Moama falls by the barest of margins

Despite leading at every change, Moama was overcome in the final term by a persistent Congupna outfit, with the Magpies falling 13.3 (81) to 12.10 (82).

The loss is the second in as many weeks in which Moama has been beaten by less than a kick, having fallen to Nathalia by five points in round seven.

But while the Magpies had been on the back foot early and forced to work themselves back into contention against the Purples, it was a complete turnaround against the Road, flying out to a massive lead in the first term.

A flawless performance in front of goal meant Moama skipped out to a 7.0 (42) to 2.4 (16) lead at the first break and looked to have stunned Congupna, whose previous biggest deficit at quarter-time this season had been just five points.

Yet the Road fired back in the second term, halving the 26-point margin to just 13 by the main break after restricting the home side to just 1.1 and put themselves right back in the game.

Moama’s grip on the contest loosened further after half-time, despite kicking three goals in the third term, as the Road again cut the margin to just seven points with a quarter to play.

The final term would once again bring heartbreak for Moama as Congupna, led by consecutive goals to Kyle Mueller — his fourth and fifth of the match — hit the front by a single point.

Another late goal saw the visitors lead by seven, before a Josh Pell goal for Moama with 23 minutes gone cut the margin back to just one point, however Congupna did just enough to stave off the Magpie fightback to claim the contest by the barest of margins.

The dramatic finale was befitting of the two sides, which are both considered strong challengers for the title come September.

While the loss is obviously disappointing for Moama, the side will no doubt be buoyed by the fact it has shown the ability to be in contention against the top-tier sides in the league.

The goal-kickers list will be a positive for the Magpies too, with 10 individual players hitting the scoresheet, topped by Mitch Bell, Mitch Lake and Tom Holman, who each slotted two majors.

Holman’s impressive body of work this season was strengthened by another week as Moama’s best, while Josh Kennedy, skipper Jack Russell, Dougal McKindlay, Jack Sheldon and Liam Barrett were also strong contributors.

Despite giving up two narrow losses inside two weeks, Moama remains third on the Murray league ladder with a 5-3 record, although it will drop to fourth next week if Finley (5-2), who has a game in hand due to the split round, defeats Tongala.

Congupna (7-1) remains a game clear on top, ahead of back-to-back reigning premier Mulwala (6-2), who has made a resurgence after losing two of its first three games this season.

Moama will enjoy next weekend off as the second half of the split round is completed, before facing Echuca United at Echuca South Recreation Reserve in a King’s Birthday weekend round nine fixture.