The Cobram Roar has sent shockwaves throughout the Albury Wodonga Football Association, defeating powerhouse Wangaratta 3-2 on Sunday in the division one men’s competition.
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It was not easy for the Roar, with the home side conceding a goal just seven minutes into the contest, however they soon got back on top.
Goals to Anthony Corso in the 10th minute and Jack Dovey in the 16th minute put the home side a goal up, with Bill Puckett’s 92nd-minute strike extending the Roar’s lead.
Wangaratta found another one in the 94th minute, however it was too little too late for the visiting side, with Cobram running out 3-2 victors.
Cobram coach Vince Iannucci said he was feeling good for everyone involved in the club.
“I haven’t experienced so much the senior aspect of AWFA, but noted by the smiles on everyone’s faces I think it meant a fair bit to a fair number of people,” Iannucci said.
Despite the big win, Iannucci certainly was not getting carried away, saying there is still room for improvement.
“We’ve still got some players that are really going to push for seniors, so we’re nowhere near full strength in my opinion at the moment,” he said.
“I’m not trying to scare anyone by making outlandish statements, I just know who’s coming back and what we’ve got up our sleeve really.”
He said the side played to a game plan and played it well, however they were always wary that there was potential for a lapse.
There was a good crowd in Cobram for a full day of action, with people sticking around after the final whistle to celebrate.
“We want to build on that, we want people to think ‘geez they’re up and about’ and actually come to the games,” he said.
“We got a lot of the kids in the rooms, and we waited for them to come in, to sing the song with them — that was a thing that made me pretty happy — make them really start to feel a bit of passion for the club and want to be a part of the senior side at some point in their lives.”
After coming up against two of the top sides in the competition, the Roar have one win and one loss, with a game against St Pats at 2pm this Sunday in Cobram.
“We will treat them with respect but we want to make sure they respect us,” he said.
“Our focus is to make a mark.”
— by Daniel Webb
Division 2 women
Cobram Roar 10 def Wangaratta 1
The Cobram Roar’s Roarettes were excited to get back on the pitch after 2021’s sudden season shutdown saw them lose the league by one point to rivals Wangaratta.
The ladies proved they are a force to be reckoned with in the 2022 season with a 10-1 win over rivals Wangaratta. The girls were excited and energised before the game with a lot to play for in front a great Cobram crowd. The ball movement was amazing to watch — combination passes and great teamwork. The ladies’ side has changed since 2021 after losing six of their key senior players — but this has not stopped the younger girls and a handful of new players taking their place and stepping up to the plate to deliver great football.
Goals: Samani 4, Noonan 2, Lissington 2, Hyde 1, Watt-Fotia 1.
Division 2 men
Cobram Roar 1 lt Wangaratta 6
With a depleted squad, the division two men had a very tough task ahead after last week's great win against Myrtleford. The team enlisted the help of some of its up-and-coming junior players who did the club proud — the average age on the pitch was 19, after the young lads had already played a solid game in their under-16s team, they then backed it up and played in the twos. The boys played some good football after a slow start against a well-drilled opposition. The young squad kept Wangaratta to 1-3 at half-time and Caine Stuart scored the home team’s only goal in the 38th minute of the match. The ever-reliable Jeff Pauw held the back line tight and goalkeeper Jordan Kelly pulled off some amazing saves, but unfortunately Roar went down 1-6.
Under-16
Cobram Roar 4 def Wangaratta 0
The boys were up against a much stronger opponent this week and took some time to find their feet. When they did, they played some very attractive soccer and dominated most of the game. Two goals each from Jake Kalz and Jackson Koopman gave the home side the points, while defensively the team has been very strong this season with two clean sheets so far.
Under-14
Cobram Roar 7 def Wangaratta 1
Captain Ted Thomas led the enthusiastic group onto the pitch for their first match of the season. They had a slow start, but when they found their rhythm they showed great skill, teamwork and determination. A strong defence kept Wangaratta to only one goal. Effective passing work and good teamwork in the front third saw Sam Hurlston score five goals and Bella Pardy and George Wiles found a goal each.
Under-14 girls
Cobram Roar 4 drew with Wangaratta 4
All the girls played good football and showed great teamwork in an evenly contested match against Wangaratta. Luana Mete was strong in the forward line with a hat-trick and Ella Janssens scored the team’s other goal.
Under-13
Cobram 1 lt Wangaratta 9
The under-13 team created some great passages of play in the first half, with Dante Zito, Lachie Pardy and Lukas Stewart doing some great work in the midfield. Unfortunately, they were not able to convert into goals, and were down by three half-time.
In the second half Alissa Mete kept up her pace in the wing. Sam Osborne and Luana Mete created some opportunities up forward, but Wangaratta was strong and kept scoring. Lenny Power had a great run from the back line, which the coach likened to Maldini. A great assist from Jeremy Egan found Jack Wood in space where he scored the team's only goal for the day.
The team showed great persistence against a strong opposition on a hot day.
Under-12
Cobram Roar 2 drew with Wangaratta 2
The under-12 team faced strong opposition in Wangaratta. It was an evenly contested match with Jeremy Egan and Samuel Osborne finding the back of the net for the Cobram team. A good performance from all players.
Daniel is a passionate sports fan and proud Tasmanian.