By Tallon Smith

The Tumbarumba Greens have continued their incredible return from recess, extending their winning streak to nine games with a 68-0 win over the Border Bears at the Baranduda Recreation Reserve.

Five-eighth Todd Bremner starred for the Greens, crossing for a hat-trick, while halfback Robbie Byatt continued to wind back the clock to his Group 9 days, breaking tackles, setting up tries with his passing game and even putting in a brilliant cross-field kick that resulted in a try out wide.

Co-Coach David Drew said that the focus for the Greens in recent times has been on the basics, as they look to refine their footy before the upcoming finals series.

“We just needed to start off strong and complete our sets,” he said.

“Last week we were a bit panicky like that, [we were] just trying to push the ball too much [and] score points first, so we just had a game plan to stick to and our boys did it well.

“We had a few injuries this week, missing a few players and the boys all stood up and got away with a good win, so I couldn’t be happier.”

The Greens’ mentor said that the most impressive part of the win was not the 68 points for, but the clean sheet in defence, which has been an area of focus for the side.

“Yeah, our defence has been our key this week,” Drew said.

“This year, I think we’ve conceded one try in the last four games. 

“[In] attack, we lost a lot of ball today, but it’s something we can sort out at training and just need to work on a bit. 

“But yeah, our structure’s still good and we’ll keep with it.”

As for the group, Drew said they are staying grounded and focused, even as they extended their winning start to the season to a remarkable nine games.

“Our boys are really well grounded, everyone gets along, and the vibe at the moment in our camp is good, so we hope to just continue that,” he said.

“They’re pretty humble these boys and they’re just happy to keep playing good football.”

Tumbarumba Club President Ray Lynch said that the most impressive part of the win was the manner in which it showcased team’s depth.

“The team itself is missing a lot of stars, so a win like that is good for our team,” he said.

“[That] gives a few other locals a crack at it.”

“The vibe in the town is great, [which] leads on to great things.”

Lynch said that while the team is still wary of all its opponents over the next few weeks, the town of Tumbarumba is starting to dream again.

“We’ve got a pretty hard run [home],” he said.

“Shepparton’s our next game, [and] there’s a few other harder ones in there with Corowa coming up as well. 

“But I think with the team we’ve got and the year that we’re having, I think a title, even though it’s going to be a hard one, I think it is probably a thing we should be able to take home.”

In the Women’s match, the Bears and Greens could not be separated, as the match ended in a 16-all draw.

Tayah Stubbs (Tumbarumba) and Nikki-Lee Lunnon (Bears) crossed for two tries each in the match, which is the fourth draw of the League Tag season.

Coach Maddy McPherson said that this year was always going to be more difficult than last year’s premiership season, but the turnover has led to new faces at the club who are keen to stick around long-term.

“Last year we won their premiership, and then this year it’s pretty well a complete new team,” she said.

“I always knew that it was probably going to be a building year this year, I was captain-coach last year and I’m out with an ACL, so it’s hard.

“It’s good to see fresh faces coming into the club, and they are enjoying it, they are learning.”

In other League Tag games, Corowa completed an 18-0 shutout of Shepparton, Wangaratta defeated Wolfpack 18-2, and CSU beat Wodonga 40-4.

Meanwhile, in the other Men’s games, Shepparton recorded a 72-6 win over Corowa, while CSU beat Wodonga 68-6 and Wangaratta defeated Wolfpack (Eldorado) 44-20.