Congupna has delivered a double-serving of revenge on Mulwala for last year’s Murray Football League grand final defeat.
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After The Road’s round one demolition of the Lions away from home (winning the match 46-104), Congupna was wary that Mulwala would be keen to bounce back when the two sides met again in this round nine fixture.
After going one win and two losses to start the season, Mulwala had hit some fine form in recent weeks as the Lions hunt a three-peat of senior football premierships.
Standing in Mulwala’s way of tying for the top spot on the ladder was the league’s high-flying Congupna, which declared itself as an imposing force and the team to beat in 2024.
The Road started the match in blistering fashion, booting five first-quarter goals to none to open a 29-point quarter-time lead.
However, after Congupna’s first-term dominance, the tide began to turn the Lions’ way.
Mulwala produced 12 second-quarter scoring shots, 4.8, to cut the lead back to three points at the main break (37-34).
The match turned into a grind in the second half, with The Road kicking 1.4 to the Lions’ 1.2 in the third term.
Congupna coach Ben Bingham praised the efforts of his players, as he believes that James Boyer, in particular, was crucial in getting The Road across the line.
“Jimmy Boyer, by far, was easily the best player on the ground for both teams,” Bingham said.
“When we were just lacking a bit of drive throughout the second and third quarters, Jim really stood up and kept us in the game at times.
“If we had a loss, it would have brought us back to the pack, which we didn’t want.
“Samuel Poole and Rylen Damianopoulos through the midfield and Cody Di Bella and Charlie Boyer throughout our back half provided some pivotal contests when we really needed them.”
The final term appeared to reflect the first three quarters, with The Road able to convert by kicking 2.3, while the Lions were again wayward in front of goal, kicking 0.3.
The match finished 9.8 (62) to 5.15 (45) in Congupna’s favour, with The Road now two wins ahead of Mulwala on the ladder.
Bingham said that while the game wasn’t clean and free-flowing, it was good that Congupna could fight out a win against quality opposition.
“It was probably a bit of a scrappy contest at the end of the day,” he said.
“It wasn’t our best performance of the year, but sometimes I think it is good to win ugly.
“To come away with the four points in a one verse two (ladder position) contest is really important at the end of the day.”
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Congupna's Robbie Mifka on the fly. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 8
Congupna's Jack Norman watches the ball closely onto his foot. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 8
Congupna's Isaiah Jones marks the ball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 8
Congupna's Daniel Schaper mans the mark. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 8
Mulwala's Zach Scott tackles Congupna's Tate Mifka. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 8
Congupna's Wil Norman considers his options. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 8
Mulwala's Josh Eder and Congupna's Robbie Mifka contest for the football. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 8
Congupna's James Boyer gives the hands. Photo by Rechelle ZammitIn other round nine Murray Football League matches, Nathalia produced an impressive 50-point win over Tongala.
The Purples were in control from the outset, with the scoreline finishing 12.12 (84) to 4.10 (34).
Former AFL player Kayne Pettifer booted a match-high five goals for Nathalia, with Liam Evans also contributing four of his own to the win.
Numurkah remains in touch with the top six after defeating Rumbalara by 41 points away from home.
Rumba jumped the Blues in the opening quarter, with the home side taking an 11-point lead at the first break (30-19).
However, in what can only be described as a second-term blitz from Numurkah, the Blues piled on 8.2 for the quarter to sail out to a 32-point lead and never looked back from that point as they secured the victory.
Numurkah’s Tim Arnel caused headaches for Rumbalara’s defence, finishing the match with six goals.
The final score was, 9.7 (61) to 15.12 (102).
Finley has moved into second spot on the ladder after it defeated Deniliquin by 10 points in a thriller at home.
The home side trailed by two goals with a quarter remaining before a dominant fourth-quarter performance from Finley (4.4 to 1.0) gave the Cats their seventh win of the season.
The scoreline finished 10.9 (69) to 9.5 (59).
Cobram has defeated a defiant Barooga away from home by 14 points.
The Tigers trailed the Hawks by 11 points at half-time before a six-goal third term handed Cobram the lead, the scores finishing 11.7 (73) to 13.9 (87) in the Tigers’ favour.
Moama continued its impressive first half of the season with a 64-point win over Echuca United.
Magpies forward Danny Brewster booted a game-high four goals for his side, with the scoreline finishing 4.6 (30) to 12.22 (94).
Cadet Sports Journalist