The second half of the Murray Football League’s split round six was held at the weekend, with the match at Congupna Recreation Reserve the highlight.
Congupna hosted Numurkah on Saturday afternoon as the Blues faced an almighty challenge to find a fault in what appears to be a chink-less Roaders' armour.
Life comes at you pretty fast and Numurkah certainly learnt that lesson as Congupna piled on 6.6 in a manic opening term.
The Road then kept the Blues to one goal in the second quarter to boost their margin to a comfortable 57-16 lead as the two sides entered the sheds.
On a positive note for the visitors, Roaders gun goalslinger Kyle Mueller was kept to one major for the match — his 25th for 2025.
Congupna’s one blemish was its inaccuracy in front of the big sticks as The Road failed to put their rivals completely to the sword.
When the final whistle had been blown, Numurkah players could keep their heads held high after a valiant effort against the league's clear premiership favourite.
Congupna is a different beast this season and its players would feel like they left some goals out on the field after their 65-point 13.17 (95) to 4.6 (30) victory.
Roaders coach Ben Bingham said his side had to get their hands dirty to secure the win over the Blues.
“It was a bit of an ugly-style game yesterday if I am being honest,” Bingham said.
“They congested things a little bit, which suited them, so we had to do things a bit differently yesterday and we didn’t play our best football but I think at the end of the day you just have to win ugly at times.
“Coming away from the game, we had 30 scoring shots to 10 so we probably just didn’t convert in front of goal as well as we have in the past.”
Congupna’s coach credited his defensive unit for their intercepting ability and for limiting Numurkah to just four goals for the match.
Seasoned veteran and gun Roader Bryden Squire secured best-on-ground honours for his work as Congupna’s chief goal denier.
Numurkah young gun and Murray Bushranger Harry Hopkins was named among his side’s best in what would have been a sharp learning curve against a quality Congupna team.
With a clean bill of health and plenty of talent waiting for an opportunity in the reserves, Congupna is well poised heading into its next block of games.
The Road will face likely finals sides Mulwala, Nathalia, Deniliquin and Moama in the coming weeks.
Next weekend’s clash between Congupna and Cobram will be a must-watch fixture as the competition waits to see if the Roaders will have any true competition for the flag in 2025.
Bingham said the game will be decided in the clinches.
“It’s hard to tell (where we stand) without playing everyone,” he said.
“We have more played teams down the bottom, so we are not getting too carried away thinking it is us and then the rest.
“I think Cobram’s midfield and forward dominance with (Jackson) Trengove and the likes of a couple of their midfielders (will be a threat).
“They have a fairly tall forward line which will suit our backs.
“In the ruck is where each team will look to get on top.
“I think it has come at the right time and I think the boys are fully set and ready to go again this weekend.”
Around the grounds, Cobram suffered a shock loss to Tongala at its home ground.
The previously undefeated Tigers - and arguably The Road’s only competition - fell by 15 points to Tonny.
Tongala’s Nate Dear finished the match with a game-high three goals.
Deniliquin Rams foisted Echuca United at home to the tune of 17 points in the final split round six match.
Next weekend, Nathalia will travel to take on Echuca United, Rumbalara will host Mulwala and Numurkah will take on Moama.
