Depleted Blues take the challenge to Cobram in scrappy affair

However, Cobram, determined to consolidate in sixth on the ladder, responded aggressively in the second quarter, kicking five goals while Tongala managed only two behinds.

The momentum swung back and forth in the third quarter as the Blues kicked three goals, narrowing the margin to just eight points at the final change.

But with a grandstand finish set up, Tongala faced a significant challenge in the final quarter with a depleted bench.

“We thought we were a real sniff, but for the fourth or fifth time in the last eight weeks, we ended the game without any bench players in the last quarter,” Tongala coach Matt Daniel said.

An exhausted Tongala could only manage a single behind, while Cobram sealed the victory with two crucial goals, resulting in a seventh consecutive loss for Tongala.

Mitch Ward (three goals), Harry Beasley and Ryan Mele played pivotal roles for Cobram, while Coby McCarthy, Jack Sinclair (two goals) and Alex Williams, returning to the seniors after a serious knee injury, fought hard.

Daniel acknowledged the frustration of not securing a win despite putting up a strong fight against the Tigers, but was buoyed by his side’s contribution across the board.

“We had 22 contributors for the first time in a while,” he said.

“We keep getting close to teams, but we're not winning. It can be frustrating at times, but it's not like we're struggling.

“As good teams do, Cobram responded in the second quarter, but we held our ground and didn't lose hope.”

With five games remaining for Tongala in the Murray Football League season and sitting five games behind the top six, Daniel said his team’s focus would be on finishing the 2023 campaign strongly.

Its next challenge will be against third-placed Moama in round 15.

“We’re hoping to win two or three games, and we want to take the scalp of one of these top-four sides,” Daniel said.