Sport
Gallery | Norman, Schaper help Congupna pummel Lions in another dominant display
Unbeaten, unbowed and, to take a line from the Robert Palmer classic, simply irresistible.
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On a cold, windswept day at Congupna Recreation Reserve, The Road showed that’s probably an apt way to describe their start to the Murray Football League season.
The Road welcomed third-placed Mulwala at the weekend for the first time since round three – a 99-point win to the former.
The top four billing attracted the pre-game expectation of a clash befitting the high-ranking status of the two clubs and the potential of a closer shootout than Congupna’s previous eight games, six of which were decided by more than 100 points.
But as it stands, The Road are one of the best teams in Country Victoria, and their historic odyssey for back-to-back flags continued unheaded, trouncing the Lions by 92 points.
Congupna withstood a spirited first-quarter push from a Lions outfit intent to make its opposition earn its touches, putting the foot down in the second for a half-time lead of 46 points.
That extended to more than 10 goals at the final change, with Mulwala only mustering three goals in the 17.13 (115) to 3.5 (23) result.
Congupna coach Ben Bingham knows the competition is gunning heavily for his side, as evidenced by the physical opening stanza.
“One thing we've been consistent with in our messages (is that) teams are always going to come and bring the heat,” Bingham said.
“With that first quarter and with a quality team like this, we knew they were going to withstand that pressure.
“It was hot early, as we expected; they are a contested-based team and conditions suited that as well.
“It was a bit of an arm wrestle early, but we were able to break the game open in that second half.”
Dan Schaper (five goals) and Sam Buxton combined for eight goals in the absence of Kyle Mueller, while industrious midfielder Jack Norman collected plenty of the football to punish the opposing Lions.
Hugo Ingham’s sharp snap to open the scoring came against the backdrop of a spiteful first quarter, one that had two down-field free kicks converted for both teams.
Schaper’s three-goal second quarter – including an after-siren set shot — and fine work at ground level from Charlie Mellington and Sam Poole wrenched the game away from Mulwala, which found only one goal through Zach Scott.
The mercury dropped sharply at half-time and, while Mulwala was well-served by Nathan McNair, Zach Scott and Lachlan Rouel, it was all one-way traffic.
Norman got in on the action with two goals, while Buxton seemed to clunk everything coming his way down forward, finishing the game with three.
Jak Trewin marked his 100-game milestone with two of his own as Congupna threatened another triple-figure belting, but would instead need to be content with another big win over a flag rival.
It’s one that carries Congupna to an unrivalled 9-0 record and a percentage of 561 halfway through the season.
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Congupna's Will Norman and Mulwala's Jackson Meade leap into the aerial contest. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 7
Jordan Gee looks ahead for a teammate. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 7
Congupna's Sam Buxton battles two Mulwala opponents. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 7
Congupna's Thomas McClusky and Mulwala's Kyal Tyson say hello. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 7
Congupna's Cody Di Bella fires off a handball. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 7
Daniel Schaper and Charlie Mellington wrap up Mulwala's Lachlan Rouel. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 7
James Boyer waits for his moment. Photo by Megan FisherSo, what’s been the secret to The Road’s dominant start?
“One thing we really pride ourselves on is our depth,” Bingham said.
“A lot of teams have always got the gun five or six players, but we really pride ourselves on being even across the board.
“Our 21st player is very strong and there are a lot of one-on-one contests out here.
“I think that's what our real strength is at the moment; I’ve got a lot of confidence in everyone out in the ground there.”
Down the highway, Nathalia extended its winning streak to three, defeating Tongala by 16 points as star Purples spearhead Liam Evans’ five-goal haul lifted him halfway to the century, now at 54 for the third-placed Nathalia.
Meanwhile, Moama’s continues to have Echuca United’s measure in the Three Jacks Cup, extending its winning streak to 10 games after brushing the Eagles aside to the tune of 95 points.
Khy Stovell booted six goals, while Jack Harland, Jake Ellery, Lachlan Carmody were also influential for the second-placed Pies, who boast a record of 8-1.
Jarrod Holmes also enjoyed a half-dozen haul in tandem with stellar performances from Kade and Jordan O’Dwyer in Numurkah’s 15.8 (98) to 4.10 (34) win over Rumbalara, a timely one that keeps the Blues, two games outside the top six, in the race for finals.
Their competition for the coveted sixth spot, Deniliquin, made amends for defeat at the hands of a Tom Hawkins-inspired Finley in round three by flipping the script on the Cats to the tune of 48 points.
Sam Willoughby (three goals) and Angus Durnan were influential.