Sport

Bloods' grit tested in Tungamah mud bath

By Contributed

Jul 30, 2025

The Tocumwal Bloods travelled to a waterlogged Tungamah oval to face the Bears in a contest that demanded grit, adaptability, and resilience.

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With recent rain leaving the ground heavy underfoot and swirling winds adding another layer of difficulty, the match was always going to be a test of execution and composure.

The opening quarter was promising for Tocumwal, with the Bloods matching Tungamah in intensity and effort.

The contest was fiercely competitive early, and Tocumwal looked switched on from the first bounce.

Blair Eddy provided an early spark, slotting two excellent goals despite the difficult conditions.

Around the ground, players were throwing themselves into contests and working hard to keep the ball moving forward.

The wet weather turned it into a stoppage-heavy arm-wrestle, and Tocumwal appeared ready for the challenge.

However, the second quarter saw a dramatic shift in momentum.

Tocumwal, with two players short, helped Tungamah to find their rhythm, and they made the most of every forward entry.

The Bears dominated field position and took advantage of some turnovers and lapses in structure, piling on seven unanswered goals to break the game wide open.

Tocumwal struggled to exit their defensive 50 and couldn’t generate clean entries forward.

The wet conditions made it difficult to transition the ball with pace, and Tungamah’s pressure around the ball made clean possession a rare commodity.

After the main break, Tocumwal regrouped and came out with renewed determination.

The third quarter was far more even, with Flynn Tonks snapping truly midway through the term after a strong passage of play from the midfield group.

The Bloods began to win more clearances and were more composed with ball in hand, limiting the Bears' scoring opportunities and maintaining better defensive shape.

While the scoreboard gap remained wide, Tocumwal’s effort could not be questioned.

In the final quarter, Brayden Hall added a late goal after a contested mark deep inside 50, giving the Bloods something to celebrate in the dying stages.

Though the game was out of reach by then, Tocumwal’s commitment to the contest never waned, with players continuing to fight for every possession despite the trying conditions and scoreboard pressure.

Among the best for Tocumwal was Sam Hatty, who was everywhere - tackling, running, and giving his all for four quarters.

Lachie McDonald again led from the front with strong contested work and clean ball use in the wet.

Charlie Locke was resolute down back and earned the Wingates Award for his calmness under pressure and willingness to put his body on the line.

Josh Mosman’s drive and attack on the footy did not go unnoticed, and he was rewarded with the Baldwin’s Buses Award.

Will O’Connell continued his consistent form, providing a physical presence and strong contests around the ground, earning him the Farmer's Arms Award.

Harvey White, Achoung Agog, and Maxim Mickelson also impressed with their effort and pressure, standing tall in tough conditions.

While the 70-point margin was disappointing, the playing group will take valuable lessons from the game - particularly in managing momentum swings and maintaining structure under pressure.

The Bloods will look to regroup as they return home for their next game, determined to bounce back and put together a four-quarter performance reflective of their best football.

Final score: Tocumwal 4.8 (32) def by Tungamah 16.6 (102).

Reserves

The Reserves battled tough conditions on Saturday, and remained scoreless against Tungamah.

It was a wet slosh pit in freezing weather, and while goals were difficult to come by, the noon show once again delivered some entertainment - even if not always of the football variety.

Despite the scoreboard, there were some solid efforts around the ground.

Best players: Dave Farrell, Jack Hindson, Ryan McGrath, Drew Eddy, Layne Haley, Jordy Findlay

Awards: Jack Hindson, Jordy Findlay, Drew Eddy.

Final score: Tocumwal 0.0 (0) def by Tungamah 7.14 (56).