The 15.7 (97) to 10.5 (65) loss was as admirable a loss as they come — and toiling away in the guts during his 300th Numurkah appearance was none other than Paul Collins.
At 40 years of age, no less.
Blues coach Sean Harrap was quick to praise the veteran, speaking of the accountable nature he has brought to Numurkah since first throwing on the guernsey.
“I’ve known him for quite a while, he is a great asset on and off the field for the club,” Harrap said.
“With the situation we’re in, he has come in and played an important role in the ruck this season.
“You know what you’re getting with him each week.”
Collins and co now dust themselves off and prepare for a trip across state lines.
Moama awaits and, though the Magpies have not won in close to a month, Harrap is expecting anything but a four-point handover.
“We’re looking forward to getting over to Moama, it’s always tough going there, so we will have to focus on our continuity and consistency across four quarters,” he said.
“We’ll continue to work on our attack and defence and hopefully come away with the chocolates.”
● Nathalia and Cobram will do battle in a game which could have major finals repercussions.
Cobram is coming off an easy win against Echuca United, while Nathalia looks to return to winning ways after a narrow loss against Rumbalara.
If the Purples defeat Cobram, then other results pending, they could move up to third spot on the ladder.
Another with finals repercussions is the bout between Congupna and Mulwala.
Mulwala made easy work of last-placed Finely last week, but this match will not be as straight forward for the Lions.
Congupna came out an 18-point winner against Barooga last week and will look to bring that winning momentum into this game.
Rumbalara and Deniliquin face off in a game that looks to be close on paper.
Deniliquin is only a game behind Rumbalara on the ladder and both are coming off wins last week against Moama and Nathalia, respectively.
They’ll both be looking to consolidate a finals position through a win in this game.
Tongala is out to extend the lead on top of the ladder, while finals aspirant Barooga may want to contain Blues spearhead Darren Ewing, who booted 11 goals the last time the two sides met.
Finally, cellar dwellers Echuca United and Finley will look to gain bragging rights over the other in their game at Finley Recreation Reserve.
● Ben Andonoudis is currently completing work experience with The News.
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