SPEED was determined as a likely factor contributing to the death of a 19-year-old Wangaratta man following a crash in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Sergeant Shaun Hillier of Wangaratta Highway Patrol said around 12:30am, Tuesday police received numerous calls from neighbouring properties as a sedan travelling north on Warby Range Road made a “signi cant sound” crashing into nearby paddocks and trees on the
straight, narrow South Wangaratta road.
The sole occupant of the vehicle, a 19-year-old Wangaratta man, died at the scene.
“At this stage speed was a contributing factor,” Sgt Hillier said.
O cers continued to investigate the horri c scene throughout Tuesday morning, with the signi cantly damaged sedan situated in front of nearby homes and its engine in the adjacent paddock.
Vehicle wreckage and fallen tree branches were spread across the
road, as it was closed to the public for the morning.
Sgt Hillier said the loss of the young local driver would have a profound impact on the community.
“It’s a tragedy, particular in these small towns where everyone knows everyone,” he said.
“I’d like to extend my condolences to the family and we’ll continue to investigate the circumstances around the collision.”
The incident comes as police looked to crack down on speed with
a statewide speeding operation on Monday to commence National Road Safety Week.
There have been nine lives lost on Victorian roads since the road safety week began on Sunday, including four on regional roads
There was also a fatal collision on a Western Victorian regional road on Saturday a ernoon.
Sgt Hillier said the tragic South Wangaratta incident was an unfortunate reminder to change our driving behaviour and reduce our speed, especially on rural roads.
“I’d like to reinforce to our community that speed is a contributing factor to our collisions and unfortunately it does contribute to road trauma signi cantly in these areas,” he said.
Sgt Hillier said anyone with information in relation to the crash was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a con dential report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.
So far this year 112 lives have been lost on Victorian roads, 10 more than this time last year.
NO REVS: The vehicle’s engine laid in the adjacent paddock to the sedan.
ROAD REPUTATION: The section of Warby Range Road near Shanley Street which was
National Palliative Care Week - What’s your plan?
DEATH and dying remains a di cult subject for people to talk about and engage with and is often considered a taboo.
This lack of engagement and awareness contributes to a widespread misunderstanding of what palliative care does and what it’s all about.
This week’s National Palliative Care Week (11-17 May) is Australia’s largest annual initiative to raise awareness about palliative care, increase understanding of services, and recognising the skill, dedication and ‘heart’ of the palliative care workforce and volunteers.
The theme for this year’s campaign is “What’s your plan?”, encouraging open conversations about end of life decisions.
It’s a direct approach to Australians and their loved ones to talk about what matters most at the end of life and to make a plan that empowers and respects their choices during the last years, months, and days of life.
Palliative care is person and family-centred care provided to people of all ages with life-limiting illness, aimed at helping people live as well as possible, for as long as possible. It includes providing high quality health care that is holistic and helps people to manage pain and symptoms to ensure their quality of life is maintained as an illness progresses.
and carers can also receive practical and emotional support.
The Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) palliative care team acknowledge that caring for people as they near the end of their life can takes its toll.
Bereavement care to family and carers a er a person dies is also an important part of the service o ered by the NHW palliative care team.
What’s your plan?
Find us on:
bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the standards may have been breached, you may approach the Chronicle itself or contact the council by email at info@presscouncil.org.au or by phone on (02) 9261 1930.
Palliative care identi es and treats symptoms and issues associated with a life-limiting illness which may be physical, emotional, spiritual or social. It is a family-centred model of care, meaning that family, loved ones
The team encourages conversations about palliative care, from the time of diagnosis of a life limiting illness as this can ensure a person receives the holistic end of life care they deserve.
Talking about death is confronting but we encourage all community members to not shy away for these conversations –
Palliative care is generally provided by a team of health practitioners working together to support you, this o en consists of general practitioners, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, allied health professionals, aged care workers, volunteers and carers, as well as specialist palliative care services. They all play a critical role in delivering the best care and optimising quality of life.
The NHW palliative care team consists of nurses, nurse practitioners, occupational therapist, social workers, medical specialists, volunteers support workers and admin support sta . To raise awareness about this important issue free screenings
Ley voted in as first female Liberal leader
SUSSAN Ley (pictured) is the first woman to lead the Liberal Party following a partyroom vote 29-25 over colleague and shadow treasurer Angus Taylor.
The 63-year-old MP for Farrer, in announcing her candidacy for the leadership, said it was clear the party “got it wrong” and Australia expects a change in direction and a fresh approach.
Ted O’Brien will take on the
role of deputy party leader.
Meanwhile, the Nationals leader David Littleproud will remain as party leader after a challenge by Matt Canavan on Monday.
“I am proud of my legacy as leader over the last three years, championing the opposition to the Voice, and fighting for nuclear energy and supermarket divestiture powers,” Mr Littleproud said.
of the highly acclaimed lm, ‘Live the life you please’ will be shown this week.
The lm is about living and dying in Australia and explores the nature of palliative care through a series of personal stories. It might change the way you think about the last chapter of life. Screenings include: Wednesday, 14 May 10.30am at the Bright Senior Citizens Club; Thursday, 15 May at 3.30pm at NHW Melbourne teaching learning Centre; and Friday, 16 May at 10am at the Wangaratta Library Community Room.
If you would like to attend a screening of the lm please call the NHW Palliative Care team on (03) 5722 5184.
Car engulfed in flames at showgrounds
FIREFIGHTERS extinguished a car fire on Tuesday afternoon after the vehicle was found “fully engulfed” in flames at the Wangaratta Showgrounds.
A Fire Rescue Victoria spokesperson said crews arrived on scene following multiple calls to Triple Zero around 1:22pm.
They found the vehicle in flames and worked to extinguish the fire.
The incident was brought under control at 1:32pm, with both ambulance and police on scene to assist.
“Gross invasion of privacy” –explicit image of mistress shared
A WANGARATTA woman who shared a topless photo of a woman her partner was having an affair to people including the woman’s son and sister-inlaw avoided a conviction.
The 55-year-old appeared to be tearing up as she listened to the summary of her one charge at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday. The court heard on 23 February this year the accused discovered an explicit image on her partner’s phone. It was of a woman, who her partner was having an affair with, exposing her breasts.
She sent a message to the victim, threatening to
distribute the photo if she didn’t delete her partner from her contacts.
The 55-year-old went through with the threat, tracking down contacts through the victim’s Facebook profile.
She appeared at Wangaratta police two days later admitting to the offence, telling officers she had sent the image to “absolutely every possible person”, including the victim’s son and sister-in-law.
Defence counsel Nancy Battiato said her client was going through “lots of emotions” when she found the image and found out about
the affair.
Ms Battiato said the relationship with her former partner was the first after a long-term relationship with her former husband, and she was otherwise of good character.
Magistrate Lance Martin imposed a 12-month good behaviour bond without conviction.
“You were hurt, you felt betrayed and disrespected, but in no way whatsoever does it justify your behaviour,” he said.
“It’s a gross invasion of privacy, no matter what the circumstances.”
LIVE YOUR LIFE: Learn all about palliative care and how it can assist your family with free screenings of the highly acclaimed film, ‘Live the life you please’ in Wangaratta and Bright this week.
New college leader settles in
NEW Galen Catholic College principal Shaun Mason has spent time during the opening weeks of second term acquainting himself with the school community.
Back at Galen a decade a er he served as a deputy principal at the college, Mr Mason is looking forward to a ‘meet and greet’ with families in the Galen Resource Centre on Thursday from 5.15pm to 6.15pm.
He has also spent the early part of his tenure meeting with sta members and posing three questions to each: ‘What brings you joy when coming to work?’; ‘What is one thing you would change?’; and ‘What brings you joy outside work?’.
For Mr Mason, it’s all part of re-immersing himself in the Galen community a er almost four years as principal of Benalla’s FCJ College, where he spent the rst term of 2025, and roles at Albury’s Xavier High School and Catholic College Wodonga.
He admits while there is a sense of familiarity in being back, there is also plenty that has changed.
“The biggest change is in the buildings, the facilities and the resources we have, including the new performing arts centre, and the dou-
BY SIMONE KERWIN skerwin@ nemedia.com.au
ble-stadium, which has been a game-changer in allowing for the whole school to gather together,” he said.
Planning for more change in the future is also on the agenda, with the school hoping to engage with an architect before the end of term to produce a new masterplan, at the same time as it prepares to mark its 50-year anniversary with a gala evening, tours and a mass this August.
“The celebrations are not to glorify the past, but to use as motivation into the future,” Mr Mason said.
While learning and teaching is his passion and strength, Mr Mason said his focus as principal was broader, and included wellbeing and pastoral care, which was where the family meet-andgreet session played an important role.
“There is a whole new community of families who have no idea who I am, and I want the community to feel that I have an open door and they can come in and have a chat and discuss any questions they may have,” he said.
further highlighted.
“We know schools are about relationships, and if those relationships are not there, learning doesn’t happen; I’m pretty passionate about that,” he said.
Vertical homerooms (where students of varying year levels are placed in the same homeroom for the entirety of their time at secondary school) have been another change at Galen since Mr Mason’s rst stint, and a welcome one.
“I love the idea,” he said.
“I am keen to meet our families.”
Mr Mason is also excited about the implementation of Magnify Sandhurst, a learning and teaching program being rolled out to 51 Catholic schools across the Sandhurst Diocese including Galen, which aims to enhance the learning experience for students and provide teach-
ers with the tools they need to deliver an evidence-based curriculum that boosts student outcomes.
He said being part of the implementation with a large number of other schools had enabled Galen to be part of valuable online learning opportunities in late April before students returned to school.
“The feedback to the program has been really positive, particularly for kids experiencing calm classroom environments where they can focus on their learning,” he said.
Mr Mason said the “seismic” impact of COVID-19 restrictions and remote learning was that the importance of face-to-face learning was
Krystal De Napoli wins at Youth Awards
WANGARATTA-raised
Krystal De Napoli was announced as one of 10 category winners of the 7NEWS Victorian Young Achiever Awards on Friday, 9 May.
The Yarn Strong Sista Indigenous Achievement Award was presented to Krystal onstage by Annette Sax, education and creative arts director at Yarn Strong Sista.
The event took place at Pullman Melbourne on the Park in front of an audience of about 400 people, and was hosted by 7NEWS presenter, Mike Amor.
Krystal De Napoli of Oakleigh South advocates for safeguarding Indigenous sky rights.
Krystal is a proud Gomeroi astrophysicist, author and science communicator dedicated to promoting Indigenous knowledge and equity in STEM. She co-authored Astron-
omy: Sky Country (2022), a celebrated exploration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander astronomical traditions.
She hosts Indigenuity on Triple R, spotlighting Indigenous voices nationally on radio.
Despite overcoming personal hardships, Krystal completed a Bachelor of Science, created Monash University’s Indigenous Science course, and inspires future generations through motivational speaking.
She was named as Australia’s Young Professional of the Year in 2021 and won the 2023 Victorian Premier Literary Award’s People’s Choice Award.
“I see a real strength in families having a single point of contact through their time at the school, and it also allows the junior kids to see senior kids in action; as a junior student, being in a homeroom with an 18-yearold can open your eyes to the possibilities ahead.
“We o er a breadth of opportunities here for our kids, and if we’re doing our job right as a Catholic school for regional kids, our job is to get them where they want to go - whether that’s to university, the defence forces, a trade or whatever they want to do.
“I think that’s serving our community in the best way.”“I think that’s serving our community in the best way.”
ESVF levy talks postponed two days
By STEVE KELLY
DEBATE on the Emergency Services Volunteers Fund, scheduled to by heard in the Legislative Council of Victorian Parliament on Tuesday, has been rescheduled to take place on Thursday.
Under the existing bill, primary producers face cost rises from 28.7 cents per $1000 capital improved value (CIV) to 83 cents, commercial properties would see a hike from 66.4 cent/$1000 CIV to 133 cents, and residential from 8.7 cents to 17.3 cents per $1000 CIV.
A rally was also held on the steps of parliament on Tuesday, with guest speakers VFF president Brett Hosking and the Nationals leader Danny O’Brien.
The bill passed the Legislative Assembly in March, and upper house MPs will continue debate on Thursday.
Brendan Breen 0427 202 737
Strong Sista Indigenous Achievement Award on Friday, 9 May.
PHOTO: Michael Coppola Photography
RIGHT AT HOME: New Galen Catholic College principal Shaun Mason is enjoying the chance to get to know sta and students at the school as he settles into the role this term.
PHOTO: Simone Kerwin
Eyes on the prize: Lowndes aiming to hold onto V8 Supercar championship lead at Winton
Wednesday, 13 May, 2015
By CAITLIN SARTORI
V8 Supercar championship leader Craig Lowndes will be aiming to come away from this weekend’s Winton SuperSprint event with his lead still intact.
The Red Bull Racing Australia driver leads the championship by 52 points from James Courtney, however, at the completion of the last three championship events, a different driver has led the standings into the following event.
Drivers will contest two 60 kilometre races on the hard tyre compound on Saturday while on Sunday will race 200 kilometres using a compulsory mix of
hard and soft tyres.
“It’d be nice to come away from the round maintaining the lead; that will be our first goal, and our second goal is to win races,” Lowndes told the Wangaratta Chronicle yesterday.
“Saturday is pretty straightforward with the two shorter races but it’s the longer race on Sunday which is difficult with the hard and soft tyre combination.
“The hard and soft tyre for-
mat is a great element to have but it’s difficult to get right and to get that happy balance.
“It can make or break your race.”
With Winton notorious for limited passing opportunities in race conditions, qualifying will be crucial for drivers.
“Our results have been up and down at Winton but we hope to turn that around and have some strong, consistent runs,” Lowndes said.
“Winton is one of the top two or three tracks where qualifying is paramount.
“If you don’t qualify in the first few rows it can be a struggle to pass, we don’t use top gear and our top speed is
230km/h.
“So getting that tyre choice right on the Sunday will be really important too.
“Last year Lee Holdsworth won with Erebus and with Will (Davison) winning in Perth I think they’ll (Erebus Motorsport V8) be confident, especially in the longer race as they look after the tyres better.”
It was announced on Monday each car will be allocated an extra set of hard tyres for Friday practice only and Lowndes said it would be a “massive benefit” for all teams. Lowndes currently sits on 99 career V8 Supercar victories and a win this weekend will bring him to a record breaking 100.
Moyhu man avoids custody for role in Tavern Terrace home invasion
A SAFE containing $20,000 worth of coins has yet to be located a er it was taken in a daylight Tavern Terrace home invasion last year, a court has heard.
One of allegedly four thieves, a 35-year-old Moyhu man appeared at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court pleading guilty to seven charges related to the Wangaratta burglary and others involving speeding and harassment.
The court heard on 11 November last year around 1pm the Moyhu man arrived at the Tavern Terrace home with three co-accused in a grey hatchback.
A 20-year-old Tallygaroopna man and a 39-year-old man exited the car with the 35-year-old wearing balaclavas, while it’s alleged a
55-year-old Wodonga woman stayed in the hatchback as the driver.
The Moyhu man and another co-accused forced entry at the rear of the house and carried a large safe containing $20,000 worth of coins into the hatchback.
The vehicle then drove away, just as the home owner and her son approached their address, driving past the hatchback.
The home owner noticed the removal of the rear sliding door and heard people inside, prompting her son to call police.
Her son entered the house and was confronted by the three men, with a co-accused of the 35-year-old hitting the victim in the head, causing large lacerations.
Fellowship church grounds.
O cers found all three men attempting to hide under a bush and they were arrested.
Numerous items from the burglary were located with the o enders including a handbag, jewellery and a hard drive containing the Tavern Terrace home CCTV footage.
Reviewing the footage police saw the 35-year-old and his co-accused removing the safe and placing it in the car, tracking down the alleged owner of the hatchback as the 55-year-old Wodonga woman, who was arrested at
• Bore Pumps
• Solar Pumps
• IQ Pool Chemicals
• Pool Pumps & Accessories
• Poly Pipe & Full Range of Fittings
• Suction & Delivery Hose Fittings
the grass
• Steel & Fibre Wound Pressure Tanks
• Garden & Irrigation Equipment & Sprays
• Pressure Washers
• Pond Pumps
• Wine Pumps
• Fire Hose Kits & Reels
• Fire & Transfer Pumps
• Mowers & Garden Equipment
• Ride On Mowers
• DeWalt Products
• Chain Saws & Accessories
the safe and the coins were yet to be located.
The 35-year-old gave a no comment police interview and told o cers he was running near the church grounds because he believed people he had a “run-in” at the pub recently were chasing him.
The Moyhu man also pleaded guilty to speeding, driving an unregistered vehicle and harassment charges.
On 29 November last year the court heard the 35-yearold was caught at 146km/h on Greta Road near Laceby driving in an unregistered vehicle.
The 35-year-old’s blue
Holden sedan was impounded at a cost of $1975.
Defence counsel Nancy Battiato said her client had just retrieved his car that same day from an impound yard in Sunshine a er it was stolen in Yarrawonga.
The court heard on two instances in January and February this year the 35-yearold sent threatening voice messages over Facebook to his cousin over a dispute with her son.
In multiple messages, the 35-year-old threatened to assault both the victim and her son.
An intervention order applied for by police was granted, barring any further contact between the 35-year-old and the victim.
Ms Battiato said her client
was drug e ected at the time of the Tavern Terrace home invasion, using meth daily, and was picked up in the hatchback from his address without being told where they were going.
Magistrate Lance Martin placed the 35-year-old on a community corrections order which will involve 100 hours of unpaid community work and to undergo treatment for drugs, mental health and behavioural issues.
The 55-year-old Wodonga woman charged as part of the Tavern Terrace home invasion also appeared at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday, seeking to contest her charges.
She will re-appear for contest mention on 3 July.
IN FRONT: Craig Lowndes currently leads the V8 Supercar championship a er coming away from the previous SuperSprint round in Perth with a bag of strong results.
PHOTO: VUE Images
The three men ed until patrolling police o cers on Mason Street saw the trio running near the Wangaratta Christian
her address on 4 December. Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Les Hare said
WANGARATTA MOTOR GROUP CLEARANCE - EVERYTHING MUST GO!
If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your car, now is the time to act! The Wangaratta Motor Group Clearance Sale is officially on – and it’s shaping up to be the biggest sales event of the year for local car buyers. For a limited time only, Wangaratta Motor Group is offering massive savings across a wide range of new & demonstrator vehicles from leading brands including Hyundai, Subaru, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Isuzu UTE and LDV.
Whether you’re after a rugged 4WD, a reliable family SUV, a compact hatchback, a smart hybrid, or a tough ute for work and play– there’s a vehicle to suit every lifestyle and budget.
Sale highlights include:
☑ Drive Away pricing on new and demo vehicles
☑ Great trade-in deals and flexible finance options available
☑ All vehicles backed with manufacturer warranties
☑ Friendly, local service from a name you trust
“We’re clearing stock to make room for new arrivals, so it’s a great opportunity to grab a deal,”
says General Manager Jarred Clark. “There’s never been a better time to shop locally and save big.”
Whether you’re looking for your first car, a family car upgrade, or a commercial vehicle for your business, the team at Wangaratta Motor Group is here to help you find the perfect match
– and at a great price. Hurry – stock is limited and the sale must end 30th June!
Visit the Wangaratta Motor Group showroom at 29-43 Tone Road Wangaratta or call us on (03) 5722 2000. View the full range and sale online at wangarattamotorgroup.com.au
Come and enjoy the sounds of Simon & Garfunkel in Wangaratta
LISTEN to the unforgettable songs which de ned a generation when The Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel is presented at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, 20 June at 7.30pm.
The acoustic concert is a celebration of the American folk/ rock duo who captured the mood of the 1960s with their close vocal harmonies and stirring songs penned by Paul Simon, o en reecting on the times and a nation in the throes of societal and political upheaval.
Over their relatively short time together, Simon & Garfunkel became one of the greatest vocal
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow
THE Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow will roll into the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Thursday, 15 May.
This year’s event will be hosted by Fadzri Rashid, a dynamic stand-up comedian from Singapore known for his sharp wit and engaging storytelling, with special guests Brett Blake, Jude Perl, Matt Stewart and Rowan Thambar.
Enjoy a much-needed dose of laughter when the roadshow begins at 8pm, with tickets available at wpacc.com.au.
duos of all time, racking up over 70 million sales and 10 Grammy Awards.
One of the best-selling music acts of the decade, they reached number one in the USA with songs including The Sounds of Silence, Mrs Robinson and Bridge Over Troubled Water, the last two of those songs also winning Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
Among their most memorable hits are classics including Homeward Bound, I Am a Rock, Scarborough Fair/Canticle, A Hazy Shade of Winter, The Boxer and Cecilia, which still receive airplay today.
Wangaratta Wahine 50th anniversary celebration
ARIA award winning singer, musician and all-round entertainer Mic Conway will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band’s hit song Wangaratta Wahine with a show at The Vine Hotel in North Wangaratta on Thursday, 29 May from 7pm.
All are welcome to the special event centred around the 70s cultural phenomenon, with a number of guest local artists also performing songs written about Wangaratta. Tickets are available now by visiting thevinehotel.net. au.
Simon & Garfunkel had a troubled relationship, leading to artistic disagreements and their breakup in 1970.
Their nal studio album, Bridge over Troubled Water, released that January, became one of the world’s best-selling albums.
Those emotive songs still resonate and are celebrated in The Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel, performed by Mark Shelley and Peter O’Regan, who bring their own experience and rich vocal blend to the live concert - the performers having toured and performed for decades in many di erent forms and guises.
A tribute to the eras of Taylor Swift
MAKE a ‘sweet escape’ to the world of Taylor Swift when TAYLOR: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift, comes to the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, 19 September.
Showtime presents Josette with international band and dancers in a joyous, effervescent concert experience, complete with sparkly costumes, cosmic stage production and over 20 exquisite renditions of Taylor’s biggest hits from every era of her career, including Shake It Off, Anti-Hero, Cruel Summer, You Belong With Me, Love Story, I Knew You Were Trouble and more.
It promises to be a fun night of singing, dancing and celebrating Taylor together with tickets available at wpacc.com.au.
Lunasa exhibition by Marie Salinger
AN exhibition of paintings by local artist Marie Salinger is being held at the Art Gallery on Ovens this week.
The word Lúnasa refers to a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of the harvest season, and the works are inspired by Marie’s artist residency in Italy last year and explore the natural world, as well as worlds lying hidden beyond our perception.
The exhibition is open at the gallery in the laneway off Murphy Street from Thursday through until Monday, 19 May and entry is free.
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea in May
THE Cancer Council Victoria Wangaratta Volunteer Group will hold its Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and display at the Uniting Church Hall in Rowan Street on Thursday, May 22.
The morning tea will run from 10am to 11.30am and entry is $10 with all proceeds going towards cancer research, support and education programs.
Also joining them on stage at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre will be inimitable bass player, Christopher Soulos. The trio’s individual musical experiences and stories of life on the road seem endless.
Now, a er being friends and admiring each other’s work for years, it’s with great pleasure they join forces to present The Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel.
Fans can relive the memories, and a new audience can hear the authentic sounds of the 60s for the rst time as part of this captivating show, with tickets available now at wpacc.com.au.
Historic race meeting at Winton
THE 48th Historic Winton, Australia’s longest running, historic race meeting and one of the largest sporting events in rural Victoria, will be held at Winton Raceway on the weekend of 24 and 25 May.
Over 400 historic racing vehicles from the 1920s to the 1980s are expected to battle it out for line honours and there’s plenty more to see, including a competition paddock open to spectators where they can view the much-loved, historic vehicles of competitors. There are also anniversary displays by clubs and individuals, an automotive trader market and food vendors on site, with more information and tickets at historicwinton.org.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Untangling personal problems might take more time than the impatient Lamb expected. But it’s important to hang in there until all those knotty situations are straightened out.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You still need to work out last-minute snags in your dealings with a rival. Hold your ground despite a perceived lack of support. Things should turn around before you know it.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) It’s best not to delay preparing for an upcoming family event. The sooner you get things started, the better chance you have of finding potential problems and making needed changes.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22)The romantic Moon Child might be reluctant to see the reality behind an “ideal” situation. But by midweek, the practical Crab emerges to help clear away the moonbeams.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Although the Big Cat might be receptive to more “purr-suasion” to get you to agree to a workplace change, make sure that you can distinguish the fine line between facts and flattery.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Your positive attitude in the workplace helps to get you noticed by the right people. Now go ahead and use some of this new self-confidence to help shore up a personal relationship.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Although you might still have to work out some problems with a business partner, things go more smoothly on the home front. Meanwhile, an investment opportunity might need more study.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Don’t be reluctant to act on your suspicions. Even if others see nothing wrong, the astute SCORPI0 could sense an underlying problem that isn’t always obvious on the surface.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A new opportunity presents some obstacles that need to be dealt with as soon as possible. Delaying action in hopes that the problems will go away could be counterproductive.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A friend or family member’s request might carry some hidden factors that could later create problems. Be sure you know all the facts before you make your decision.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A setback in implementing a plan could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Use the downtime to rework your original concepts and see where changes could be made.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You might not be consciously fishing for compliments, but admit it -- won’t you feel great when your efforts are noticed? Accept the praise gracefully. You’ve earned it!
CAPTIVATING MUSIC: Mark Shelley and Peter O’Regan present The Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Friday, 20 June at 7.30pm.
Paradise Falls desecrated by ugly vandalism attack
A POPULAR tourism destination and culturally signi cant site in Cheshunt has been damaged by vandals during a senseless grafti attacked expected to have taken place over the weekend.
A visitor to Paradise Falls is believed to have discovered the largescale gra ti, which has covered a section at the base of the 31-metre sedimentary rock formation, in the Alpine National Park.
Whit eld Leading Senior Constable Paul Guy, who visited the site on Monday morning, said he had been liaising with the relevant authorities, and an investigation is underway.
He said the gra ti was discovered by a member of the public
WANGARATTA Senior Citizens Club will host bingo today from 1.30pm at its clubrooms in Tara Court, off Ford Street.
The club will also host indoor carpet bowls on Thursday from 1pm, cards (500) on Friday from 1.30pm, indoor carpet bowls on Monday from 1pm and cards (500) and hoy on Tuesday from 1.30pm, all in the clubrooms or the adjoining St Patrick’s supper room.
Social gathering next Wednesday, 21 May is lunch at the Wangaratta Club from 12 noon.
WANGARATTA Prostate Cancer Support Group will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, 14 May from 7pm to 8pm at the North Eastern Hotel in Spearing Street.
Members and prospective members are welcome to come along earlier at 6pm for dinner prior to the meeting. Partners most welcome.
For more information, phone Bill on 0408 552 768, Neil on 0427 214 856 or Frank on 0448 313 506.
SPRINGHURST Old Time Dance will be held on Sunday, 18 May at the Springhurst Hall from 1.30pm to 5pm. Entry is $12 per person, with music provided by Rustic Ramblers. Please bring a plate of afternoon tea to share. Enquiries to 5726 5241.
BY ANITA McPHERSON amcpherson@ nemedia.com.au
on Sunday at about 12.30pm, who posted photos to social media, with Parks Victoria also heading out to the site early on Monday.
“While we were pretty con dent it was a legitimate image, some people had initially commented on social media it may have been AI - and we were hoping that would be the case - but unfortunately the gra ti is there,” he said.
“It’s about 10 metres wide and two metres high on the rock face where the waterfall would usually come over.
ELVIS (aka Mark Apollo) will perform at the Thoona Hall on Monday, 19 May from 1.30pm. Thoona CWA will provide afternoon tea for what is sure to be a rockin’ and rollin’ time, $15 entry (cash only). RSVP 15 May to Cathy Irvine, 0427 652230.
THE Australian Plant Society will hold its next meeting on Thursday, 22 May from 7pm, at the Masonic Hall on the corner of Appin and Esmond streets.
Guest speaker will be ecologist Bert Lobert, sharing stories and insights from his fieldwork across the Longwood Plains and around Benalla, with a special focus on the threatened squirrel glider. All welcome.
WANGARATTA Old Time/New Vogue Dancing is held every Tuesday from 7pm to 10pm at the CWA Hall in Templeton Street. Admission is $10, please bring a plate of supper to share. Entry also includes raffle ticket and lucky door prize. Phone 0431 190 630 for more information.
WANGARATTA Keenagers Table Tennis competition is held at the Wangaratta Showgrounds each Monday and Thursday from 8am. New players welcome, morning tea provided (BYO cup). Contact Maureen O’Keefe 0409 215 881.
“Parks Victoria made an o cial complaint to Victoria Police, we have inspected the scene, and evidence found at the scene (including a spray can) will be forensically examined.”
While LSC Paul Guy said the vandalism could have taken place between Thursday and Sunday, he said it was most likely to have happened on Saturday night, as it would have taken some time to complete so be done under cover of darkness.
He said having received plenty of media exposure, he was hopeful someone would recognise the grafti tag and contact him at the Whiteld Police Station on 5729 8282.
LSC Paul Guy said the clean-up will be organised by Parks Victoria
and it will be delicate process, as they will need to consider the environmental impact and maintain the fragile integrity of the rock formation, which is of cultural signicance to local Indigenous people.
He said he was shocked and disappointed to see what had been done to the site.
“As well as being a cultural site it’s a place of natural beauty which all Victorians enjoy visiting, and to be met with an ugly gra ti tag on the rock face is so disappointing,” he said.
Anyone who recognises the grafti tag, witnessed suspicious behaviour or can help with the investigation is encouraged to call the Whit eld Police Station on 5729 8282 (or call Crimestoppers).
Moyhu Lions May market
THE Moyhu Lions Club will hold its next community market on Saturday, 17 May from 8am to 12pm at the Moyhu Lions Park.
There will be about 30 stalls showcasing local produce, plants, hand-crafted items, clothing and giftware along with delicious food and more.
The Moyhu CFA will be holding this month’s raffle with money raised going towards their fundraising efforts towards a second tanker.
Cheshunt
Biggest Morning Tea
AN Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event will be held at the Cheshunt Hall on Wednesday, 21 May at 10.30am onwards.
Bring a plate to share or just come along and join in the fun, with a delicious morning tea on offer, a trading table, and donations welcome in support of the Cancer Council.
King Valley Film Club June screening
THE next screening of the King Valley Film Club at the Cheshunt Hall will be on Tuesday, June 10 with doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
The movie will be A Complete Unknown (2025), a biographical film about Bob Dylan, based on the 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric! by Elijah Wald, starring Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton and Elle Fanning.
Annual membership is $40 per person (six films a year, on the second Tuesday night, bi-monthly) with more information and membership available at https://kingvalleyarts.com.au/film-club/
THE Cancer Council Victoria Wangaratta Volunteer Group meets on the first Monday of the month at the Town and Country Tavern meeting room at 1.30pm.
CONNECTING Community Café runs during school terms on Thursdays from 10am to 11am at Intermezzo Café.
Learn what’s happening in the community, meet others and have a place to drop in, have a cuppa and chat. For more information, contact Open Door Neighbourhood House on 5721 9175.
CENTRE Quilters Circle meets on the second Thursday of each month from 10am in the Uniting Church Hall in Rowan Street. New members welcome, current members are willing to share their expertise and skills. BYO lunch. Contact Wendy on 5722 4415 or Leonie on 0403 226 129.
PANGERANG Ukes and More meets each Thursday from 5.30pm at Pangerang Community Hub. Cost is $5, and any instruments, as well as voices, are welcome. Enquiries to 0407 311 899.
THE North Eastern branch of the Embroiderers Guild of Victoria meets every fourth Tuesday at the Masonic Lodge in Appin St, Wangaratta.
Beginners and experienced embroiderers welcome from 9.30am. Contact Jen on 0407 560562.
SATURDAY Quilters meets on the first Saturday of each month from 9.30am in the Wangaratta Small Bore Rifle Club rooms off the river end of College Street.
Beginner and experienced members welcome. Contact Frances on 0417 158 220.
WANGARATTA Table Tennis Social Group is held every Tuesday from 10 am to 12 noon, at the Showgrounds table tennis pavilion.
All ages and abilities are welcome, with coaching for new players. Free tea and coffee. Entry fee $2. For more information phone Maxine on 0403 209 857.
FREE weekly weight loss park classes are held during school terms on Mondays at 9.30am on Barr Reserve Oval 1 (Bill O’Callaghan Oval).
Those taking part are advised to allow 90 minutes for the social and fun class, with a 10 minute chat before and after the 50 min-
ute session. For details or to join, text or call Dani on 0467 494 024.
WANGARATTA Toastmasters meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 6.45pm at The Centre in Chisholm Street. For more information, contact Joanne Howell on 0417 558 881.
OSTINATO Wangaratta and District Community Choir meets each Tuesday from 7pm to 9.30pm at the Log Cabin, corner Faithfull and Chisholm Streets, Wangaratta. New members welcome. Contact Helen on 0457 269278.
LIFEBALL is held each Tuesday from 1pm on the basketball court at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Phone 0418 574 404 for more information about this non-contact game of netball.
WANGARATTA Sing Australia
Group holds its weekly meetings each Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9pm at Purbrick Hall, next to Holy Trinity Cathedral. All welcome. For details, call Cheryl Hoysted on 0419 005 062.
WANG Ukes meets on Tuesdays from 7pm to 8.30pm at the Masonic Lodge in Appin Street.
All abilities welcome, phone 0407 311 899 for more information.
Moyhu, Edi, Myrrhee, Whitfield, Cheshunt and Whitlands
SENSELESS VANDALISM: Locals and visitors were shocked to see the ugly gra iti attack at Paradise Falls, a tourist attraction and site of cultural significance to local Indigenous people.
MILES, Marion.
The Sta of Illoura Residential
Aged Care are saddened by the passing of Marion Miles who has been part of our community. We would like to pass on our deepest sympathy to her family and friends during this di cult time.
VESCIO, Vincenzo. 16/11/1932 –4/5/2025
You will be sadly missed.
~ From your brother John Vescio.
Personal Notices
may be placed before 2pm the business day prior to publication classifieds@nemedia.com.au Phone: 03 5723 0101
LEVESQUE
A funeral service to honour the life of James will be held at Our Lady’s Catholic Church, Corner White Street and Murdoch Road, Wangaratta commencing at 10.30am on Friday, May 16, 2025 followed by interment at the Wangaratta Lawn Cemetery.
IN MEMORIAM
MELOURY-KAUP, Joshua Zane. 31/7/1994 – 14/5/2010
A life extinguished, too soon, too fast. In memories treasured, your youth will last. Forever young, forever in our hearts. From us, your absence forever sets apart. Missing you always, loving you forever. ~ Mum, Cody and Andy.
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
James’ service can be viewed via livestream at northeastfunerals.com.au/live-stream In lieu of owers a donation to Dementia Australia would be greatly appreciated.
A funeral experience... not just a funeral service
Mason Park Funerals
P. 03 5721 5060 W. masonpark.com.au
‘Spurs too good for Devils
By NATHAN DE VRIES
IT was another rough weekend for Wangaratta
City FC’s senior men’s and women’s sides, both handed convincing losses by Albury Hotspurs at Aloysius Park on Sunday. With their opponents in the top two of both divisions, the Devils fought hard but were unable to salvage any points from their e orts.
The senior men were on
the back foot early, eventually falling 1-5 to the ‘Spurs.
Hotspurs found three goals in the rst half hour of the match, but Wangaratta worked valiantly to wrest back control late in the day, with Raul Pahina pegging one back in the 82nd minute.
Coach Vitaly Leschen said unforced errors put his side under pressure early.
“It was a disappointing result, we gave away the game in the rst 30 minutes from
mistakes we made,” he said.
“Put that aside it was a very even contest and in the second half we were on top of them, and could and should have scored a couple more goals.
“I was glad to see the boys continued to ght and work hard all game – it shows the mentality and belief we can turn games around has changed since the start of the year.”
It was always a tough ask for the senior Lady Devils, up against the top team who
have only conceded a single goal.
Despite a solid e ort and determination, the senior women fell to Hotspurs 0-5.
Women’s coach Raul Pahina said his squad held up relatively well against the cream of the competition.
“It was a great battle from the girls,” he said.
“Hotspurs came out ring in the rst 20 minutes, with Ella Antonello matching their energy early and lay-
ing some crunching tackles, and Angelica Pahina making some incredible saves.
“We were playing football from the beginning which frustrated the opposition, but unfortunately, they were able to get 2-0 up at half-time.
“In the second half, our back four were under the pump, and even though our girls gave it their all, Hotspurs ran over us in the end.
“My proudest takeaway was no matter what hap-
pened on the eld, our girls stayed true to our style of football - we moved the ball very well but were outdone by the class of the Hotspurs players.”
Wangaratta City loads up for a massive match up this weekend, taking on Myrtleford Savoy at Savoy Park for their annual La Fiera xture. The ‘local derby’ always brings out the best in both clubs, making for an enticing day of action.
COUNTERATTACK: Matilda Aggenbach moves the ball out of Wangaratta’s defensive half.
PHOTOS: Kat De Naps Photography
BUDDING STAR: Young centre back Brody Tyres played well beyond his years against Hotspurs.
GOALS: COLLEGE: S. Reid 2, F. Burgan 1, N. Monk 1, L. Pensak 1, H. Allan 1, N. Allan 1, J. Llewellyn 1. TIGERS: J. Wickham 2, M. Benton 2, J. Knight 2, R. Webb 1. BEST: COLLEGE: H. Lyster, F. Burgan, H. Bowman, S. Reid, A. Peebles, J. Llewellyn. TIGERS: L. Alexander, M. Correll, A. Turner, O. Mullane, T. Jones.
GOALS: BENALLA: K. Thwaites 2, J. Byers 2, B. Cooney 2, N. Hogan 1, T. reeve 1, L. Randell 1. MYRTLEFORD: B. Hankin 4, B. Robb 3, B. McMasters 2, H. Durling 2. BEST: BENALLA: J. Byers, A. Richardson, K. Thwaites, L. Ham, B. Cooney, H. Carter.
Mansfield
1.1 3.4 4.4 5.5 (35)
Bright 4.7 8.10 13.14 16.19 (115)
GOALS: MANSFIELD: G. Robinson 2, T. Kynnersley 2, R. Watts 1. BRIGHT: T. Brierty 5, O. Dalbosco 4, N. White 4, O. Lewis 2, B. Brady
1. BEST: MANSFIELD: A. Dunn, M. Payne, G. Robinson, W. Benton, N. Hoskin, J. Turner. BRIGHT: H. West, B. Brady, N. White, H. Johnston, E. Lodge, C. Garratt.
Imperials 5.3 9.8 9.13 12.15 (87)
Centrals 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.1 (13)
GOALS: IMPERIALS: B. McMonigle 4, B. Benton 1, H. Bandt
1. CENTRALS: R. Parsons 1, B. Johns 1. BEST: IMPERIALS: B. McMonigle, M. O’Sullivan, M. Gay, T. Stefaniak, B. Benton, H. Bandt
BEST: CENTRALS: R. McNamara, N. Paul, C. Ormond, S. Steer, B. Mawson, A. Fraser.
GOALS: JUNIOR MAGPIES: K. Ross 1, H. Tanner 1, J. Parker 1, C. Littel 1, H. Scalzo 1, H. Allan 1. KANGAROOS: M. Murphy 5, H. Ackerly 4, T. Hunter 3, A. Symons 2, L. Downing 1, O. Reynolds 1, H. Jacka 1. BEST: JUNIOR MAGPIES: C. Briggs, H. Scalzo, J. Parker, K. Ross, M. James, S. McIntosh. KANGAROOS: K. White, T. Hunter, M. Murphy, A. Symons, H. Ackerly, K. Jackson.
Benalla Black
Myrtleford
GOALS: BENALLA BLACK: O. Wardill 1, B. Wells 1, R. white 1, O. Parker 1. MYRTLEFORD: S. Lupo 8, A. Knobel 7, X. Millar 2, B. Parolin 1, N. Harris 1, K. Prott 1, O. Hunkin 1, M. McMasters 1. BEST: BENALLA BLACK: R. Hilton, B. Wells, J. Montgomery, L. Webster, Z. Peisley, J. Christie. MYRTLEFORD: A. Knobel, S. Lupo, N. Harris, W. Koers, C. Herbert, C. Coleman. Mansfield Yellow
GOALS: MANSFIELD YELLOW: C. Martin 7, C. Bretherton 2, S. Daykin 1, J. Hoskin 1, T. Dowell 1, H. Yencken 1. BEST: MANSFIELD YELLOW: J. Hoskin, C. Martin, Z. Borg, C. Bretherton, L. Harcus, H. Yencken. Mansfield Blue
Benalla Red
(66)
GOALS: MANSFIELD BLUE: M. Storer 3, W. Hewitt 2, O. Pigdon 1, J. Kynnersley 1, A. Prosser 1, H. George 1. BENALLA RED: T. Mount 5, H. Bast 2, C. Bowen 1, X. De Fazio 1. BEST: MANSFIELD BLUE: R. Purday, O. Pigdon, L. Stevenson, J. Clydesdale, W. Hewitt, J. Kynnersley. BENALLA RED: X. De Fazio, J. Hart, T. Mount, N. Cooney, A. Leavold, C. Nolen. College
(38) Tigers
GOALS: COLLEGE: Z. Tamme 1, J. Tonkin 1, C. OBrien 1, A. McKeown 1, C. Bowman 1. TIGERS: B. Kantor 2, K. Ackroyd 1, H. Sharp 1. BEST: COLLEGE: L. Pensak, C. Bowman, J. Guley, K. Hope, J. Tonkin, H. Ledger. TIGERS: H. Sharp, B. Kantor, M. Simpson, M. Flanigan, A. Whitehead, P. Dummett. Junior Magpies
(89)
(35) Kangaroos
GOALS: JUNIOR MAGPIES: L. Sloan 2, S. Patterson 1, J. Nesbitt 1, J. Vincent 1. KANGAROOS: C. Ackerly 5, M. Coleman 3, L. Solimo 2, N. Gigliotti 2, M. Sacco 1. BEST: JUNIOR MAGPIES: J. Pell, B. McLeod, J. Olenczuk, J. Vincent, R. Sessions, G. Thomas. KANGAROOS: U. Holt, J. Pople, C. Ackerly, L. Solimo, N. Gigliotti, H. Edwards. Imperials
(72) Centrals
GOALS: IMPERIALS: G. Marek 3, S. Savage 2, L. Welch 1, T. Sealey 1, J. Campbell 1, W. Startin 1. CENTRALS: S. Webster Mizzi 2.
(25)
G. Marek, T. Sealey, S. Savage, B. Thorpe, S. Orr, R. Pearson. CENTRALS: N. Jones, A. Fraser, H. Muraca, W. Boulton, F. Fletcher, C. Richards.
FRANKLIN FLETCHER TOM BENTON
JORDAN WOODROW
FINN KENNEDY
ALEKSIA HAYWARD
ALFIE THAYER
SCOUT O’KEEFFE
ANGUS FRASER
SAMUEL SAVAGE NICHOLAS JONES
ALANNAH CASSIDY
WANGARATTA Chronicle photographer Nathan de Vries went along to the A grade netball clash between Whorouly and Greta to capture the action. Photographs can be purchased from the Chronicle office on Rowan Street
TAYLA ALLEN
KATIE IVONE
PIPER ATTERIDGE
LAURA KEIGHRAN
SALLY WOOD
RACHEL MURPHY
MILLY MATHEWSON
ABBEY FORREST
Drought broken in O&K netball
■ From back page
The Bombers made their intentions clear from the starting whistle, dominating the court to double the Bulldogs’ score and lead 18-9 a er the rst 15 minutes.
As the match wore on, Tarrawingee would make inroads into the margin, but the early lead established by Bonnie Doon allowed them to weather the storm.
Shooting duo Arianna Hearst and Cobie McCormack were exceptional in the ring for the Bombers, both nishing the game above 75 per cent accuracy, while Tarrawingee’s Kaylee Allan only missed six shots on goal for the match.
Elsewhere, Milawa held o a determined Goorambat 40-39 in a thriller.
There was barely a signi cant margin one way or the other for the entire hour of play, with some truly impressive netball skills on display.
The win sees the Demons sit on top of the ladder heading into their bye.
In other round seven A grade results, Bright hammered North Wangaratta 61-21, and Moyhu outplayed Benalla All Blacks 48-26.
Young guns named in O&M netball squads
THE path to interleague is heating up, with the Ovens and Murray announcing their wider squads for the under 15 and under 17 netball competitions.
Unveiled on Thursday a ernoon, the two wider squads will be whittled down to a playing group over the next few weeks ahead of the interleague clash with Goulburn Valley on Saturday, 24 May at WJ Findlay Oval.
A group of 11 players from across the league have been named in the wider under 15 squad, with ve named as training partners, while 12 core and three training partners were
announced for the under 17s side.
Locally, the two Wangaratta clubs were well represented, with Magpies Minnie Humphry (under 15s), Milly O’Kane (under 17s) and Izzy McMahon (under 17s) called up, and Rovers Lily Palmer, Lainey Draper, Lily Lyster, and Sophia Pasquali all named in the under 17s squad.
The under 15 squad will be coached by Shaylah House, with the under 17s to be led by Jodie House.
The open interleague netball squad, coached by Wangaratta’s Kellie Keen, is yet to be announced.
The interleague clash with GVL is on Saturday, 24 May, at W. J. Findlay Oval.
FINISH ON TOP: Wangaratta Squash and Racquetball Club recently wrapped up their summer racquetball pennant competition, with (from le ) Sam Kelley, Shaun Quinn, Lachlan White, Jamie Martin and Lyn Walker (David Clegg absent) the winning team. The club will host a Come and Try night on Thursday, 15 May from 6pm at the Barr Reserve. Their next pennant season commences on Thursday, 22 May.
IN THE SQUAD: Wangaratta’s Minnie Humphry is one of seven young netballers named in the wider Ovens and Murray interleague netball squads.
PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Clean sweep for Rovers female footballers
UNDER 12
THE Wangaratta Rovers under 12 girls pulled o a thrilling comeback on the weekend to notch their rst win of the season, defeating Corowa Rutherglen Roos by eight points in a game full of heart and determination.
A er a tough rst half, the young Rovers trailed by 20 points at the main break, but with a renewed sense of energy and belief, they came out ring in the second half, piling on an incredible eight goals to swing the momentum and take control of the game.
It was an outstanding e ort from a side that has faced early-season challenges with player numbers, showing just how far they’ve come in a short time.
A truly memorable day for the team and a huge condence boost for the rounds ahead.
Final score: Wangaratta Rovers 10.5.65 def Corowa Rutherglen 8.9.57.
Best: Phoebe Crewell, Mil-
ly Bihun, Ashton Ryan, Nellwyn Skermer, Hazel Sutherland, Ava Mitchell.
A perfect day for football saw the under 14s eld a full squad of 19 players for the very rst time this season, matching Corowa’s 18 players.
The side welcomed Amelie Booth back for her rst game this season, and two new players who doubled up from the under 12s in Wanda Skermer and Ashton Ryan.
The rst quarter was an arm-wrestle, with Rovers capitalising on the centre bounce through strong ruck work from Zara McCrae, and centre clearance work from Mia Simpson and Isabelle Foster to win the ball forward.
The ball spent most of the quarter in their forward half, with Havarna Long roving
the ball in front of goal to put our rst major on the board.
The second quarter saw Rovers shi up a gear, with mid elders and half backs stopping everything in their tracks, Paige-Lee Dummett and Ashley Eliot-Scragg working hard in the middle of the ground. Mia Simpson played up forward, taking some strong overhead marks and receiving some excellent handballs from team mates out to space, nishing with three goals for the quarter.
Havarna Long showing excellent forward cra to register two more goals in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter returned to an arm-wrestle but the Rovers continued to play free- owing football until the nal siren.
Final score: Wangaratta Rovers 6.4.40 def Corowa Rutherglen 2.6.18
ON Saturday, 10 May, the Goulburn Murray Storm Premiership hosted the rst half of the NRL Women in League Round at Glenrowan Recreation Reserve, home ground of the Wangaratta Knights.
The Knights were proud to host their annual Mother’s Day Round on the same weekend.
In the second game of the day, Wangaratta’s ladies came up against Shepparton Eagles in a nail-biting match.
The final score reflected how both teams put in their best efforts for the day, Wangaratta coming
up just short 18-20
Try scorers for the game were Issy Simmons, and Rain Dodd (three), while Tiana Stuart made one successful conversion.
Knights’ league tag coach Sal Kaiwai was also celebrated this round for her 50th game, a great milestone in the competition.
The men’s Knights vs Eagles game showed Shepparton always put up a good ght, with the results being 14-32 points the Eagles’ way.
Tension built toward the end of the match, with the Knights men frustrated at
the Eagles defence.
Try scorers for the Knights were Sam Thompson, Austin Seri, and Mathew Ferguson, and one successful conversion was kicked by Matthew Flewin.
The Goulburn Murray Storm Premiership is having a competition-wide bye this weekend to accommodate for a representative match in Boorowa on Saturday.
The men’s and women’s teams have been chosen by coaches Gavin Drage (Wangaratta Knights) and Tash Johnson (Corowa Cougars) – the club wishes the rep teams luck this weekend.
UNDER 17 By JESS WHITEHEAD
The game started o on Corowa Rutherglen’s terms with the Rovers backline under a lot of pressure early.
Amy Lowe, playing in the half back line, applied relentless pressure and took some great defensive marks.
Willow Foster and Lily Currie Fraser’s tackling efforts meant that the Rovers went into quarter time only trailing by a small margin.
Brilliant mid eld work by Ruby Newton, Lily Gibb and Gemma Couch Trinder in the second term saw the ball move more cleanly into the Rovers forward line and Newton was able to score the Rovers’ rst goal of the game.
There was some brilliant linkup play in bthe third with the Rovers dominating the clearances and moving the ball effectively all across the ground.
The Rovers continued their great game in the nal quarter with another goal to Ruby Newton a er a solid mark, and one to Lily Gibb.
A er our rst win of the season, we now look forward to taking on North Albury next weekend at home.
Final score: Wangaratta Rovers 4.7.31 def Corowa Rutherglen 1.9.15.
Goals: Ruby Newton (two), Lily Gibb, Issie Foster.
OPEN By AMY COLLINS
The Wangaratta Rovers open side battled through a tough start to secure a convincing win over Corowa Rutherglen Roos in a gritty contest on the weekend.
A er sustaining some injuries early on, co-coach Kathryn Burns made her season debut.
The opening quarter was a tightly-contested a air, with both sides applying plenty of pressure but struggling to convert opportunities into scoreboard pressure.
By half-time, it was still
anyone’s game, with only ve points separating the teams. It was in the third quarter when the Rovers broke the deadlock.
Dominating territory and locking the ball in their forward half, the breakthrough came with a brilliant 30-metre snap from Kelsie Powles, igniting the Rovers’ momentum. From there, the Rovers’ trademark tackling intensity and relentless pressure wore down the Roos.
Their disciplined defensive e ort and composed ball movement in the second half saw them pull away to nish the match with a comfortable lead.
The Rovers’ strong team performance continues to show their growth and determination this season.
Final score: Wangaratta Rovers 6.7.43 def Corowa Rutherglen 0.1.1.
TOO STRONG: Chloe Kungl shoves her oppponent o the ball.
CLEAN HIT: Ashley Eliott-Scragg sees a target.
ON THE BOARD
Milly Bihun booted three goals for the under 12 Rovers against Corowa Rutherglen on the weekend. It was a memorable day for the Hawks with all four female teams winning at the same ground on the same day for the first time.
■ Full story page 15
PHOTO: Kev McGennan
LIONS DOWN BENCHMARK BLUES FOR FIRST TIME IN OVER A DECADE
Drought broken in O&K netball
FOR the rst time in many years, Whorouly took the chocolates over Greta in A grade netball.
The Lions were imperious in both attack and defence, doubling the Blues on the scoreboard to take the points 50-25 on the gorgeous court at the Whorouly Recreation Reserve.
A very even rst quarter gave way to an onslaught through the second, with Whorouly establishing a seven-goal bu er to take into half-time.
Defensively, the second half was dominated by the Lions, only conceding seven goals for an entire half of A grade netball.
The Lions started to put the Blues to the sword through the third quarter, shooting 11 goals with some exceptional passing and nishing under the post.
A 14-goal to three nal quarter
BY NATHAN DE VRIES ndevries@ nemedia.com.au
put the nail in the co n, securing
Ebony Allen and Laura Keighran were dominant in the defensive end, the midcourt was exceptional in transitioning the ball, while shooters Abbey Forrest (31 goals) and Tayla Allen (13 goals) were on re.
Coach Kelly Cousins said it had been a long wait between drinks in the Lions history with Greta.
“It’s probably been well over a decade since we were able to beat Greta so it was a really pleasing win for the team,” she said.
“Greta really challenged us in that rst half and to their credit forced us into some silly errors.
“We regrouped at half-time,
focused on cleaner execution, and making smarter decisions.
“The key shi came in our defensive intensity a er half-time, where we able to really shut down Greta’s ow, conceding only seven goals.
“Our shooting depth is a real strength this year - we have versatile combinations we can switch up as needed, with Katie [Ivone], Abbey [Forrest], and Tayla [Allen] bringing height and strong rebounding no matter what combo we use.”
The Lions sit third on the A grade ladder with a record of 4-1-1.
In other matches, reigning premiers Bonnie Doon proved they’re still one of the benchmark teams in the competition a er handing Tarrawingee their rst loss of the year, 59-50.
