Tallon Smith
Tumbarumba have opened their account in the 2025 Goulburn Murray Premiership after a dominant 52-4 demolition of the Wolfpack at Baranduda Reserve on Sunday.
The Greens ran in 10 tries to one in an emphatic display of their power, as they look to build on a runner-up campaign last season.
Hooker Ben Scott finished with a hat-trick and six goals in a best on ground performance, while coach Robbie Byatt played at lock to allow Lachy Burgun to gain experience in the halfback role, as the esteemed former Albury Thunder mentor approaches the final season of his career.
Newy Patiole’s men looked good in patches, but ultimately it was dropped ball that cruelled the Wolfpack, with momentum being stalled on many occasions by poor handling.
Tumbarumba v Wolfpack – Match Highlights
Next up for Tumbarumba is a clash with the Border Bears, another team that joined them in the winners’ circle after the opening round.
The Bears took the chocolates in the local derby with a 26-20 win over the Wodonga Wombats in a tense second game of the Baranduda double header.
After both sides scored five tries each, kicking proved to be the difference, with skipper Brody McCann-Dillon landing three from five goals, providing the six point gap after the Wombats went 0/5.
Meanwhile, Corowa triumphed in their annual ANZAC Round match 28-12 over Wangaratta at the Airport Oval.
Cougars Prop Braeden Stephens scored a double in the match, as the Corowa side ran in five tries to two in a comprehensive display to open the season.
There was no opening men’s game at Corowa, after CSU withdrew their side, leaving defending premiers Shepparton with an opening round bye.
Gallery – Tumbarumba v Wolfpack
In the Women’s League Tag competition, defending premiers Wangaratta opened their season with a strong a 22-0 win over Corowa in the Grand Final rematch.
The result comes off the back of a 20-0 shutout victory in last year’s Grand Final against the Cougars.
Other results in the Women’s matches went the way of the Shepparton, Tumbarumba and the Wombats, who defeated the Bears 46-0 in their derby match.
Battlers For Bush Footy 