‘It was a lot of relief:’ Dominant Mathoura blasts Blighty to snap year-long winless run

The win snaps a 19-game, 371-day losing streak, and Cutters coach Tim McCormick said the overriding feeling in the rooms post-game was relief.

“It was a lot of relief,” McCormick said.

“We’ve gone more than 12 months without winning a senior game of footy.

“We had a win against Yarroweyah last year, but they were lining up in the seconds competition and we were in the seniors, so that’s a bit of a point of do we count that as a senior win?

“From some of the losses we had last year to come back and win the way we did was amazing.”

Burns booted 11 goals in his return to the squad, while Johnson added nine of his own in a dominant showing down forward.

But it was young ruckman Magro who McCormick reserved special praise for.

“Kyle rucked all day unchanged,” he said.

“He gave our midfielders first use of the footy nine times out of 10 — he was fantastic.

“When we did our awards, I would have loved to have 22 awards to give out because everyone played their role.”

A “four-quarter” effort was the impetus behind Mathoura’s drought-breaking win, starting with a six-goal first term.

Nine goals to two behinds Mathoura’s way in the second quarter put the game to bed, and a 10-goal final term sent the Timbercutters past the 200-point mark despite the efforts of Blighty’s Kevin Maroney, Clarence Baird, and Kevin Thompson.

“It was probably the first time all year we’ve put four quarters together,” McCormick said.

“We made a real focus earlier in the week to start well and continue on, it was very pleasing that we listened and followed instructions all day without any lapses.”

Mathoura also earned a win in the reserves game, coming away with a six-goal victory, its second of the season.

“It’s been a long, long time since the seniors and reserves have won on the same day,” McCormick said.

“It was a very good day for the club.”

The Timbercutters remain in 12th spot, now a game clear of the winless Yarroweyah and Blighty.

Mathoura will host Katunga this Saturday, with the clash also set to be a celebration of Mathoura’s 1973 and 1993 premiership sides.

Around the league, reigning premiers Waaia jumped back to the top of the ladder after blitzing Berrigan by 158 points.

Deni Rovers picked up a 62-point win over Rennie as Hoppers’ forward Chase Strawhorn booted his 1000th career goal.

Tungamah held on to second spot with a healthy win over Jerilderie, while Strathmerton was 66-point winners over Katamatite.