Pumped up: Moama’s Jye Smith celebrates after kicking one of his three goals against Echuca United.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
Mulwala has re-affirmed its status as the top dog – or top cat, rather – of the Murray Football League after defeating fellow flag contenders Congupna by 30 points on Good Friday.
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The Lions showcased their class in a superb second half that saw them drill seven goals to the Road’s two as they notched a 12.9 (81) to 7.9 (51) victory.
It was Mulwala’s second win in a row over a Murray league opponent looking to knock the side from its premiership mantle after the Lions topped Moama by two points in round one.
For Congupna, it was a disappointing loss to the Lions following a big win against Barooga to start the campaign.
“At half-time, we were fairly confident with where we were, but it was the third quarter where they outran us in the midfield,” Congupna co-coach Ben Bingham said.
“There was a 5-10 minute patch where they had some midfield dominance and they piled on some quick goals.
“It was hard to chase down after that.”
Bingham said there were lessons and positive takeaways that his side could take away from the Good Friday clash in Mulwala.
“There is a reason why Mulwala won it last year, they are a quality outfit and they will be the benchmark once again, with Moama,” he said
“It is not good to have a loss.
“But if you are going to have them, have them early on against quality outfits so you can see where things are falling down and try to rectify it.
“Brodie Gee probably played his best game for the club on the weekend.
“Sam Nash was solid down back as well, it was two of our younger guys standing up.”
You beauty: Moama’s Jye Warren salutes after kicking truly against Echuca United.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
Around the grounds, a trio of rivalry games headlined a bumper day of exciting Good Friday football.
Barooga caused a huge upset against Cobram, while Moama also earned bragging rights over their cross-river rival.
Barooga trailed the Tigers by 19 points at three-quarter-time but kicked six goals to two in the final term to steam past Cobram and win 9.10 (64) to 8.7 (55).
Moama was forced to battle hard against a resilient Echuca United, but the Magpies pulled away at the end to defeat the Eagles by 19 points, 11.18 (84) to 10.5 (65).
In Nathalia, the Purples gave Tongala the Blues as they held on to win by six points.
Nathalia was in front at every change, prevailing 11.7 (73) to 9.13 (67).
Finley notched its first win of the season with a surprise one-point victory over Deniliquin.
It was the Rams who lead by a goal at three-quarter-time, but the Cats staged a comeback to win by the narrowest of margins 8.14 (62) to 9.7 (61).
In the final game of round two, Tocumwal lost to Numurkah by 70 points in its first game back in the Murray league.
The Blues were simply too strong for the Bloods, kicking 20 goals to Tocumwal’s eight in the 20.6 (126) to 8.8 (56) triumph.
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