Congupna's Wil Norman rises to the challenge on route to victory.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Congupna has further tightened its grip on top spot in the Murray Football League, extending its unbeaten start to the season to nine matches with a commanding 25-point victory over Mulwala.
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The Road entered round ten in confident mood and, despite an early challenge from the Lions, the all-conquering side found a way to assert its authority when the contest was there to be won.
Mulwala made the brighter start down at Memorial Park booting three first-quarter goals to take a 10-point advantage into the opening break.
With Mitch Tyson causing headaches inside forward 50 and the visitors bringing strong early intensity, the ladder leaders were forced onto the back foot.
But as they have done throughout 2026, Congupna responded.
The home side gradually wrestled back control through the middle stages of the contest, producing a dominant second quarter that yielded 5.7 while restricting Mulwala to just 1.3.
Bryden Squire sparked the surge with consecutive majors, while Sam Barbuto and Billy Cooper also found the goals as The Road turned a 10-point deficit into a 12-point halftime lead.
From there, Congupna's class began to shine through, as Daniel Schaper put in a virtuoso display after the main break, booting two third-quarter goals as the hosts steadily stretched their advantage.
Mulwala refused to wilt, with Tyson continuing to lead the charge and helping trim the margin to 11 points late in the third term, but every challenge was met by the competition leaders.
When the game was there to be won in the final quarter, Congupna delivered the decisive blows as Schaper added his third major before Ben Fulford kicked two late goals to put the result beyond doubt and seal an 11.16 (82) to 8.9 (57) victory.
Schaper finished with three goals for the winners, while Fulford and Squire each added two in a balanced attacking performance.
Billy Cooper, Robbie Mifka and Samuel Poole also hit the scoreboard as Congupna showcased the spread of contributors that has underpinned its perfect start to the season.
For Mulwala, Tyson was a standout with four goals and was ably supported by Cameron Wild, William Cookson, Zach Scott, Brodie Tyson and Josh Tonna.
The result sees Congupna improve to a flawless 9-0 record and further cement its hegemony atop the Murray Football League ladder, with the Road continuing to set the standard as the season approaches its midpoint.
Next up, the title chasers will face off against Deniliquin Rams away at Hardinge Street Oval in round 11 on June 13.
Around the grounds, second-placed Nathalia sent out a message to frontrunners Congupna with a convincing 33-point win over Tongala, 15.6 (96) to 9.9 (63).
Moama edged out Echuca United in a low-scoring encounter, prevailing by nine points, while Finley produced one of the performances of the round in a 67-point demolition of Deniliquin Rams.
It was Cobram delivered the biggest statement of all, though as the Tigers piled on 17.14 (116) to maul Numurkah by 70 points.
