiting

Yohanna Aurisch

How long have you lived here?

I have lived here for 10 years, coming from Belgrave in the Dandenongs, the area being a similar environment to where I came from was the attraction.

What do you like about living here?

The mountains, the pristine environment, the endemic species in both flora and fauna. Meeting and mixing with like minded people. Would you like to see any changes?

Definitely not, except to say I would like the community to become more educated on our natural environment and take care of it.

What do you do?

I am an environmental scientist majoring in marine biology. What are your hobbies or interests?

MYRTLEFORD

I love paragliding, skiing and mountain biking.

new volunteers,” Dr Haines said.

Details on the eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found at: helenhaines.org/resources/grants/ volunteer-grants-2023-24/.

Expressions of interest must be received by 5pm Friday, September 1.

MOUNT BEAUTY

Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?

I was a ranger in the Alpine National Park, so I would take them off the beaten track looking for wild flowers that are endemic to the area. A hike up Mount Bogong, and up to the Bogong High Plains.

Community welcomes Roberto from Chile

MOUNT Beauty Rotary

president Bob Flower and his wife Jenny said It was all smiles when they picked up Chilean Rotary exchange student Roberto Rebolledo from Melbourne Airport on July 25.

Arriving back home in Mount Beauty after dark, Roberto finally met his first host family, Rachel and Heath Fallon, and their son Darcy (sister Nina was on school camp), sitting down to his first home cooked Aussie dinner.

“With his good grasp of English, it seems to have taken no time for Roberto to fit right in, and show us all that he is keen to learn as much as he can about our Country,” Bob said.

“Rachel has left nothing to chance in her preparations for Roberto’s life at home and school.”

His activities so far include meeting up with Rotarian Lin to help him set up a bank account, going to an Aussie rules footy practice and a

game at Dederang, skiing, playing saxophone, and tasting the iconic Anzac and Tim Tam biscuits.

He will be saying “good day mate” in no time.

MOUNT Beauty Secondary College has been running dance classes for many years, with students able to complete dance classes in years 8, 9 and 10.

These classes are open to anyone who wishes to participate so they have students with a number of

years of dance training to students with no formal training.

The school regularly has a dance troupe competing in the Wangaratta and Albury Eisteddfods; students in this troupe rehearse at lunchtime.

Teacher Leanne McCraw said there are many students who have continued on with VCE dance.

“This has been completed through Virtual Schools Victoria, currently there is one student in year 11 and another in year 12.” she said.

“The school has been very lucky to have extremely talented students who have been part of the dance program at MBSC.

“There are students now studying dance overseas and working professionally

One visit dentistry

in the dance world, both as dancers and teachers.”

The David Vigo Youth Music Scholarship, which supports the school students studying music, drama and dance, recently donated the new Ballet Barre for the dance students.

TALKING Cafe is the latest initiative of the Mount Beauty Neighbourhood Centre. The purpose of this is a way to connect and socialise regularly with others in your community.

These meetings are held at the Mount Beauty Bakery fortnightly on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month from 10 to 11.30am ( closed on public holidays ). No booking is required, simply drop in. Some weeks there will

be visitors from community groups or services so that you can talk to them about what they have on offer.

For more information phone 03 5754 1166. All are welcome.

ALPINE FM Brunch program today will be speaking with AGL Hydro Manager, Simon Kelley, at 9.30am, then at 11.10am with Simon Storey, director of The Storey Players, who will be bringing their production of The Forgotten Warrior to Mount Beauty this Friday, August 11 at 11am for school students, and at 7pm for the general public at the Mount Beauty Community Centre.

This is a show not to be missed, an excellent production of live theatre and film.

RAISING THE BALLET BARRE: Jacarra Drew at the newly installed ballet barre at the Mount Beauty Secondary College.

AT HOME AMONG THE GUM TREES: Chilean exchange student Roberto catches up with some locals.

rs

WELCOME TO OZ: Mount Beauty Rotary president Bob Flower and his wife Jenny swith Chilean Rotary exchange student Roberto Rebolledo on arrival at Melbourne Airport.

Sled dog races this weekend

THE Dinner Plain Sled Dog Sprint is being held this weekend near Horseshoe Circuit, with sled dogs and ‘mushers’ expected to race a series of circuits across the two days.

The dog teams are separated into ‘classes’ and run two heats over two days.

The open class ‘competitive’ races have 2-dog, 3-dog, 4-dog and 6-dog teams, with usually between 10-20 teams in each class.

The event also has a touring/social class for beginners or mushers who want to take their older dogs out for a run.

Introduced last year, the Mini Musher Sprint for kids and families will also run.

The event is free for all spectators, with racing beginning at 9pm and ending 1pm across Saturday and Sunday.

Spectators are asked to refrain from bringing their own dogs to the event as they can distract the sled dogs.

Generous AGL $6000 donation boosts local community service

By LEAH ANDERSON-BYRNE

THE Upper Kiewa Valley (UKV) Support Service has been boosted by a $6000 grant from AGL Hydro, to go towards supporting individuals and families in need.

AGL’s Hydro team at Mount Beauty has been putting on social barbecues every sec-

Volkswagen T-Cross

ond Friday for almost a year to raise money for the cause.

The team raised over $500, and head of Hydro, Simon Kelley, agreed for the company to match this; contributing a total of $1000 and Hydro then donated an additional $5000.

“The Upper Kiewa Valley Support Service provides fantastic support to those who

are struggling with the rising cost of living,” Mr Kelley said.

“At AGL, we take our role in the community seriously, and we hope that this donation will help the members of our community who need it the most.”

UKV Support Service secretary and treasurer Helen McDougall thanked Hydro for their donation.

“AGL’s donation will ensure that the UKV Support Service can continue to support individuals and families in the Upper Kiewa Valley who are struggling with their day to day living expenses especially now with increases in the cost of living,” she said.

“The support provided are Foodworks Supermar-

ket cards and Ampol Fuel cards as well as assistance with wood during winter and occasionally incidental expenses such as pharmacy accounts and transport.

“The service also provides information and referrals to other services when needed as well as hampers and gifts for children at Christmas.”

THANK YOU: UKV Support Service representatives and AGL Hydro employees (back, from left) Stuart Cariss, Mick Piera, Davide Angelini, Steve Hall and Dareen Fuaux; (middle, from left) Jim Taylor, Natalie Flay, Ian Smith, Rob Spargo, Nigel Smith; (front, from left) Donny Nguyen, Michael Sorley, Ron Fensham, Barb Kiek, Helen McDougall and Janet Rundle.

Stay close, go further.

VISIT GIPPSLAND

Chris & Gab Moore

Sailors Grave Brewing Sailors Grave Orbost, Gippsland Orbost, Gippsland

We’re passionate about beer making We’re passionate about beer making. Our specialty brews tell the story Our brews tell the story of Gippsland, inspired by the land, of the its people, the rivers and ocean that its the rivers and ocean that surrounds us Local ingredients go surrounds us. Local go into every can, and every flavour into every can, and every flavour points to where we live Ask for to where we live. Ask for Sailors Grave brews at Gippsland’s Sailors Grave brews at restaurants and provedores restaurants and provedores.

Local group forms for Yes vote

By BRODIE EVERIST

LOCAL shire residents have formed an ‘Alpine Shire for Yes’ group and will be engaging with the public each Saturday morning outside the Bright Library regarding the upcoming federal referendum for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The group began its first session last Saturday and group captain Stacey Doleman said they had received a positive community response.

“We are promoting Yes in a non-judgmental, respectful way, and also just providing information to our community about this,” she said.

The referendum is set for late 2023 and will require all Australian citizens 18 and over to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for the proposed constitutional alteration.

“Everybody is going to be asked to vote on this,” Ms Doleman said.

“We’re there when people are ready to engage.”

Ms Doleman said they have

around 35 volunteers for the group across the Alpine Shire.

The Alpine Shire for Yes group is under the umbrella of the Yes23 campaign coalition, which supports constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a Voice to Parliament.

Other events in the lead up to the referendum include independent MP for Indi Helen Haines visiting the Alpine Shire in an information session on the Voice to Parliament on August 21

at the Bright Courthouse, 1-3 Park Street.

The session will feature constitutional expert Kim Rubenstein and Wiradjuri man and researcher James Blackwell.

Another session will be held in Beechworth on August 22, at the Quercus Neighbourhood House, 26 Ford Street.

VOTING YES: Jann Fenn and Liew Lew were helping out at the Alpine Shire for Yes stall last Saturday in Bright.

Colette a perfect fit for this Aussie musical

By SHANE DOUTHIE

IF ever there was a theatre production custom made for renowned North East performer Colette Quin, the Australian musical Ladies in Black would be it.

The versatile performer, director, choreographer and production manager grew up with the smell of greasepaint in her nostrils, first as a dancer since childhood in Sunbury before becoming more involved in adult theatre groups when she moved to Wangaratta in the 1990s, firstly with Wangaratta Players but also Beechworth Theatre Company, Benalla Theatre Company, Allegro Theatre Company, and The Other Theatre Company in Wodonga.

Her latest and one of the most anticipated productions in the North East is Ladies in Black with Wangaratta Players Inc, which is due to open at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre (WPACC) on August 17.

Colette stumbled across the movie, a non-musical, during lockdown on a streaming service and absolutely loved it.

“I thought immediately it would be perfect for the stage and then

later discovered it had been made into a musical with music by Tim Finn.

“I also knew that to do it justice it would need to be performed in a major venue such as WPACC and would need a lot of talent on stage and off to make it a success.

“After I directed Songs for Nobodies at The Players, with five remarkable performers, I knew I had the core to stage it.”

The story follows Lisa, a young girl in Sydney circa 1960 about

to achieve her Leaving Certificate, who takes a summer job at Goodes Department Store. There she meets an assortment of ‘ladies in black’, the staff at Goodes who introduce her to a whole new world.

“It’s just a beautiful story, not only of a young girl growing into an adult, but all the other characters show growth, many facing personal problems that we experience today, although much of it is from the times they lived, 1960

Australia, particularly for the women and the migrants,” Colette said.

“It was a time when girls weren’t expected let alone encouraged to go into tertiary education or continue in the workforce once they were married or became mothers.

“We not only meet the very Australian ladies at Goodes, we, and Lisa, also meet these exotic foreigners, refugees from postWWII Europe who are trying to make new lives in Australia.

LOCAL wine producers Eleana Anderson and Jo Marsh, under the name ‘Anderson & Marsh’, took out the Dark Horse Winery award at the Halliday Wine Companion Awards in St Kilda last week.

The pair, both acclaimed winemakers in their own right, submitted a trio of wines and each was scored as outstanding.

“Marsh and Anderson individually have been turning out fantastic wines for a long time now, which is why this pairing is such dream territory,” Halliday Wine Companion chief editor Campbell Mattinson said.

The award is given to a winery that has received the wine companion’s five-star rating for the first time, classifying it as an “outstanding winery capable of producing wines of very high quality,” according to the companion.

Ms Marsh is the managing director of Billy Button Wines, while Ms Anderson is

“That said the male characters, particularly Lisa’s father and also the young married Australian Frank go through some troubling, confusing times and emerge the better for it as well.

“A happy ending, particularly these days, is worth showing.”

When Colette discovered Tim Finn had created music for a stage version she was only more determined to investigate putting it on locally.

“As we learnt the songs together we were all blown away by the variety and beauty of the music.,” she said.

“It ranges from dance-happy chorus numbers to songs of pathos and sadness, to joy and frustration to straight out vaudeville.

“I guarantee the audiences will be blown away by the songs.”

Ladies in Black will be staged at the Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre (WPACC) on Thursday August 17, Friday, August 18 and Saturday, August 19 at 7pm, with a matinee performance on Saturday, August 19 at 2pm.

Tickets are selling fast so visit the WPACC box office in Ford Street or online at https://wpacc. sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/ salesevent/95168.

the director of Porepunkahbased Mayford Wines.

Both wineries are currently red five-star wineries – the top category in the Halliday Wine Companion.

“We think of the Alpine Valleys as a bit of a secret within the wine industry - it’s a hidden gem,” Ms Marsh said “Everything we do really is to try and promote this amazing region that we call home.”

Ms Anderson said their partnership plays to the viticultural strengths of the Alpine Valleys and they are “absolutely thrilled” with the recognition.

“The katabatic mountain winds, cool and nighttime temperatures in combination with the warm, sunny days, presents really optimal ripening conditions,” she said.

“Jo and I feel so lucky to live where we do, and to have such passionate and fastidious grape growers in our friendly winegrowing community.”

The North East was wellrepresented at the awards ceremony, with one award going to a new Beechworth winery, while a Rutherglen winery also received fortified wine of the year.

LADIES IN WAITING: Director Colette Quin with her ‘Ladies in Black’ (from left) Rose Sexton, Amy Wighton, Julie Nolan, Gracie York, Colette Quin, Alison Comensoli, Robyn York, Cathy Holmes and Tricia Voss behind the counter at Goodes.

PHOTO: Shane Douthie

A life rich in colour

By BRODIE EVERIST

BRIGHT local Romana Zorzut Favier has lived a vibrant life, having travelled across Europe and Australia capturing landscapes with a paintbrush and spatula in vivId hues.

She was born in the small Slovenian town of Vedrijan in 1930, now close to the Italian border, but at the time was part of Italy.

Prior to 1920 the region was a part of Austria-Hungary, and Ms Favier said her grandfather died fighting for Austria in World War I.

Following the renegotiation of borders after World War II, Ms Favier became a displaced person and migrated to Australia in 1951.

“I said I want to become a migrant, and not because I was hungry,” she said.

“I got away from all these wars.”

So she travelled to the Bonegilla Migrant Camp, and soon she was a nursing student helping to fill a much-needed gap in nursing staff at the time.

“It was like an adventure to me to come to Australia,” she said.

Becoming a nurse led her to care for her future mother-inlaw, who was recovering from an operation.

The mother invited Ms Favier home and she met Frank Favier, her husband she married in 1953.

They settled in Lower Plenty, on a block with no water and electricity, where

they built a bungalow. Later they built a new home where their two daughters were born.

In her 30s she began painting to express her feelings, so she studied art at the George Bell School.

According to Ms Favier, over the course of her career she

had 17 solo exhibitions across Europe, including in Paris, Germany, Austria and Slovenia, receiving acclaim for her expressionism and powerful use of colour.

She has also had two exhibitions at the Bright Art Gallery.

“I’ve painted 2500 paintings in 60 years - I’m a quick one,” she said.

“When I paint I go nuts, I just paint.”

She and Frank moved to Porepunkah in 1999, and later closer to Bright.

At 93 year old, she said she is still making art and teaching painting.

“This brain has to work,” she said.

STAY SAFE: Senior Sergeant Doug Incoll reminded mountain travellers to take simple safety precautions in case of emergency.

Lost runner found by motorcyclist

By BRODIE EVERIST

A 31-year-old Melbourne woman escaped a chilly night in Dinner Plain last weekend after getting lost on a run.

According to Bright Police’s Senior Sergeant Doug Incoll, the lady set off from Dinner Plain at around 11am on Sunday planning to do a 1-hour run, but she became disoriented and was found nearly 30 kilometres south east from Dinner Plain on Birregun Road.

When she had not returned after three hours her family called the police, who instituted a multi-agency response, including CFA, SES, ski patrol and local volunteers.

However, Sen Sgt Incoll said she was found by a man on a motorbike at around 5pm and driven back to Omeo.

He said the woman was carrying a phone but the battery had died, and she was only wearing light clothing.

“She was so lucky the motorbike rider came along,” he said.

“It could’ve ended in tragedy.”

Sen Sgt Incoll said it was a timely reminder to take simple safety precautions when travelling the mountains, such as carrying a charged phone, telling people where you are going, taking a map and carrying cold weather clothing in case of emergency.

PICTURE PERFECT: 93-year-old Romana Zorzut Favier next to her depiction of Bright, replete with tourists in the foreground and autumnal trees in the background.

ACROSS

1 What is the bowl-shaped depression at the mouth of a volcano (6)

8 To leave one’s native country to settle in another, is to do what (8)

9 When one is becoming old, one is doing what (6)

10 Name the chronic inability to sleep (8)

11 When one rides a pushbike, one does what (6)

13 Where do some operations take place (8)

16 What are large outdoor fires (8)

19 Name a person with a high degree of skill in a certain subject (6)

22 Name a strong, lustrous white metallic element, symbol Ti (8)

24 What is another name for a stoat (6)

25 Which term describes religious ardour or zeal (8)

26 To struggle roughly, is to do what (6)

DOWN

2 Name a particular type of football (5)

3 What do we call a test of patience or endurance (5)

4 To record officially, is to do what (8)

5 What is a preference that inhibits impartial judgement (4)

6 To be punctual is to be what (6)

7 When one withdraws one’s labour, one goes on what (6)

12 What is a traditional social unit in Scotland (4)

14 Which term suggests a right of way (8)

E-QUATIONS

Letters A to Z have a number value. Some are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

15 Name another word for a profligate (4)

17 Who “asked for more” (6)

18 Name a vessel for holding wine, or the like (6)

20 Which light shoes are used for dancing (5)

21 Which term pertains to the kidneys (5)

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD QUICK THINK

23 Name the mythological goddess of the rainbow (4)

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

WHICH WORDS

1 VESTIBULE

a) A room in which church vestments are kept

b) An entrance hall

c) A scarf on a pastoral staff

2 WIMPLE

a) Part of a nun’s dress

b) An instrument for boring holes

c) A willowing machine

BIYWORD

Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.

CLUES:

Ball holder (3)

Bush tea maker (5)

Emissions trading scheme (3)

Grab suddenly (3)

Noblemen (5)

Not artificial (7)

Of the nose (5)

Outcomes (7)

Produce an egg

Scots English: potato

SOLUTIONS SUDOKU

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

Mid-century inspired

NESTLED in a central location, this charming ‘mid-century’ enthused, modern inspired brick family home offers an idyllic retreat on a rare 1300m2 approx. allotment.

The home boasts three bedrooms, poldance of natural light pouring through the large surrounding windows. The thoughtful layout features an open-plan living area and a second living

room.

Keeping the home comfortable yearround are two split systems, ensuring a cozy ambiance.

The master bedroom, complete with built-in robes and a private patio, overlooks the backyard and creek aspect.

Speaking of which, the low-maintenance expansive rear yard includes a secure pet-friendly fence and a substantial

10m x 6m approx. shed with concrete through rear access – perfect for your caravan or boat storage.

The convenience factor is second to none, with Kmart, Coles, CBD, parks, playgrounds, and walking tracks in close proximity.

balance of space, convenience, and comfort, making it an ideal haven for families looking to create lasting memories.

Mid Century Inspired

31 Perry Street

• Prime central location, solid brick, midcentury modern inspired, 3 bedroom family home set on rare 1,300m2 approx. allotment

• Open-plan living, polished timber floorboards

• Second living space, ideal for a home office or fourth bedroom, & two split systems

• Master incl BIR & private patio overlooking the peaceful & shady backyard

• Expansive yard, 10m x 6m approx shed with concrete floor & power. Rear access.

Vacant Land - 5.49 acres

3 1 2

FOR SALE $560,000

A Perfect Start

5 Cramond Avenue

• Double fronted 3 bedroom weatherboard home ideally located in the West End

• Gas heating & reverse cycle air conditioning

• Single carport and 7m x 4m garage

• 3m x 3m garden shed

• Paved alfresco area

• Great investment property with excellent renters leased at $330pw

Your Dream Townhouse

1/57 Swan Street

• Perfect balance of convenience & charm in the sought after West End location

• Easy access to schools, pathways & parks

• Contemporary living , beautifully designed 3

Vacant

• 658m2 allotment FOR

3 1 1

Vacant Land - 51

Central Art Deco Charm

2 Graham Avenue

• Prestigious living, highly sought after location

• Circa 1940’s, beautifully renovated, incl many of the original art deco features, Jarrah flooring, 10ft ceilings & wrought iron gates

• 3 generous beds, 2 with private balconies

• Fully renovated bath with sep toilet upstairs. Downstairs reno bath/laundry w sep toilet

• Updated kitchen with stone benches, gas cooktop, electric oven & dishwasher

• Spacious living, rounded window, gas log fire

• Rooftop balcony for grand views/entertaining

3 2 2

FOR SALE $839,000

BUSINESS FOR SALE

COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT

Invest or Occupy

104A Murdoch Rd, Wangaratta

• Located between popular Clydes on Murdoch and Oak FM

• Current 3 year lease expires 8th June 2024

• Tenant negotiable with the 3 x 3 Options (for owner occupiers)

• Net rental income of approx. $14,780 per annum + GST

• High exposure location close to Cathedral College & Our Lady’s schools

• 50% regional stamp duty concession avail.

FOR SALE $280,000

No GST Going Concern

23 Baker St, Wangaratta | Ph: (03) 5722 2663

garrynash.com.au

Gordon Gibson

40-42 Rowan St, Wangaratta

• Est. in 1976, market leader with expertise in irrigation design, pumping system installation and retail supply across North East Victoria and Southern NSW.

• Domestic, commercial & industrial clientele

• Turnover $2.5m+. Fully equipped workshop

• Extensive plant and equipment

• EBITDA exceeding $250k

• New & secure lease for incoming purchaser

• Vendors will assist with transition of ownership

FOR SALE $350,000 + SAV

No GST Going Concern

Living

25 Rose Place, Waldara

• Situated on over 4116m2 approx. of land with well established gardens & fruit trees

• 4 spacious beds plus study all with built in robes, master with ensuite & walk in robe

• Quality timber kitchen, plenty of cupboard space overlooking large family meals area

• Glass sliding doors onto the rear verandah

• 2kw solar system, multiple tanks, extensive watering system, ducted gas central heating & evap. cooling, 2 split systems

• Oversized dbl garage, direct internal access

• Shed with concrete floor & power

4 2 2

Hospital Precinct Freehold

52 Green Street

• Permitted medical premises close to Northeast Health Wangaratta

• Consulting & treatment rooms with reception and patient waiting area

• Large backyard, concrete car park area & shed

• Heating, cooling, kitchen, bathroom & sep toilet

• Retained features lend themselves to residential conversion

• 50% regional stamp duty concession available

COMMERCIAL FREEHOLD FOR SALE $525,000 Plus GST

Land - 51

Wangaratta 12 Donovan Drive

671m23 11

Well presented 3 Bedroom Home, Private Yard For Sale $482,500 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L23153504

Wangaratta

763m23 22

Renovated with a great Shed

For Sale $495,000-$515,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19193554 Nutrien

Wangaratta

387m23 22

Superb Low Maintenance Living

For Sale $500,000-$550,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19193852

Nutrien

Wangaratta

4121m23 12

Milawa Lifestyle Living

For Sale $730,000-$770,000

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L22484425

Wangaratta

6705m24 22

4176m22 22

Perfectly planned practical Paradise

For Sale $825,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L23318418

Waldara Lifestyle Living

For Sale $990,900 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L22420827

Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Danial Siperki M 0400 027 473

Harcourts Wangaratta

Wangaratta

1025m26 44

Superb Investing

For Sale $995,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L23336517

Waldara 15 Fairway Drive

Luxury & Exclusive For Sale $1,185,000 View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/L19193873

Everton 188 Diffey Road 40Ac3 12 and Wangaratta

For Sale

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L20831928

Paul Reid M 0417 537 520 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Mount Bruno 1628 Devenish-Wangaratta Rd 74Ac4 32

For Sale

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L19192248

Hugh Amery M 0487 777 311 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Wangaratta 42-48 Osboldstone Road 6070m2

For

Auction

View by appointment, wangaratta.nutrienharcourts.com.au/ L22947041

Hugh Amery M 0487 777 311 Nutrien Harcourts Wangaratta

Siperki

X-TRAIL PUTS EXTRA ‘E’ INTO HYBRID SUV

ELECTRIFYING: The X-Trail hybrid SUV wheels out a boost to electrification

By DEREK OGDEN, Marque Motoring

NOT to make too much of a point about it, but beating of chests by automobile manufacturers about their fight to save the planet appear to be getting louder.

Take Nissan, for example, with its new X-Trail petrol/ electric hybrid SUV.

Badges announcing ePower and e-4orse, the company’s commitment to electrification, are plastered prominently all-round the vehicle on top of the restrained EV initials (for electric vehicle) found on rego plates of similar cars.

Under the skin e-POWER is a 100 per cent electric motor-driven system Nissan claims gives the owner same high-performance driving experience as an all-electric car.

It uses the EV technology perfected in the Nissan Leaf and adds an efficient, petrol engine to charge the lightweight, lithium-ion battery pack when needed.

In high power demand situations, such as strong acceleration, the petrol engine and generator are used to keep the battery pack charged and can directly power the electric motor, but not the wheels directly.

Not satisfied with the improved powertrain alone, Nissan also has upped the ante with new electric-drive four-wheel-control technology from e-4ORCE, which optimises the balance between powerful and unprecedented control, with a smooth ride for all, thanks to superior

handling on a wide range of surfaces.

Where does the hybrid sit in the SUV scheme of things?

The Mitsubishi Outlander comes only as a plug-in hybrid, while direct competition comes from Toyota’s RAV4 hybrid AWD and GWM Haval H6 Ultra hybrids.

The Tesla Model Y is fully electric and there’s no hybrid Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson as yet.

The X-Trail hybrid comes only in the premium Ti and Ti-L models with a starting price of $54,190, plus on-road costs, putting the hybrids $4200 above their 2.5-litre petrol-only siblings.

They are both covered by the standard Nissan warranty of five years unlimited kilometres with capped price servicing and prepaid maintenance plan.

STYLING

At a tad under 4.7 metres long, a bit over 1.8 metres wide, and 1.7 metres tall, the fourth-generation X-Trail squarely takes a mid-size SUV spot and follows a distinctly Nissan angular design direction, sharing several sharp lines with the Pathfinder and Qashqai, the e-Power hybrids differing from equivalent combustion-engineonly models with a revised V-Motion grille and badging.

Lighting is up presentday standards with auto LED headlamps, LED tail-lights, daytime running lights and fog lights.

The 19-inch alloy wheels, a floating roofline with panoramic sunroof, auto rain-sensing wipers put the

finishing touches to the newcomers.

INTERIOR

Inside, the surroundings are a blend of quality craftsmanship and materials highlighting comfort and convenience all round.

Comfort is covered by 10way power-adjustable (and heated) front seats, threezone climate control, sixspeaker audio (with digital radio), leather-accented trim, a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

Move to the back and the first thing you notice is the rear door opening to 85 degrees, which makes it easier to get in and out.

The rear seats (split 40/20/40) can slide forward for more boot space, or back for maximum passenger room.

With all seats upright cargo space is 575 litres, a mere 10 litres less than the combustion-only X-Trail.

Lower the rear seat and that volume increases to around 2000 litres.

A power tailgate eases loading.

There’s no spare wheel of any sort, only a puncture kit.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

Nissan’s e-POWER system includes a petrol engine with a power generator, inverter, battery and an electric motor.

The electric motor delivers power directly to the wheels, using energy stored in the battery pack.

Used for charging the battery pack or powering the electric motor, the petrol en-

AT A GLANCE

gine eliminates the need for an EV charger.

Towing capacity for ePOWER models is rated at 1650kg, compared to 2000kg for petrol versions.

SAFETY

The X-Trail hybrids earn a five-star ANCAP rating under 2021 test conditions and added information and testing.

Active safety is covered by forward autonomous emergency braking (pedestrian and cyclist), adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and ProPilot lane keeping, traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention alert, and reverse autonomous emergency braking (pedestrian).

Pedestrians close to the vehicle are alerted by an external audible warning when it is in almost silent EV mode.

Seven airbags include a centre airbag between front seat occupants.

DRIVING

With responsive electric motor control in factions of a second and instantaneous torque on tap, e-Power delivers smooth almost silent acceleration off the mark, courtesy of noise cancelling measures in the cabin.

When called on for more power, the petrol engine and generator chime in with a non-too unpleasant hum, keeping the battery pack charged and, if needed, directly powering the electric motor.

There is no direct connection between the engine and wheels, the power plant

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Nissan dealer for driveaway prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Nissan X-Trail Ti AWD 1.5L 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol, single-speed automatic, AWD SUV)

Looks: 7/10; Performance: 8/10; Safety: 8/10; Thirst: 8/10;

7/10; Comfort: 7/10; Tech: 7/10

acting only as a generator recharging the battery through an inverter.

EV or e-Pedal control are instigated by means of buttons on the centre console.

EV is what it says – no petrol engine input here – and can be operated for a short distance.

On test, press of the EV button was answered by a message saying the battery was not charged enough to sustain electric-only operation.

Maybe at a later time.

The e-Pedal had no such impediment, leaving the accelerator to apply the brakes automatically when the foot was lifted off, calling on the regenerating capacity to slow the car almost to a halt.

SUMMARY

In its performance the Nissan X-Trail Ti e-POWER with e-4ORCE does lean more to the full electric vehicle rather than the hybrid SUV.

However, there’s the added running cost of buying

petrol. The premium purchase price over petrol-only models is covered somewhat by the increased Ti / Ti-L equipment.

POWERTRAIN:

Configuration: three cylinders

Electric motors: Front 150 kW / 330 Nm; Rear 100 kW / 195 Nm

Total power: 157 kW

Fuel Type: Petrol 95 RON Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 6.1 L/100km

CO2 emissions (combined): 139g / 100 km

DRIVELINE: Single-speed automatic, all-wheel drive

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES: Length: 4680 mm

Wheelbase: 2705 mm

MYRTLEFORD FLOOD STUDYCOMMUNITY SESSION

If you live or work in Myrtleford, have in the area, or would be directly community sessions!

WhenWhereTimes Myrtleford area.

INFORMAL COMMUNITY CHAT

have a short discussion on any issues of interest with a small panel of Councillors and Council staff.

When: Time: Where:

Please book online at: com.au

Annual General Meeting

Thursday,21September,2023 3:00pmstart.

Zoomoptionifunavailabletoattend.

MeetingID:83671892058

Nominations due by Friday, 25 August 2023

All members welcome.

Phone: (03) 5754 1166

Email: info@mountbeauty.org.au

Website: www.mountbeauty.org.au

EDUCATION SUPPORT OFFICER

PART TIME (0.73 FTE)

TERMS 3 & 4 2023

Applications are invited for an enthusiastic, energetic, practical and organised person for the position of education support.

The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative and will enjoy collaboration and working with adolescents. The responsibilities will include support in the classroom, camps, excursions and other duties in line with the applicant’s skills and interests.

Qualifications or experience in secondary education support would be an advantage.

Employment details are available on the College website, www.mcm.vic.edu.au or contact recruitment@mcm.vic.edu.au

Applications close 4pm, Monday, August 14. Marian College is a year 7-12 coeducational Catholic School. We are committed to Child Safe standards and promote the wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

Personal Notices

Guess who is riding into his 70th year!!

FRANK CARMINE SACCO August 10, 1953.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

To our wonderful brother and uncle Have a Happy 70th Birthday! With many more enjoyable years to come.

Love always, Sam and Glynda, Clare and Stephen, Trish and Rob, Gerard and Merryn and ALL your nieces and nephews. xoxoxo.

Personal Notices

may be placed up to 3.00pm each Monday

classifieds@nemedia.com.au

Phone: 03 5723 0101

BRENNAN, Patrick Joseph.

17/9/1940 – 3/9/2023

Loved husband of Carolyn. Dearly loved father and father-on-law of Scott and Pauline and Mark and Karen. Proud Grandpa of Shaun and Sarah, Courtney, Jake and Jordan, Chloe and David, Jaimi and Connor and Mason. Memorial service at Myrtleford Uniting Church, Friday, August 11, 2023, at 11am. If you wish to leave condolences, please see northeastfunerals.com.au.

HARLEY Davidson 2006, 1200cc xl

1200R sportster roadster, cruiser, 5 sp manual, 7640km, prisitne condition, VIN 5HD1CLP186K 455114, plus leather jacket, helmet, gloves and backpack, $11,500 bank cheque only. Ph 0408 546 764 or 0412 874 585

POLARIS Ace 325, 635km, front and rear brushguard, winch, tow bar and hitch. Feb 23, 2016, 7.5 year old. $4500, bank cheque. Ph 0408 546 764 or 0412 874 585.

FREE RANGE HENS

ISA Brown Pullets, POL $27ea.

Pick upWang to Bright Becky & Hugh (03) 5798 1868 freerangehens.com.au

Calvene steps down as Lions coach

By NATHAN DE VRIES

RILEY Calvene will not coach Whorouly’s senior footy team in 2024.

After two years in the top job at the Den, Calvene confirmed he will depart the club at the end of the season, citing work pressures and a desire to test himself at a higher level.

Calvene said he’d decided a while ago to step aside.

“I spoke to Scott (Grant, football operations manager) and Eddie (Costenaro, president) about round two,” he said.

“My main reasons are with my studies and my life outside of footy, I can’t really give the time and effort that I’d like to give.

“I’m at a stage now where I want to test myself at a higher level again, throw myself in the deep end and get back as just a player which I’m pretty keen to do again.

“I’ve got a lot to weigh up for next year, it’ll either be O&M or maybe a move up north, so there’s a lot to weigh up at this stage.”

Calvene said he was focussed on getting the best out of the team from their final few matches, and highlighted how proud he was of the emerging talent at Whorouly.

“The development of

some of our younger players has been amazing,” he said.

“We’ve seen from last year the emergence of Max Grant, ‘Zeke’ (Ezekiel Traczyk) and Eddie (Ed Bramich), all really young guys who play regular senior footy, and this year’s the same with Ollie Dixon and ‘JR’ (Jake Riley).

“Just being a part of the club, I’ve really cherished it.

“I’m just going to enjoy it as much as I can.

“I’m a bit of a stress-head for those who know me quite well, so for me I’m just going to enjoy the last couple of weeks, take each week as it comes and enjoy playing with some of my close mates.

“You never play with the same group again, so I’ll just enjoy everyone’s company and hopefully finish off with a few wins.”

Whorouly football op-

erations manager Scott Grant said Calvene would be missed, with the club searching for his successor in the role.

“As a coach we have been thrilled with his application to learning, researching and seeking support to better himself,” he said.

“We are disappointed to lose a football person of his calibre at a time when our

group is maturing, but we respect his decision and the open conversations we have had.

“We hope, and expect, to see him back in Lions colours in the future.

“Right now we are actively seeking coaches for next season, with some discussions underway.

“As a club, we believe we provide an attractive opportunity for a coach, playing or

non-playing, to join us.

“We have recently been buoyed by the re-commitment of a core group of young players for next season such as Sam Piazza, Ed Bramich, Will Allen and Darcy O’Shannessy, and we expect more in the coming weeks.”

The Lions face Bonnie Doon this weekend in their penultimate match of season 2023.

ALL GOOD: Calvene said he would focus on enjoying the last few rounds of the season with his team. PHOTO: Martin Davis

STEPPING DOWN: Riley Calvene will step down from the top job at Whorouly at the end of the season.

PHOTO: Nathan de Vries

Smashing successes for Panthers baseballers

THE Porepunkah Panthers played away in Wangaratta this week and the under 12s had another big turnout with 14 players keen to play ball.

In an exciting game the Panthers fell just short in the last innings after making a huge comeback.

The game had five innings, and in the first innings the Panthers were 5-0 down.

Eamon Thompson started the second innings with a beautiful two base hit, which started a hitting spree that saw Wes Booth, Stephanie Alexander and Heath Hughes all getting on base and scoring runs.

Rory Clarke then had a critical safe hit to bring in three runs with six runs being scored in total.

Wodonga scored another five runs in their innings to have the lead 10-6.

The third innings had both teams remain scoreless, with Panther Yuna Meddings fielding nicely at second base and tagging the runner for a smart out being a standout play.

To the team’s credit they scored a maximum seven runs in the fourth dig, Cohen Guest-Smith started off with a powerful hit, with the rest of the team following suit and hitting safely.

At the end of the Wodonga innings the Panthers had the game in reach with the score 15-13.

With plenty of opportunities the game really could have gone either way but Wodonga managed to hold out for the win.

The bats were on fire as the under 15 Porepunkah Panthers defeated Benalla Bandits 12-6.

The Panthers secured the victory by not only batting well but stealing plenty of bases.

In the first innings, walks to

Panthers Ayla McCallum, Paige Anders and Makiah McCallum had the bases loaded with Samara McCallum hitting to leftfield to bring in runs.

The second innings had Ayla McCallum and Samara again hitting safely again, with Ollie Brown and Tayge Skippen stealing bases at will and getting home.

In the field the Panther sisters Sophie and Paige Anders combined for a double play at second base.

Sam Bourne started the day for the Panthers on the mound, and the opposition found him too hot to handle, striking out three batters and throwing accurately.

Wade Pronk came on as relief pitcher, striking out two batters and finishing the game.

The C grade Panthers team were once again dominant defeating the Benalla Bandits in an impressive display.

The first innings batting had Panther Jarrod McCormack leading off with a walk, then Ollie Chambers

got on base with a nice hit. With the opposition pitcher struggling with accuracy, walks were then given to batters Lachie Rosser, Cade Nightingale, Makiah McCallum, Jason Brown and Sam Bourne.

Ethan Edwards then hit safely to bring in the maximum seven runs.

In the second innings batting the Panthers had Lachie Rosser blast one to centerfield, and walks to Mason Anders, Cade Nightingale and Liam Quinton had the Porepunkah team score another three runs.

Benalla had no real chance to score with the Panthers infield backing up pitcher Liam ‘Wild Thing’ Quinton who proved too fast and strong.

Mason Anders came in as relief pitcher to finish off the game, showing he is capable of playing different positions when needed, with the final score Porepunkah 10 def Benalla 3.

In one of the most impressive

games of the day the B grade Panthers defeated Benalla Bandits 12-2.

Kaleb Hoare took control of the game pitching for the Panthers, throwing the complete game, striking out five batters and not allowing the Bandits to put bat on ball.

With the bat it was Panthers Ethan Edwards and Jarrod Smith leading the way with two safe hits each.

Cameron Alexander once again slotted in nicely after a couple of weeks off and also hit a nice bomb.

Cade Nightingale did what he does best and also proved too good for the opposition pitcher with the bat.

In the field, coach Randy Skippen playing second base was involved in a solo ‘double play’, making a catch and then getting the runner out on base.

The Porepunkah B team has gone from sixth place to fourth in the last few weeks and will be looking forward to causing some chaos in the final series.

CHAMP: Jim Martin was all smiles after taking out Wednesday’s competition with a brilliant score of 41 points.

Myrtleford golfers perform well

By NATHAN DE VRIES

IT was another week of fun and competition at the Myrtleford Golf Club, with solid scores recorded.

Saturday, August 5

Myrtleford Bake House Stableford

AMCR 73

A grade winner: Karl O’Shaughnessy (12) 34 pts c/b. A grade runner up: Riley Bacon (6) 34 pts. B grade winner: David Clark (18) 38 pts. B grade runners up: Paul Cowman (25) 34 pts c/b.

Ball winners: S Hancock 34, J Martin 33, C Piazza 33, T Batt 33 c/b.

Foodworks NTPs - first: Craig Piazza, fifth: Riley Bacon, 10th: David Matthews, 14th: David Matthews. Matthews Cleaning encouragement award: George Browne 21 pts. Raffle winner: Brad Carroll.

Thursday, August 3 Drummond Golf Monthly Medal Stableford AMCR 76

A grade winner: Ann Hazeldine (40) 35 pts. A grade runner up: Sarah Deas (33) 33 pts.

Ball winners: Angela O’Shaughnessy 31pts, Faye McLees 30 pts.

Foodworks NTPs - 10th: Marnie Broz.

Wednesday, August 2

Myrtleford Bake House - Stableford

AMCR 73

A grade winner: Jim Martin (21) 41 pts. A grade runner up: George Browne (29) 39 pts c/b.

Ball winners: I Wales 39.

Foodworks NTPs - first: Steven Piddington, fifth: Jim Martin, 10th: Ian Wales.

Tuesday, August 1

Myrtleford Bake House - Stableford AMCR 76

A grade winner: Angela O’Shaughnessy (21) 33pts. A grade runner up: Marnie Broz (24) 30pts. Ball winners: Jan Harper (35) 29pts.

BATTER UP: Ollie Brown swings for the fences for Porepunkah.

PHOTO: Adam Rosser

& ProfessionalConsultants

Accountants

BELMORES CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

(formerly CRM Business Advisers)

Certified Practising Accountants

Myrtleford, 1-7 Albert Street

Phone: 5752 2288

Bright, 3 Ireland Street

Phone: 5755 1327

www.belmores.com.au

PAYNTER & ASSOCIATES

Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors

25 Clyde Street Myrtleford

Phone: 5751 1995

Email: admin@paynterassoc.com.au www.paynterandassociates.com.au

Clinical Massage

MYOTHERAPY, MUSCLE

HEALTH & FITNESS

Dennis Kersting Dip. RM CM.

Myrtleford - 18 Rayner Street

Phone: 0427 440 744

Hearing Services

JO ROSS-JACKSON HEARING CENTRES

Now at 29 Clyde Street Myrtleford

Plus Standish Street Surgery & Bright Allied Health

For appointments call 5752 2817

Insurance Brokers

OVENS VALLEY INSURANCE BROKERS

Myrtleford, 47 Clyde Street

Phone: 5752 1151

Bright, 104 Gavan St

Phone: 5715 9705

Email: info@ovib.com.au

Solicitors

DICK & WILLIAMS

Solicitors & Attorneys Vic & NSW

Myrtleford, 5B Clyde Street.

Phone: 5752 2363.

Email: email@dwlawalbury.com.au

TONER & MAY LEGAL BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS

86 Standish Street, Myrtleford.

Phone: 03 5752 1493

2A Camp Street, Bright, Phone: 03 5750 1819

Email:

amanda@tonerandmaylegal.com.au or jess@tonerandmaylegal.com.au

Promote your service here!

Phone Jenny on 57313305 or email jking@nemedia.com.au

Savoy women thrive in prefinals confidence boost

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

A BRACE from Tui Morton was enough to see the Savoy women back on the winners’ list with a 2-0 win over Wodonga Diamonds at Savoy Park.

Coming off three straight games without a win the Savoys found form scoring on either side of the half-time whistle to round out their regular season in style against their fourth placed opposition.

Coach Gabby Paglia said it was pleasing to see the girls rebound from just their second loss on the year.

“You could tell it was building over the last couple of weeks so it’s a nice boost of confidence for us with finals coming up,” she said.

“It was all working together; those little things from training

are coming out onto field and it’s nice to see that hard work payoff.”

Morton and Amber Howell swapped their respective wings for the other, with Morton moving to the left and Howell on the right, which proved to open up attacking avenues on goal.

“It was really good, they were both working really well, putting a lot of crosses in and our attackers were able to get into the middle in great positions,” Paglia said.

“We tried some different things and wanted to have a bit more strength to that left hand side and a bit more experience.

“They go to it straight away, Amber was a bit unsure about it having not played wing as much but I just said to her I had her back and I think confidence within themselves was all they

needed, they’ve got all the skills there.”

With three points booked for each bye week the Savoys are still a mathematical chance to win the league title for the season, needing Wodonga Heart to lose or draw their last two matches.

The team will take part in an intraclub match with the over 35s this week as they try to maintain match fitness with two weeks off before finals.

Paglia said the team will emphasise on its work in front of goal as chances will be expected to be harder to come by as the business end of the season begins.

“We’re hoping to build a little bit more fitness, finals is not going to be like any normal games,” she said

“It [the intraclub] will help with getting set up on the pitch

and just get more of a feel for those quick passes because you can only get so much from training.

“Hopefully the two weeks off don’t hinder us and when it comes to finals we can come out on top.”

OTHER SAVOY TEAM RESULTS

Division 2 Men: Myrtleford 0 def by Wodonga Diamonds 8.

Division 3 Men: Myrtleford 0 def by Wodonga Diamonds 2.

Over 35: Myrtleford 0 def by Wodonga Diamonds 1.

U17 Girls: Myrtleford 0 def by Wodonga Diamonds 1.

U16 Boys: BYE.

U14 Boys: Myrtleford 1 def by Wodonga Diamonds 6.

U13 Boys: Myrtleford 0 def by Wodonga Diamonds Red 8.

U12 Boys: Myrtleford 1 def by Wodonga Diamonds Red 8.

Rematch scheduled after early cancellation

By BAILEY ZIMMERMANN

AN injury in the 59th minute to Wodonga Diamonds goalkeeper Cameron Mccormack resulted in the cancellation and rescheduling of their crucial clash with the Savoy men.

Mccormack went down trying to save a goal from Myrtleford midfielder Josh Zito, having to wait for the arrival of an ambulance to be taken off the field.

The outcome of the match was decided by the AWFA on Monday night where it will be replayed next Wednesday at Kelly Park in Wodonga.

Savoys co-coach Richard Morgan said it was flattening to see the game being called early, especially in such a strong position on the scoreboard.

“Obviously we had our concerns for the player and we hope he is alright but it left everyone feeling a little bit flat,” he said.

“It was a bit of a bugger; we didn’t know where we sat, whether we had to play again or would be awarded the game.

“To be up 4-1 in that stage of the game sort of left everyone uncertain as to what was going on.”

The Savoys were dominant for the hour of play, putting through the first three goals

in the match via Tom Caplin, Matt Richardson and Lewis Halloway with the game ceasing play just after Zito’s goal.

The re-scheduling of the match sees the finals race remain on a knife’s edge with the Savoys sitting in ninth, two points behind the Wodonga Diamonds in the last position in finals.

Despite an upcoming bye on the weekend, the Savoys will be filling in their matchday tonight, going up against Melrose in their replacement fixture for last month.

The game will be held at Melrose Park after the match had to be called off due to unsafe playing conditions at Savoy Park when the two teams were scheduled to meet.

Morgan said while a midweek game was not ideal in terms of preparation and player availability, it presents an excellent opportunity for his team to jump into the eight with a win.

“We’re fairly confident going up against Melrose with the team we’ve got at the moment,” he said.

“The key is our defence, they were very good yesterday [Sunday] and we actually had some goals on the board.

“That sort of attack is going to cause problems for anyone.”

Sunny Saturday brings crowds to Mount Beauty golf

ON Wednesday, August 2, a small field of nine men played the front 9 Stableford round which saw Peter Dilley prevail over Ron Gallagher with his 18 points, ahead of Gallagher’s 16 points.

NTP went to Macca Deans on the ninth while the club kept the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsa-

gency & Post Office and the ball.

On a magnificent Saturday weather-wise, a field of 17 men battled it out for the August Monthly Medal honours.

Victor Selway won the day on a countback from Dave Browning, net 77 each.

Next was Peter Hertzog on a countback from Roger

Church with their net 78s.

NTPs went to Gerad Biesboer on the seventh and the ninth.

He also received the Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Newsagency & Post Office.

The 17th went to Peter Dilley while Peter Hertzog took home the money on the 18th.

BREEZING AWAY: Tom Caplin scored once for Myrtleford at Savoy Park on the weekend, as they look to keep pace with the race for the last two places in finals heating up.

PHOTO: Janet Watt

WINNER: Victor Selway took out the August Monthly Medal on a countback from Dave Browning.

Junior Bombers grind out win over Barny

By BRAD REDMOND, U14 COACH

ON a warm summer’s morning (well, that’s what it felt like anyway), we welcomed Barnawartha to Dederang for our last home game for season 2023.

After watching the form over the past few weeks, we knew that Barny would not be an easy victory, and again, we needed to rely on our backs and centres to push that little more in warm conditions with no bench.

The first quarter saw Barny throw everything at us to intimidate us but we withstood their challenge.

We pushed hard for forward entries and we were kept honest, but goals to Jai (Redmond) and Jack (Coulston) settled us and we came in at quarter time with a two goal lead.

The second quarter saw us have plenty of opportunity to put the game at rest, but unfortunately we were a little astray with our kicking (1.4). Again, if it wasn’t for our

backline, it would be a different story – they were solid as a rock and kept Barny again scoreless.

By the time our third quarter came, we were starting to tire.

Our running centres (Beau Duggan, Darcy Fallon, Jack Coulston and Fergus Gardiner), were tiring and needing a rest, but with no one on the bench, we were able to rotate the

boys around and give them opportunities in other positions that they may not have had a go in.

That quarter was much more even, with both sides kicking a goal each.

In the last quarter, with Barny only behind by a few quick goals, the boys were told that a hard fought victory is the best kind.

This is where we need to lift, with second and third

efforts, and with ‘reward for effort’ ringing in their ears, our last quarter blitz was on.

We were ruthless - our backs became centres and our centres became forwards and we locked the ball away until we scored.

Zelk (Shuttleworth) in the forward pocket was on fire, with marks and kicks galore (including a few sneaky torps).

In the end we ran out winners in our hardest game of the season so far.

Final scores:

DMB 7.11.53

Barnawartha 1.0.6

Best: Fergus Gardiner, Zelk Shuttleworth, Jack Coulston, Darcy Fallon, Beau Duggan, Jacob Cooper.

Goals: Darcy Fallon 2, Jai Redmond 2, Jack Coulston 1, Thomas Docherty 1, Mark Flay 1.

Next week, it’s another tough test, facing Rutherglen at Rutherglen. Finals are only three weeks away.

Brutal Barny bury Bombers

By DANIEL SAVILLE

IT was a disappointing day for Dederang-Mount Beauty’s senior footy side as they conceded their second straight triple-figure loss to a finals-bound Barnawartha.

In what was their final home game for the season, the Bombers couldn’t keep up with a rampant Tigers outfit and were outplayed in each of the four quarters.

A goalless opening term meant that DMB didn’t kick their first goal until the second quarter in a tough start for Damien Jones’ side, as they were on the wrong end of a 55-point half-time margin.

The Tigers showed no mercy and booted eight goals to nil in the premiership quarter.

Dederang-Mount Beauty stemmed the bleeding in the final term by kicking a cou-

ple of late goals, but it was too little too late as Barnawartha registered their ninth win for the season by 115 points – 22.16 (148) to 4.9 (33).

Key forward Cody Hewat was the only multiple goalkicker for the red and blacks on a day where meaningful scoring opportunities were hard to come by, while Nick Iaria kicked a major in his first game since round 13 after a rib injury ruled him out for a couple of weeks.

Captain Josh Kable was the Bombers’ best player in a tough day for his side down back, but managed to sneak forward and kicked his third goal for the year.

Kable has had another ultra-consistent season – he has not missed a game and has featured in his side’s best players 12 out of a possible 16 times.

Brady Johnson, Connor

Brodie and Phil Bellingham did their best to get the game back on the Bombers’ terms between the arcs.

In their season’s penultimate game, ninth-placed Dederang-Mount Beauty will be hoping to bounce back this weekend against a struggling Rutherglen, who currently sit in eleventh position on the Tallangatta & District Football League ladder with only one win to their name.

Dederang-Mount Beauty’s reserves side came up against fourth-placed Barnawartha and had a tough day in the earlier game, after being soundly beaten by 169 points – 0.2 (2) to 26.15 (171).

On a more positive note for the club’s footballers, DMB’s under 14 team won by 47 points against Barnawartha to remain undefeated after 14 rounds of the regular season.

RETURN: Nick Iaria performed well in his first match since round 13.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

MASSIVE KICK: Jack Coulston winds up for a big boot inside 50.

PHOTOS: Sharon Coulston

WRECKING BALL: Jack Cooper draws two defenders to him and is easily able to dispose the ball.

WINNERS AND LOSERS

OVENS AND MURRAY SENIORS LADDER

SCOREBOARD RESERVES RESULTS

YARRAWONGA 4.6 11.9 16.12 20.14.134

MYRTLEFORD 1.0 3.1

GOALS: YARRAWONGA: Leigh Williams 5, Dylan Conway 4, Nicholas Fothergill 4, Matthew Casey 3, Logan Morey 1, Will Robinson 1, Kyal Tyson 1, Mark Whiley 1. MYRTLEFORD: Ryley Sharp 2, Addison Bedendo 1, Ashton McPherson 1, Levi Young 1. BEST: YARRAWONGA: Ryan Bruce, Mark Whiley, Leigh Williams, Cameron Wilson, Jordan Urquhart, Nicholas Fothergill.

MYRTLEFORD: Rhys Grant, Mitch Dalbosco, Alex Jacobs, Ashton McPherson, Tom Sparks, Brody Ricardi.

GOALS: ALBURY: Kolby Heiner-Hennessy 3, Jacob Conlan 2, Luke Daly 2, Jake Gaynor 2, George Horlin-Smith 2, Rhys King 2, Elliott Powell 2, Ben Kelly 1. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Thomas Baulch 4, Alexander Marklew 3, Elijah Amery 2, Thomas Boyd 1, Will Christie 1, Brodie Filo 1, Lockey McCartney 1, Dylan Wilson 1. BEST: ALBURY: Isaac Muller, Jake Gaynor, Hamish Gilmore, George Horlin-Smith, Jessy Wilson, Rhys King. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Dylan Wilson, Samuel Murray, Jace McQuade, Cody Schutt, Brodie Filo.

NETBALL SCORES THIRDS RESULTS

BEST: ALBURY: Brigetta Singe 3 Niamh Thorn 2, Gabrielle Mcrae 1.

WANGARATTA ROVERS: Kelsie Wilson 3, Molly Murray 2, Hidden Player 1 .

GOALS: ALBURY: Lilli Howe 38, Marny Hillier 12.

WANGARATTA ROVERS: Samantha Kreltszheim 23, Rebecca Kreltszheim 14..

Wangaratta 50 def Wodonga Raiders 37

BEST: WANGARATTA: Ellie Cooper 3, Kate Dean 2, Amanda Umanski 1.

WODONGA RAIDERS: Mackensey House 3, Taylor Donelan 2, Eliza Mooney 1 .

GOALS: WANGARATTA: Amanda Umanski 32, Georgia Clark 14, Amy Byrne 4 .

WODONGA RAIDERS: Taylor Donelan 25, Emily Stewart 12. Yarrawonga 39 def by Myrtleford 44

GOALS: YARRAWONGA: Kaleisha Pell 31, Madeleine Allan 8.

MYRTLEFORD: Rebecca Piazza 26, Sally Botter 18

North Albury 53 def by Lavington 55

B GRADE: Yarrawonga 50 def Myrtleford 32; Albury 38 def Wangaratta Rovers 33; Wangaratta 46 def Wodonga Raiders 35; North Albury 59 def by Lavington 60.

C GRADE: North Albury 37 def Lavington 32; Wangartta 55 def Wodonga Raiders 33; Albury 27 def by Wangaratta Rovers 35; Yarrawonga 42 def Myrtleford 35; Wodonga 56 def Corowa-Rutherglen 42

17 & UNDER: Albury 37 def by Wangaratta Rovers 38; Yarrawonga 61 def Myrtleford 29; Wangaratta 39 def by Wodonga Raiders 50; North Albury 53 def Lavington 38.

15 & UNDER: Yarrawonga 10 def by Myrtleford 55; Albury 19 def by Wang Rovers 40; Wangaratta 20 def by Wodonga Raiders 47; Wodonga 45 def Corowa-Rutherglen 23; North Albury 36 def Lavington 29.

ROUND

18

North Albury..............3.4.22

Lavington ...............13.11.89

BEST: NORTH ALBURY: Callum Fisher, Sam Naughton, Zac Bonetti, Connor Bradbury, Mitchell Wadley. LAVINGTON: Angus Daniher, Jack Costello, Ethan DePaoli, Oscar Lyons, Alex McMaster, Noah Graham. Yarrawonga ..........25.11.161

Myrtleford .................6.6.42

BEST: YARRAWONGA: Jordan O’Dwyer, Max Hemphill, Beau Seymour, Tom McKimmie, Dillon Walsh-hall, Ned Harvey. MYRTLEFORD: Tyler Barker, Tom Crisp, Brody Bouker, Corey Southern, Nicholas Ferguson, Leigh Corcoran. Albury .....................9.13.67

Wangaratta Rovers ....2.3.15

Yarrawonga 5.8.38 def by Myrtleford 14.8.92

BEST: YARRAWONGA; Ned Harvey, Mitchell Parker, Lochie Forge, Xavier Mitchell, Jack Eales, Griffin Surrey. MYRTLEFORD: Saxon Rosser, Luke Nannipieri, Brody Bouker, Sam Rossato, Tyler Thomason, Marcello Vescio.

Albury 6.9.45 def by Wang Rovers 13.12.90

BEST: ALBURY: Ty Quade, Charlie McGrath, Joseph Muller, Connor Hogan, Jack McPartland, Sam Lawrence. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Ned Turner, Tom Forrest, Oliver Sharp, Judd Schubert, Bay Pellegrino, Riley Allan.

Nth Albury 3.2.20 def by Lavington 15.6.96

BEST: NORTH ALBURY : Connor Hetherton, Daniel Harvey, Ryan Lowe, Declan Clancy, Eligh Houston-Damic. LAVINGTON: Oscar Lyons, Nick Paton, Harryson Barber, Jack Costello, Xavier Russell, Will Liersch. Wangaratta 5.4.34 def by Raiders 7.12.54

WANGARATTA: Keahn Driscoll, Hugh Canning, Ethan Donald, Ned O’Kane, Oscar Roberts, Harry McMonigle. WODONGA RAIDERS: Oliver Robertson, Jack Stewart, Harvey Cribbes, Zac Whitsed, Bailey Smith, Lincoln Reed.

LADDER

GOALS: NORTH ALBURY: Joshua Minogue 4, Nathan Dennis 2, Tim Broomhead 1, Cayden Winter 1. LAVINGTON:Darcy Smith 3, Luke Garland 1, Charlie Sanson 1. BEST: NORTH

ALBURY: Jackson Weidemann, Joshua Minogue, George Godde, Nathan Dennis, Kade Brown, Julian Hayes. LAVINGTON: Shaun Driscoll, William Glanvill, Tom Hargreave, Jack Driscoll, Ewan Mackinlay, Luke Garland.

GOALS: WANGARATTA: Callum Moore 11, Joe Berry 4, Fraser Holland-Dean 3, Patrick Warner 3, Chris Knowles 2, Braeden Marjanovic 1, Liam Mcveigh 1, Jessie Smith 1. WODONGA

RAIDERS: Will McCarty 2, Cameron Ellis-Yolmen 1, Alex Jamieson 1, Indhi Kotzur 1. BEST:

WANGARATTA: Callum Moore, Daniel Sharrock, Hunter Gottschling, Waitai Tua, Ryan Battin, Joe Berry. WODONGA RAIDERS: Hayden Clarke, Bradley St John, Connor Taylor, Cameron Ellis-Yolmen, Ned Conway, Indhi Kotzur.

BEST: ALBURY: Harry Cameron, Chas Retallick, Christopher Lockhart, Max Bruton, Cooper Page, Fletcher Hart. WANGARATTA ROVERS: Noah Amery, Nic Henderson, Brodie Paul, Kyle Smith, Connor Shanley, Shane Gaston. Wangaratta...........20.11.131 Wodonga Raiders .......5.8.38

BEST: WANGARATTA: Daniel Tidball, Nathan Sampson, Thomas Gorman, Josh Nanson, Lachlan Bray, Tom Montgomery. WODONGA RAIDERS: Max Glass, Baxter Jones, Connor Howells, Aaron Spencer, Jack Hobbs.

OVENS AND KING SENIORS LADDER

% PTS

ROUND 16 -AUGUST 12-13

WANGARATTA ROVERS V WODONGA

MYRTLEFORD V NORTH ALBURY

LAVINGTON V WANGARATTA

WODONGA RAIDERS V ALBURY COROWA-R’GLEN V YARRAWONGA - SUNDAY 13

SCOREBOARD RESERVES RESULTS

GOORAMBAT

MILAWA

NETBALL SCORES

AGRADE:

Whorouly 50 def Moyhu 39; Greta 55 def Tarrawingee 34;

Benalla All Blacks 26 def by North Wangaratta 34; Bonnie Doon 53 def King Valley 49

B GRADE:

Whorouly 49 def Moyhu 39; Greta 52 def Tarrawingee 26;

Benalla All Blacks 68 def North Wangaratta 22;

Bonnie Doon 49 def King Valley 46

B RESERVE:

Whorouly 51 def Moyhu 28;

Greta 34 def Tarrawingee 29;

Benalla All Blacks 83 def North Wangaratta 10;

Bonnie Doon: 56 def King Valley 22

17 & UNDER:

Whorouly 36 def Moyhu 28; Greta 41 def Tarrawingee 35;

Benalla All Blacks 46 def North Wangaratta 33; Bonnie Doon 57 def King Valley 19

15 & UNDER:

Whorouly 24 def Moyhu 22; Greta 16 def Tarrawingee 4; Benalla 43 def North Wangaratta 13; Bonnie Doon 32 def King Valley 29

No other scores available at time of print.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

BONNIE DOON vs WHOROULY

TARRAWINGEE vs BENALLA ALL BLACKS

BRIGHT vs NORTH WANGARATTA

GOORAMBAT vs MOYHU

MILAWA vs GRETA

KING VALLEY - BYE

KING VALLEY 1.1 1.1 5.1 6.2.38

BONNIE DOON 3.4 9.9 12.12 22.15.147

GOALS: KING VALLEY: Anthony Ciancio 3, Charlie Davies 1, Harry Davies 1, Ryan Wait 1. BONNIE DOON: Al Bennett 8, Luke Murray 4, Luke James 3, Will Foster 2, Matthew Hedin 2, James Fox 1, Joel Sanford 1, Campbell Smedley 1. BEST: KING VALLEY: Charlie Davies, Thomas Stewart, Vincent Star, Tom Davies, Jack Davies, Anthony Ciancio. BONNIE DOON: Al Bennett, Beau Smith, Guy Murray, Campbell Smedley, Sean Campitelli, Jayjay Curtin.

WHOROULY 2.0 5.1 8.4 10.4.64

MOYHU 2.2 5.4 11.6 15.10.100

GOALS: WHOROULY: Riley Calvene 2, Simon Chalmers 2, Jake Riley 2, Matthew Harris 1, Lachlan Moore 1, Samuel Piazza 1, Luke Zanin 1. MOYHU: Brady Bartlett 7, Jared Lea 4, Caleb Bell 1, Harrison Grant 1, Jett Roberts 1, Bailey Zimmermann 1. BEST: WHOROULY: Andrew Newton, William Allen, Samuel Piazza, Lachlan Moore, Riley Calvene, Glenn White. MOYHU: Bailey Zimmermann, Matthew Thrum, George Hearn, Brady Bartlett, Caleb Bell, Dylan Carmody.

GRETA 7.6 18.12 29.17 36.26.242

TARRAWINGEE 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0.18

GOALS: GRETA: Frazer Judd 9, Ned Rohrt 6, James McClounan 5, Tyler Arrowsmith 4, Lachie Kennett 4, Chris Dube 3, Cameron Newbold 2, Tom Baker 1, Joshua Bell 1, Brenton Newbold

1. TARRAWINGEE: Thomas Deans 2, Sam Neave 1. BEST: GRETA: James McClounan, Lachie Kennett, Tyler Arrowsmith, Ned Rohrt, Mark Wettern. TARRAWINGEE: Patrick Byrne, Brandon Igri, Seth Coonan, Dan Hogarth, Will Creed, Thomas Deans.

NORTH WANGARATTA 3.2 5.6 10.7 14.7.91

GOALS: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Jayden Brady 3, Albert Hill 1, Chelton Orchard 1, Dylan Sinclair 1. NORTH WANGARATTA: Tyler Nanson 7, Damien Bradley 3, Jamie Berry 2, Matthew Prestianni 1, Tyler Schulze 1. BEST: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Chelton Orchard, Kyle Collisson, Albert Hill, Damian Broughton, David Button, Kaare Glass. NORTH WANGARATTA: Taylor Obrien, Jay Barker, Adam Enever, Kyle McQuade, David Killen, Tyler Schulze.

Goorambat .................0.1.1 Milawa ................22.18.150

BEST: GOORAMBAT: Josh Heylbut, Todd Wapling, Zac Calvert, Daniel J Lemmer, Aiden Phillips, Gary Priest. MILAWA: Rory Harvey, Tim Leslie, Michael Walker, Daniel Larkings, Hamish Falla, Brenton Gray. King Valley ................1.5.11 Bonnie Doon ........21.12.138

BEST: KING VALLEY: Michael Denholm, Harry White, Jonah Massey-chase, Angus Thorne, Ayden Hansen, David Lang. BONNIE DOON: Jack Kirley, Felix Johnson, Earl ReeGoodings, Patrick Revell, Ryan Markwick, Jackson Sole. Whorouly ..................2.4.16 Moyhu .................19.15.129

BEST: WHOROULY: Jake Morey, Ryan Harris, Chas Pianegonda, Jon Pethybridge, Bayley Power, Harrison Colville. MOYHU: Ryan Hargreaves, Darby West, Will Johnson, Matthew Winter, Leroy Dowling, Thomas Clough. Greta ...................22.19.151 Tarrawingee ................1.0.6

BEST: GRETA: Charlie Garoni, James Sutton, Stewart McLeod, Luke Arrowsmith, stuart mccauley, Osbert Ramage. TARRAWINGEE: Jett Hadley, Tom Rebbechi, Jack Sorrensen, Ethan Ryan, Kane Shepherd, Lachlan Canning. Benalla ....................11.9.75

North Wangaratta ......5.2.32

BEST: BENALLA ALL BLACKS: Karl Mullins, Eoin Fitzgerald, Joshua Kotvas, Thomas Whitty, Ryan Nedeljkovic, Patrick Buckley. NORTH WANGARATTA: Daniel Knihinizkij, Joshua Ismale, Chase Jackson, Josh McQueen, Luke Kuschert.

Lions fall to Hoppers in second half MATCH

By NATHAN DE VRIES WHOROULY’S

senior footballers fell away after half-time to allow finalsbound Moyhu the win on Saturday, with the Lions downed 10.4 (64) to 15.10 (100).

The Lions were up for the fight early, with high energy and physicality at the contest, only trailing by two points at quarter time and three by the half.

The game took a longer than normal quarter time break, after Hoppers skipper Charlie West had to be removed from the ground after being knocked out.

The Hoppers were out for revenge, and started to push the margin out in the third quarter, with a six goal to three term bombarding Whorouly’s defenders.

Tensions boiled over in the final quarter as the Hoppers ran over the top of Whorouly, the margin six goals.

Whorouly coach Riley Calvene said his side wasn’t consistent enough with their disposals to compete late in the game.

“We were with them for half, three quarters of the game, and I think we just fell away in the end,” he said.

“We got sloppy, we made it hard for ourselves, turned the ball over when we shouldn’t have, we gave

them opportunities to score.

“I think it’s been a bit of a common theme for our whole year, we’ve been very inconsistent - we tend to kick a couple of goals then we drop off

“Credit to Moyhu, they’ve had a great year and deserve to play finals, but we’re disappointed.”

Heading into their penultimate match of the season against ladder leaders Bonnie Doon on the road this weekend, the Lions have plenty to take from the Moyhu match and attempt to pull one over on the Bombers.

“I think our fight and our contested work was really good,” Calvene said.

“Andy (Newton) was exceptional on the weekend, strong over the ball and you just know when he’s around the contest something’s going to happen.

“It was the same with Sam Piazza up forward, a bit of a different role for him but he gave us a lot up there.

“No doubt it’s a tough game (against Bonnie Doon), and it’s a quite long road trip, but we’re up for the challenge as always.

“These last few weeks, I think it’s really important we enjoy each other’s company because, like I said to the boys after the game on Saturday, you never know when your last game will be with this group.”

The Lions’ reserves also took a loss, outplayed 19.15 (129) to 2.4 (16).

Whorouly fights back from first quarter fade

By NATHAN DE VRIES

THE A grade Lions made Saturday’s match with Moyhu a lot harder than it needed to be, coming back from a seven goal first quarter deficit to run out winners 50-39.

Whorouly were slow to get off the mark, shocked by the ferocity and genuine intent the Hoppers brought to the game, and found themselves trailing 7-14 at the first break.

Some positional changes brought the game back to parity by half-time, and Whorouly’s shooter began to extend the margin through the back half of the match.

Ultimately, a 16 goal to seven final quarter delivered Whorouly a harder than expected win.

Coach Ebony Allen praised the Hoppers for their early fight.

“They came out firing and got an early lead on us in the first quarter - they definitely shook us in that first quarter so by all means it was not an easy win, credit to the girls at Moyhu,” she said.

“Our last three quarters were really good.

“I made a few positional changes, I put Sarah (Primerano) into goals and brought Tayla Allen out to centre for some extra height and pressure which seemed to help.

“We went back to playing our style of netball and were able to gain back plenty of ball to level the scores by half-time.

“Our defensive pressure all across the court was

strong which meant our attackers were then able to convert those opportunities into goals.”

Allen said the impressive defensive work by her players translated to goals on the scoreboard.

“Sally Wood had a cracker game in defence, she got plenty of intercepts and rebounds and was just so strong and consistent for us,” she said.

“Katie Ivone and Sarah Primerano paired well in attack and worked hard all day against Moyhu’s strong defensive unit.

“They both shared the workload in goals with Katie sinking 24 goals and Sarah with 23 for the day.”

The win sees the A grade Lions a game clear in fifth

but with two titanic matches to round out their season –fourth placed Bonnie Doon this Saturday and second placed Greta the following week – their ticket to September action is far from assured.

“We have a massive game coming up against Bonnie Doon this week, it’s a game we need to win to stamp our spot in finals so it’s a very important we perform at our best,” Allen said.

“They got up on us last time we met but if we stick to our game plan and our style of netball, I am confident we can match them well.”

In other grades, Whorouly came out on top, with wins to the B grade (49-39), B reserve (51-28), under 17 (36-28) and under 15 (24-22) squads.

PRESSURE: Whorouly’s Ebony Allen and Sally Wood keep Moyhu’s shooter on their toes in the Lions’ 11 goal win on Saturday.

PHOTO: Martin Davis

CAUGHT: Cam Wood throws his body into tackling Moyhu’s Bailey Zimmermann.

PHOTO: Martin Davis

Pigeons’ barrage sinks Saints

BY NATHAN DE VRIES

MYRTLEFORD’S senior footballers couldn’t hold up against Yarrawonga’s repeat forward 50 entries, as the Saints slumped to a 5.3 (33) to 20.14 (134) loss at JC Lowe Oval on Saturday.

With 10 scoring shots per quarter for the first half, Yarrawonga found goal after goal while the Saints tried valiantly to hold them at bay.

The match was all but over by half-time, with Yarrawonga leading 75 to 19.

Myrtleford won the clearance battle, but had less than half the Pigeons’ inside 50s (26-53)

Coach Craig Millar said the fundamental skill errors and turnovers were just too costly.

“Whilst we defended well at times, it was just a barrage of inside 50s which made it really difficult to defend,” he said.

“We lost Ryley Forrest, arguably one of our best defenders, in the first three minutes of the game with a rolled ankle, and the matchups on a few of their key forwards stretched us a bit.

“In the first half they had a significant amount of forward entries and

our defence were battling as hard as they could, but it was higher up the ground which was causing us some issues.

“We just kept turning the ball over in the middle of the ground, we’ve just got to get to work on it, do more work around our fundamental stuff.”

Four Saints found their way onto the scoreboard, while Rhys Grant, Mitch Dalbosco and Ashton McPherson had terrific games.

“Ashton’s been really good for us, he gave a lot of effort on the weekend,” Millar said.

ROUND

RESULTS:

NORTH

East

Bushrangers Basketball (NEBB) is a collaboration between local North East basketball associations with the commitment of “Creating Realistic Pathways for all North East Athletes”

Eleven NEBB junior teams compete in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) - the highest level junior competition in Victoria.

One NEBB Youth League Men’s (YLM) team competes in the semi-professional Big V competition.

Big V & VJBL consist of teams from both metropolitan and regional Victoria.

Locked in: A grade Saints down top team Yarrawonga by four goals to guarantee finals berth

■ From back page

“Where they (North Albury) sit on the ladder does not show how tough they are, they only lost to Lavington on the weekend by two or three goals

“We’re ecstatic we’re locked into playing finals, but we don’t want it to stop there.

“You keep forgetting he’s only 16 years of age, he’s been a really consistent performer for most of the season.

“Rhys Grant’s been a really important player since he came back in, he gets the big job pretty much every week that he’s been back.

“I think (Leigh) Williams might’ve had four goals on him to half-time, and he only kicked one in the second so Rhys did a really good job in the second half of the game.”

The Saints will look to take a late season win over North Albury at McNamara Reserve this weekend,

with the Hoppers striving to keep their finals hopes alive.

“We were really disappointed by the way we played against them earlier in the season, and you get what you deserve at times – they played really well and they won by a couple of goals,” Millar said.

“We’ve got four or five to come back in this week which should make a huge difference for us.”

Myrtleford’s thirds took a handy 54 point win over the Pigeons in their match, 14.2 (92) to 5.8 (38), while the reserves lost 6.6 (42) to 25.11 (161).

“They’ve got a really accurate shooting end, so that’s something we’ll have to capitalise on and try to stem that flow of goals.

“Embracing the opportunity and coming off a win like we just had gives us a lot of confidence going in the last few rounds.”

In other matches from the weekend, the under 15s took a massive 55-10 win, while the under 17s (29-61), C grade (35-42) and B grade (32-50) all were outplayed by Yarrawonga.

U14 Boys 1 Abandoned Ringwood 1

U14 Boys 2 38 def Whittlesea 4 30

(Top Scorers: Joseph Milton 14, Ethan Damon 8, Brock Buckland 7)

U14 Girls 1 47 def Diamond Valley 2 30

(Top Scorers: Ella Mercieca 23, Maisy Moscrop 7, Lily Purss 6)

U14 Girls 2 21 def by Whittlesea 2 27

(Top Scorers: Maria Hanley 5, Kaity Ford 5, Winnie Heffernan 4)

U16 Boys 1 64 def Camberwell 1 32

(Top Scorers: Dashiell Smith 15, Cooper Clark 12, Jett Milligan 8)

U16 Boys 2 34 def by Melton 2 46

(Top Scorers: Seth Graham 8, Lenny Lonergan 6, Josh Vearing 5)

U16 Girls 1 59 def Altona 1 46

(Top Scorers: Lily-Anne McClure 12, Indiana Phillips 12, Kiera Freeman 10)

U16 Girls 2 41 def Diamond Valley 5 28

(Top Scorers: Sophia Kotzur 12, Ebony Chapman 7, Elliana Gray 6)

U18 Boys 1 44 def by Dandenong 2 47

(Top Scorers: Lochie Harvey 19, Cooper Newton 12, Coen Ainsworth 8)

U18 Boys 2 52 def by Bellarine 80

(Top Scorers: Harry Stripeikis 11, Nic Watson 11, Jac Green 8)

U18 Girls 0 Forfeit Diamond Valley 1 20 North East Bushrangers Volunteers are a crucial part of the club.

CONTROLLED: Saige Broz, pictured in the Saints’ round 14 win over Wodonga, fed the ball well into the shooters in their win over Yarrawonga on Saturday.

PHOTO: Brodie Everist

PROMISING: Myrtleford’s Addison Bedendo, pictured in their round six match, performed well against the Pigeons on Saturday.

PHOTO: Janet Watt

ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

2023 afl businesstipping footy

97 Myrtle Street, Myrtleford Vic 3737

03 57522874

‘Gaolers Building’ Old Beechworth Gaol, Corner Ford and William St,

Round 16

Saturday 12th August

Wang Rovers v Wodonga

Myrtleford v Nth Albury

Lavington v Wangaratta

Wodonga Raiders v Albury

Bye Yarrawonga

Round 19

Saturday 12th August

Bonnie Doon v Whorouly

Tarrawingee v Benalla

Bright v Nth Wang

Goorambat v Moyhu

Milawa v Greta

Bye King Valley

Round 17

Saturday 12th August

Rutherglen v Mitta United Thurgoona v Chiltern

Tallangatta v Wodonga

Dederang v Barnawartha

Beechworth v Yackandandah

Wahgunyah v Kiewa

Tracey

Paul

Mark Ditcham .............................110

Helen Haines .............................100

Friday, Aug 11

Collingwood vs. Geelong

Saturday, Aug 12

Nth Melbourne vs. Essendon

Sydney vs. Gold Coast

Brisbane vs. Adelaide

Carlton vs. Melbourne

West Coast vs. Fremantle

Sunday, Aug 13

Hawthorn vs. Western

By DANIEL SAVILLE

IT appears to be a case of ‘so close, yet so far’ for DederangMount Beauty’s A grade netball side after a shattering loss at home on Saturday, which has all but ended their finals chances in 2023.

DMB and Barnawartha fought it out last time they met in a game that went in favour of the Bombers by a slim two-point margin, but the Tigers turned the tables and triumphed by three goals on this occasion.

Both teams, who entered the game with eight wins from 15 matches, knew that a win was critical if they wanted to remain in genuine finals contention.

In a game that promised so much with so much to play for, it certainly lived up to the hype as scores were tied 11-all after 15 minutes of play.

The Tigers got the jump on the Bombers in the second term to lead by five goals at half-time and kept the same margin with a quarter to play.

Dederang-Mount Beauty gave it their all in the final quarter and won it 12-10, but fell agonisingly short by three goals – 44 goals to 47.

Star shooter Alysha de Koeyer netted 12 goals at a healthy conversion rate of 80 per cent in only two quarters of court time, while Caitlin Grambau was her side’s leading goal scorer with 22 goals.

As they have all season, key defenders Dani Beer and Emily Jansen van Beek stood tall when it mattered and guarded their ring with ferocity.

The eighth-placed Bombers have now lost three of their last four matches and despite finals still being a mathematical possibility, they face an uphill battle to squeeze into the top five with two rounds to play.

On top of must-win away clashes against Rutherglen (twelfth) and Chiltern (fourth), Dederang-Mount Beauty must also rely on other results falling in their favour.

In other senior netball results, the Bombers’ B grade side put in a strong performance against the higher-ranked Barnawartha but lost narrowly by seven goals (42-49), while C grade were outclassed by the second-placed Tigers (23-66).

SAM Piazza crashes into Moyhu’s George Hearn in their match on Saturday. Despite fighting hard all day, the Lions fell in the second half by six

goals. Match report: page 25.

By NATHAN DE VRIES

FOR the first time since 2006, Myrtleford’s A grade squad will play finals in September.

The ticket was secured off the back of Saturday’s titanic 44-40 win over ladder leaders Yarrawonga, a first for many on the team.

The Saints took charge of the game early, with a two goal lead at quarter time which the Pigeons overcame to lead by a goal by half-time.

Composed and precise netball was produced from Myrtleford, with co-coach Liv La Spina directing from the sidelines.

Thanks to phenomenal work across the court, the Saints took a four goal lead through the third quarter, and with a final term going goal for goal, Myrtleford took the win.

g

Bec Piazza (26 goals from 30 attempts) and Sally Botter (18 from 24) shot exceptionally, while defenders Tina Way, Tayla Cartwright and Georgia Ryan limited the damage Yarrawonga could do.

The win puts the Saints third overall and with Albury trailing the top five by four wins, the finalists have been locked in.

La Spina said she was proud of how well her side performed against the Pigeons.

“It was such an awesome game, the atmosphere was incredible - it was obviously really exciting for

the seven or eight girls who are in the team, but for the club as a whole, the buzz that we had that night after a win like that, it was greater than just a team,” she said.

“It was just one of those games where everything clicked for us, and the team was really composed throughout the whole game.

“Every time we got a turnover, we seemed to capitalise on it, which gave us more opportunities and momentum throughout the game.

“As much as Yarra kept fighting, and they’re a great team that never say die, it was just one

of those games where everything just worked.

“It felt really good.”

While the A grade Saints did finish in the top five in 2021, the finals were cancelled due to COVID without a match being played – before that, it had been 15 years since Myrtleford appeared in an A grade final.

Myrtleford host North Albury this weekend to try and keep their grip on the top three, with Bec Piazza set to play her 300th A grade game.

“It’s just a matter now of where we finish on the ladder in that five – we want that third spot which is where we’re sitting at the moment, but it’s super tight between us, Lavington and (Wodonga) Raiders, and we know that we’ve got a really tough run home,” La Spina said.

■ Continued page 26

Bar

GRADE

CUSTOM BUILT SHEDS ONSITE MAINTENANCE MOBILE MIG, PLASMA CUTTING

Thursday

PHOTO: Martin Davis

LIONS’ FIGHT ON