AS IT HAPPENED | Murray League grand final day

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Enjoy!

UPDATE: 6:00pm - What a day of grand finals

Thanks everyone for tuning in to what was an absolutely brilliant day of grand final action at Moama Recreation Reserve.

Congupna ended a 31-year senior premiership drought with a thrilling one-point win over Finley in one of the most extraordinary finishes.

Rumbalara ended a drought of their own too in the A-grade netball, triumphing over Moama by nine goals to clinch their first top-flight premiership since 2008.

Mulwala made amends for the extra-time heartbreak of last year in the reserves, winning in extra-time themselves this year against Deniliquin by a solitary point.

Tongala earned a treble of flags in the B-grade, C-grade and C-Reserve netball, as did Moama in the under-17, under-15 and under-13 deciders.

Mulwala and Cobram faced off in both the under-14 and under-17 football grand finals, each securing one flag, the Lions in the under-14’s and the Tigers in the under-17’s.

That’s all we have from Moama today, but be sure to tune in to the Shepparton News live blog for all of the GVL action from Deakin Reserve tomorrow.

Don’t forget to grab your copy of the Riverine Herald on Monday morning for all the in-depth reporting and photos from across the weekend.

UPDATE: 5:22pm - Boyer, Buxton recognised

Congupna vice-captain Jimmy Boyer has been named the best player of the finals series, while The Road’s Sam Buxton has clinched the best on ground medal for his efforts today.

UPDATE: 5:13pm - Extraordinary final few minutes

Now that we’ve all caught our breath, let’s recap the final few minutes of that extraordinary game of football.

Finley’s Jesse White levelled the scores with a monster bomb from outside 50, tying things up at 58-58 with 25 minutes gone.

Congupna then went forward from the centre bounce, with Bryden Squire marking 20 metres out directly in front, but shanking the kick horrifically and failing to make the distance and not recording a score.

Finley failed to maintain possession as they cleared the ball, with Congupna finding spearhead Kyle Mueller on the lead, 35 metres out but hard up against the boundary.

Mueller converted with a special effort to put The Road ahead by six points, the clock showing 27 minutes had elapsed.

The ball bounced around for three or so minutes, ending up inside Finley’s forward 50, where ruckman Lachlan Hawkins produced a miraculous snap to again tie the scores, 31 minutes gone.

Congupna immediately went forward from the bounce again, where Will Norman put through the winning point with less than 20 seconds on the clock, sealing a remarkable victory.

UPDATE: 5:06pm - NORMAN THE HERO FOR CONGUPNA

THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE!

Congupna has won their first seniors grand final in 31 years by a single point in one of the most extraordinary final quarters ever witnessed.

Will Norman was the hero, slotting the behind with less than 20 seconds to play to hand The Road the win.

Congupna 9.11 (65) beat Finley 9.10 (64).

UPDATE: 5:05pm - HAWKINS!!!

WHAT A GAME!

Lachlan Hawkins has just produced a miracle to draw Finley level, 31 minutes gone.

This is insane.

UPDATE: 5:01pm - Mueller magic puts Congupna ahead

Kyle Mueller has put Congupna ahead, slotting a goal from the boundary.

There can’t be long to go, the clock is showing 27 mins.

UPDATE: 4:56pm - ALL TIED UP

SCORES ARE LEVEL!

Finley’s Jesse White has launched a bomb from outside 50 to tie the scores at 58 apiece, 22 minutes gone.

The Cats have come from the clouds, this is phenomenal football.

UPDATE: 4:55pm - Cats fire back

Finley has fired right back, and very nearly put another through straight after, reducing the margin back to six points.

This is an absolute heart stopper, still anyone’s game.

UPDATE: 4:52pm - Schaper with huge captain’s goal

Daniel Schaper has steadied the ship for Congupna with a much-needed captain’s goal.

The umpire ruled he was infringed upon in a marking contest in the goal square, and he duly converted the free kick, to reinstate a 13-point lead for The Road.

Congupna 8.10 (58) lead Finley 6.9 (45), 19 minutes gone final term.

UPDATE: 4:44pm - Back to a kick!

It’s back to one straight kick!

Tom Lang has pulled Finley within a kick, and there’s plenty of belief in this Cats side.

What on earth is happening.

Congupna 7.8 (50) lead Finley 6.8 (44), 12 minutes gone final term.

UPDATE: 4:40pm - Here come the Cats

Finley’s Angus Robertson has duly converted after being awarded a free kick on a slight angle, 30 metres out, to pull the Cats within 12 points.

There’s plenty of time left in this one, only nine minutes gone in the final quarter, and the Cats have all the momentum.

This is hotting up big time.

UPDATE: 4:35pm - Finley get perfect start through Carson

It’s game on here at Moama Recreation Reserve, with Finley booting the first goal of the final term through Mitch Carson.

The margin is now just 18 points, two minutes gone in the fourth quarter.

UPDATE: 4:25pm - Cats claw one back before three quarter time

Finley have managed to reduce the margin back to 24 points at three-quarter time to remain a sniff of causing an upset.

Congupna are still well and truly in control however, and the Cats will need to pull something out of the bag to turn this one around.

Three quarter time: Congupna 7.8 (50) lead Finley 3.8 (26)

UPDATE: 4:15pm - Trewin gets Congupna crowd excited

Jak Trewin has sent the Congupna crowd into raptures with a brilliant fast break, running onto a loose ball out the back and into a completely open forward line to put The Road 27 points up.

Another one!

Jack Norman extends Congupna’s lead moments later with a brilliant snap in congestion to send his side 33 points ahead.

Congupna is tightening their grip on this contest, and Finley will need to find a response soon if they want to stay in it.

Congupna 7.8 (50) to Finley 2.5 (17), 20 mins gone third quarter.

UPDATE: 4:05pm - The Road make a move

Congupna has come out firing to start the second half, firing home the first two goals of the third quarter.

Things are starting to look ominous for the Cats, with The Road well and truly on top of the contest all over the ground.

Congupna 5.8 (38) lead Finley 2.5 (17), 12 mins gone third quarter.

UPDATE: 3:40pm - Dour contest as Congupna and Finley head into the sheds

The senior grand final has developed into a dour, defensive affair, with most of the action happening between the arcs in the second quarter.

Only one major each for The Road and the Cats in that term, both of those coming relatively early, with neither side able to assert dominance in the midfield battle.

Congupna leads 3.5 (23) to Finley’s 2.4 (16) at the main break, with The Road’s period of dominance at the end of the first quarter the only real difference between the two sides at this stage.

UPDATE: 3:00pm - Rumbalara seal brilliant season with deserved premiership

Rumbalara has capped off a phenomenal season with a come-from-behind 55-46 win over Moama in the A-grade grade final.

Having been down by a goal at half-time, Rumbalara fought to lead by four goals at three-quarter time, before storming out to an eventual nine-goal win.

Moama had their tails up and fought hard, trying to close the gap in the early stages of the final term, completely shutting down Rumba’s attack.

But Rumbalara’s quick transition and relentless work in attack shone through, with supreme efficiency which saw them rarely miss any opportunity up forward.

Veteran Lisa Drysdale was huge for Moama late, but their defence was no match for Rumbalara’s offence, which broke through for a richly deserved flag.

UPDATE: 2:45pm - Rumbalara pull ahead at three-quarter time in A-grade grand final

Rumbalara has managed to edge ahead of Moama in the third term to lead 39-35 at the final break.

GS Emily Richards is on song, deadeye inside the circle to keep Moama alive.

Things are getting fiesty as Rumba remain aggressive on defence, but have upped the intensity in the attacking third to wrest the lead from the Magpies.

Moama’s facilitators have been great, Lisa Drysdale and Liv Taverna in particular.

It’s still anyone’s to win, but with the way Rumbalara have played this season, it’s going to take something special from Moama.

UPDATE: 2:35pm - Congupna win the toss, kicking to the Southern end of the ground

The first bounce is seconds away in the senior football grand final between Congupna and Finley, with The Road getting the first win of the day.

Skipper Daniel Schaper called correctly at the coin toss, with The Road to kick towards the McDonald’s end of the ground for those familiar with Moama Recreation Reserve.

A quick recap of the two sides’ respective seasons:

Congupna dominated the competition all year to finish with a 17-1 record, winning through to the grand final by defeating the Cats by 29 points in the semi-final.

Finley finished second with a 13-4-1 record, however were the only side to inflict defeat on this mighty Congupna outfit all season, emerging victorious by nine points in the round six clash.

Will they be able to cause an upset and pull off a similar feat today?

UPDATE: 2:30pm - Moama leads Rumba by a point at halftime in A-grade grand final

In a nail biting A-grade netball grand final, Moama lead Rumba by a point at the half time break.

The Magpies have been working hard on the defensive end to contain 2024 league best-and-fairest winner Jessie Barnes-Hill.

Liv and Emily Taverna have been stellar in transition for Moama feeding ace goal shooter Hannah Richards who has been positive in the shooting circle.

Rumba had a strong back end of the half but the Magpies were able to stem the flow of goals to retain the lead 24-25.

UPDATE: 2:15pm - Mulwala triumph in unbelievable scenes

What a finish!

12 months on from extra time heartbreak, Mulwala has claimed a phenomenal one-point victory over Deniliquin, prevailing 7.10 (52) 8.3 (51).

A Sean Robinson snap was the go-ahead score with three minutes remaining in the contest, the Mulwala gun hitting the post after a brilliant right-footed effort running away from goal.

Deniliquin managed to cement the ball inside forward-50 from the kick-in, but Mulwala was able to run the clock down by forcing stoppage after stoppage.

A quick Deni snap out of the pack threatened to send the game to overtime with just seconds remaining, but the Lions were able to mark the ball on the line to secure the crown.

Dylan Robinson was named best-on-ground in the Mulwala win, comfortably his side’s most influential player.

Mulwala coach Lachlan Orr expressed relief when presented the cup, managing to exorcise the demons of 12 months ago.

“(It was) heart-in-throat stuff all the way through,” he said.

“We went down in overtime last year, I don’t know if I could’ve handled that again.”

UPDATE: 2pm - All tied up in reserves grand final

This is an absolute thriller.

Mulwala has kicked the first two goals of the final quarter to draw level with Deniliquin.

The Lions have all the momentum, but Deni are digging in.

Mulwala 6.9 (45) level with Deniliquin 7.3 (45), 14 minutes remaining.

UPDATE: 1:45pm - Deniliquin reinforce lead in reserves clash

Deni has extended it’s lead out to 13 points over Mulwala at the final change in the reserves football grand final.

The Rams surged ahead in the premiership quarter after being challenged in the second, enjoying a 7.3 (45) to 4.8 (32) advantage with a quarter to play.

It was a poor quarter from Mulwala in front of goal, kicking 1.5, but the Lions look fired up.

Let’s see if they can issue some sort of response.

UPDATE: 1:40pm - Blues clinch overtime thriller

Tongala has claimed the C-Reserve netball premiership, surging ahead in extra-time to clinch a superb victory.

The Blues outlasted Echuca United to win 50-42 after a superb first half of extra time.

UPDATE: 1:30pm - Tonny in control after first half of extra time

Tongala has stormed ahead with a huge first half of extra time in the C-Reserve clash.

The Blues lead Moama 46-39, and look to be in the box seat to take home this flag.

UPDATE: 1:20pm - Tongala steal it at the death, while C-Reserve go to extra time

Tongala has staged a dramatic last-gasp victory over Moama in the B-grade netball grand final, overturning a three-quarter time deficit.

The Blues trailed by two at the final break, but in a gripping final term, managed to overcome a mighty Moama outfit to win 59-57.

Over in C-Reserve, Echuca United has waged a final quarter comeback to draw level with Tongala at the final buzzer, with the two sides heading to extra time.

How good are grand finals.

UPDATE: 1:15pm - Mulwala reserves up for the fight

With three teams in consecutive football grand finals, Mulwala have a strong, vocal contingent at the ground, and the reserves side seem to have fed off that in the second term.

The Lions got on top midway through the second quarter, having booted three quick goals to hit the front with eight minutes to play in the half.

Deniliquin duly responded to retake the lead by three points with five minutes remaining, the same advantage they enjoy at the main break.

Half-time: Deniliquin 4.2 (26) lead Mulwala 3.5 (23).

UPDATE: 1:00pm - Three-quarter time in B-grade, C-Reserve thrillers

Moama leads the B-grade grand final 45-43 over Tongala at the final change.

Eden Drennan has been shooting well for the Magpies, who went on a four-goal run midway through the term to take an advantage after being locked at 35-all.

It’s been a real back and forth contest, with both teams taking their chances.

In C-Reserve, Tongala has managed to break the half-time deadlock to lead Echuca United 29-26 with a quarter to play.

UPDATE: 12:50pm - Deniliquin ahead as reserves do battle

Deniliquin has made a hot start in the reserves grand final to lead against Mulwala at quarter-time.

The Rams have kicked the only two goals of the contest to lead 2.0 (12) to Mulwala’s 0.3 (3).

It’s been an arm wrestle early, with neither side able to find open space due to immense tackling pressure.

A quick reminder for those that might not be across the reserves action from throughout the year; Deniliquin finished atop the ladder with a 17-1 regular season record, however Mulwala pulled off a nine-point win over the Rams in the second semi-final to be the first side to advance to today’s decider.

Deniliquin had to win the preliminary final to be here today, which they did, comprehensively beating Congupna last week.

UPDATE: 12:45pm - Your premiers so far

Riv photographer Aidan Briggs has been in all the action, capturing the moments each of the premiership-winning teams so far today have hoisted the cup.

UPDATE: 12:40pm - Nothing in it between Echuca United and Tongala

Echuca United and Tongala are level at 19-all in the C-reserve netball grand final, in what is turning into an absolute nailbiter.

No-one has established ascendancy in the B-grade decider either, with Moama taking a slender 29-27 lead into the main break over Tongala.

Strap in for a big second-half, these matches are both going down to the wire.

UPDATE: 12:30pm - Hughes says experience won the day for Tongala C-Grade

Co-coach Tracey Hughes reflected on an impressive win for her Tongala side in the C-Grade grand final.

“The girls played amazing which I knew they would, so pretty excited that we came through with the goods,” she said.

“(We’re) a bunch of mums with two young ones so a lot of experience, and a little bit of youth, but I think the experience probably won in the end.”

Goalkeeper Zena Hoyling earned best-on-court honours for Tongala in the decider.

UPDATE: 12:05pm - Cobram hang on in thrilling under-17 football decider

Cobram has managed to hold on despite significant Mulwala pressure in the dying stages to clinch the under-17 football premiership.

The Tigers did just enough to claim a 4.9 (33) to 4.4 (28) win, with the ball camped inside Mulwala’s forward-50 for the final five minutes of the contest.

Cobram vice-captain Paulie Degei was named best-on-ground in the clash, performing a starring role in his side’s victory.

UPDATE: 11:50am - Moama make it three from three in the netball, Tongala cap dominant year with brilliant win

Moama’s under-15 side has been crowned premier for 2024, earning the title with a 45-29 win over Mulwala.

“We started off pretty nervous but once we settled into the game the girls were stellar,” said coach Leesa Hooppell.

“We stuck to our game plan and all of the girls played their part beautifully.”

Moama’s Diaz Agg was named best on court for the grand final.

Tongala has capped a superb unbeaten season in C-grade with a brilliant win over Deniliquin, the 46-23 scoreline befitting of such a dominant side.

UPDATE: 11:45am - Cobram flip the script in enthralling under-17 football clash

Wow, what a quarter from the Tigers.

Having kicked 1.3 to half time, Cobram has roared into the lead against Mulwala, booting 3.2 for the term while keeping the Lions to a solitary point.

The Tigers, who lost the under-17 decider to Moama last year, now lead 4.5 (29) to 3.2 (20) with just one quarter remaining.

UPDATE: 11:40am - Moama, Tonny cruising ahead

Moama is well in control in the final term of the under-15 netball grand final, leading Mulwala 39-26.

Tongala are similarly cruising in the C-grade decider against Deniliquin, ahead 31-12 in the last quarter.

UPDATE: 11:20am - Mulwala ahead in under-17 grand final

The Lions have taken control of the under-17 footy, slamming home two goals with three minutes left in the half to take a 10-point lead into half time.

Cobram are well and truly in the contest, however, having recorded the same number of scoring shots as their opponent.

Mulwala lead 3.1 (19) to Cobram’s 1.3 (9) at the main break.

UPDATE: 11:15am - Tongala, Moama in control of clashes

At half time in the second block of Murray netball deciders, Tongala and Moama are both in prime positions for titles.

Tongala leads Deni Rams 19-8 in the C-grade final, while Moama is ahead 25-13 in 15 and under.

UPDATE: 11:00am - Mulwala claim under-14 football crown

Mulwala has claimed the under-14 football premiership with a 4.4 (28) to 2.6 (18) triumph over Cobram.

Mulwala skipper and co-league best and fairest Axel Saunders was named best-on-ground for the Lions, capping off a fine individual season.

The fourths have set the tone for Mulwala today, with the under-17’s in action now against Cobram, while the reserves will look to overcome the heartbreak of last season when they take on Deniliquin.

UPDATE: 10:45am - Moama wins pair of netball crowns

Moama has claimed the 13 and under and 17 and under championships, kicking off grand final day in style for the hosts.

The 13 and under side dominated Cobram through most of the game, eventually prevailing 45-15.

“To be honest, it hasn’t really sunk in,” said coach Rachael Whitelegg.

“For the first few minutes I was very nervous about how the day would end but they came out and showed everybody here today why they’re the number one team in the league.”

Moama’s 17 and under side also claimed the premiership, 41-29 over Cobram.

“The girls have worked so hard for this all year so I’m not surprised they went out there and gave it their all,” said Moama coach Sienna Agg.

“They play as a team, they play together and they play for each other.”

Cobram’s captain, Tahlia Pate was named as best on court for the grand final.

Netball UPDATE: 10:00am

Moama has one hand on the 13 and under championship, holding a huge 30-10 lead over Cobram at half time.

The Magpies have been clinical across mid-court, earning turnovers and converting in the attacking goal ring.

In the under-17s, Moama also has a lead over Cobram in a tighter contest, the score currently 23-16 in the Mowers favour.

UPDATE: 10:00am:

We have a game on our hands in the under-14 football decider.

Despite Mulwala dominating large portions of the third term, Cobram rallied late on, cutting the Lions’ lead to just four points at the final break.

3 quarter time: Mulwala 3.3 (21) lead Cobram 2.5 (17).

UPDATE: Saturday, September 21, 9:30am:

Morning all and welcome to our coverage of the Murray Football Netball League grand finals.

We are underway at Moama Recreation Reserve, with the under-14 football between Cobram and Mulwala kicking things off.

The Lions are currently leading at half-time, ahead 2.2 (14) to Cobram’s 1.3 (9).

The under-13 and under-17 netball matches have just got underway, with Moama and Cobram playing off against each other in both.

UPDATE: Saturday, September 21, 6am: The story so far

Those of you up bright and early will have plenty of time to read through any preview content you missed in the lead-up to today’s action.

Catch links to all of it below.

You can follow the action of the Goulburn Valley League grand finals tomorrow with a live blog from Deakin Reserve, Shepparton.

AS IT WAS PRINTED

Riverine Herald digital edition: https://www.riverineherald.com.au/pressreader

Shepparton News digital edition: https://sheppartonnews.pressreader.com/shepparton-news

President wishes sides the best of luck Lake wishes luck to grand final hopefuls

Seniors

The Road ready for more silverware ‘31 years in the making’: Congupna president is going into Saturday confident

Moama’s getting ready to Rumba A-grade Magpies ready to rain on Rumba’s parade

Congupna ready for business Congupna has dropped the cotton wool approach and is going for broke on Saturday

Netball

Blues, Magpies face off again Moama and Tongala facing off in third straight B-grade decider | Riverine Herald

Young Magpies chasing perfect end to season Moama’s under-17s looking to cap off perfect season

Blues to face off against Rams Blues hot favourites in C-grade title stoush

Magpies chasing premiership glory Under-15s Magpies going for glory this Saturday

Football

Big day for young Tigers Big dance booked at Moama for Cobram Tigers junior sides

Thrilling weekend ahead Murray league grand final match-ups set

Lions raring to go Lions raring to go for Grand Final