Nathalia’s Kai Lundberg and Cobram’s Timothy Garlick.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
The Murray Football League semi-finals are locked in after Moama and Cobram progressed from elimination finals at the weekend.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Moama booked its spot first, grinding out a 10-point win over Numurkah at Hardinge Street Oval on Saturday.
The Magpies prevailed 8.9 (57) to 7.5 (47), rebounding from a one-point loss to the same opponent a week earlier.
Scores were tight at quarter-time before Numurkah edged ahead to a four-point lead at the main break.
But Moama steadied, kicking 3.3 to 1.1 in the third term to regain control.
From there, it was able to hold firm despite the Blues closing the gap late.
Cobram joined it in the next round with a 13-point victory over Nathalia on Sunday at Congupna.
The Tigers overcame a slow start, trailing by five points at quarter-time, before a game changing fourth-quarter blitz helped them to a 12.10 (82) to 10.9 (69) win.
The match was tight for long stretches, with two points separating the sides at three-quarter time.
But Cobram’s firepower and accuracy showed late, adding 4.3 in the final term while the Purples’ wayward kicking had them register a disappointing 2.4.
From here, the competition narrows further.
Moama and Cobram will meet in a cut-throat semi-final on Sunday at Numurkah Showgrounds, with the winner to advance to the preliminary final.
On the other side of the draw, minor premier Congupna and second-placed Mulwala will square off in the second semi-final at Echuca South Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
Both sides enjoyed the week off after dominant home and away campaigns, Congupna unbeaten with an 18-0 record and Mulwala not far behind at 14-4.
The numbers set the scene for a fascinating fortnight.
Congupna’s percentage of 417.49 is a staggering figure, reflecting its ability to pile on heavy scores and strangle opposition forward lines.
Meanwhile, Mulwala has put together a solid season and will be hoping to ride the September wave right through to the big dance.
Moama and Cobram face a different challenge; surviving another knockout.
The Pies’ strength this season has been their ability to win big when they’re on, with dominant victories over Deniliquin, Tongala and Barooga recently showcasing their firepower.
Saturday’s elimination final against Numurkah showed a different side, with the Magpies holding their nerve in a tighter contest to extend their season.
Meanwhile, Cobram rebounded after back-to-back losses to finish the home and away season, producing a steadier four-quarter effort to overcome Nathalia.
It also has the ability to pile it on while momentum is on its side, so don’t be surprised to see an arm wrestle at Numurkah Showgrounds this week.
With both clubs now one win away from a preliminary final, the stakes could not be higher.
7°C