Five-time reigning Murray Football League premier Nathalia registered its first win of the season at the weekend, besting Finley 12.11 (83) to 7.10 (52) at Nathalia Recreation Reserve.
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Coming into this clash on the back of four crushing losses, the Purples recaptured some of the form that has seen them dominate the competition for the past decade, with a five-goal opening term setting up the pivotal victory.
In a victory that sees the side climb off the bottom rungs of the table, Nathalia coach Mal Barnes said it was a fantastic feeling to belt out the song again after a tough first month.
“It is a great feeling (to win), we obviously have a younger list this year so it is really good for them and their confidence,” Barnes said.
“I think there was more people inside the circle than outside of it (when we were singing the song), so it was just good to see the smiles on those younger guys faces and give them that reward.”
With five thirds players helping make up the side, Barnes said it was fantastic to see the club’s youth shine through and successfully showcase the game plan he is trying to build.
“We really honed in on our opportunities this week, after struggling with our kicking, that was a real focus of ours to put a bit of scoreboard pressure on and we did it in that first quarter,” he said.
“We’ve been trying to play a bit of a different brand of footy this year, being very free-flowing and flicking the ball around, so we take a heap of confidence knowing that we can sustain it on game day.”
For the Purples, Chris Brown was the star of the day, dominating through the midfield, while up forward it was Alex Hicks that did the damage with four majors.
A victory that sees them rise to eighth on the ladder, the Purples will be hoping to continue their improved form as they welcome ladder-leader Cobram next weekend.
Elsewhere, Deniliquin Rams continued their undefeated start to season 2022, triumphing over a gallant Congupna 12.8 (80) to 9.11 (65) in a see-sawing contest at Hardinge Street Oval.
In what was their biggest test of the season to date, the Rams got away to a quick start, piling on five opening-quarter goals to skip away to a 19-point lead at the first change.
But as they have done all year, the Road fought back, dominating the second term to take a slender one-point advantage into the main break.
Set-up for a thrilling finish, the home side regained ascendancy in the third to get out to a two-goal lead, before hanging on in the final term in what was an exhilarating display of Murray League football.
Angus Durnan was the star of the show for Deniliquin, kicking four goals in a powerful performance up forward, while the likes of Charlie Hillier, John Anstee and Clay Howe continued their good form.
For the visitors, Jimmy Boyer was in everything through the midfield, while Daniel Schaper was the man up forward booting four goals.
Tongala continued its winning ways, scraping past a brave Numurkah outfit, 7.17 (59) to 4.6 (30), on its Tongala Recreation Reserve home deck.
Once again falling victim to inaccurate kicking, the Blues’ stars stood up in the big moments to ensure their undefeated record stayed in tact for another week.
Dominic Watt was the standout performer for the home side, while Bryce Denham, Coby McCarthy and Cameron Ilett were also prolific.
For Numurkah, Shane Miller, Kade O’Dwyer, Charlie Hill and Braydon Sutton were all gallant in the loss.
Mulwala were far too good for Echuca United, prevailing 16.17 (113) to 2.1 (13) at Lonsdale Oval.
Recording their fifth consecutive win, the Lions had winners all over the park, with Matthew Gorman (four goals), Thomas Wilson (four goals), Bradley Wilson and Jackson Gash particularly impressive.
Dane Leyden, Mitchell Lourey and Lachlan Carmody fought the good fight for the Eagles.
A five-goal haul by Dylan Joyce lifted Moama to a spirited 11.16 (82) to 8.7 (55) win over Barooga at Moama Recreation Reserve.
Leading proceedings from start-to-finish, the Magpies always managed to keep the Hawks at bay, who to their credit put in one of their best performances of the season to date.
Nicholas Pavlou provided great support for Joyce up forward, kicking three majors in a best-on-ground performance, while Joshua Vick, Joshua Pell and Jack Russell were also prolific.
Callum Leighton Daly, William Clarke, Peter Francis and Riley Gow were the best for Barooga.
Cobram rounded out the weekend’s Murray League action with a thumping 21.24 (150) to 1.3 (9) win over Rumbalara.
Darcy Pridham-McCormack stole the headlines for the Tigers, kicking seven goals, while Beasely duo Sam and Will were at their damaging best all day long.
MMG sports reporter