Mulwala Lions seniors were overrun by Tongala in the dying stages of the final quarter. Photos: Tyce Woodhead
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Tyce Woodhead
Seniors
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Mulwala 7.19 61 def by Tongala 9.13 67
Goals: S. Robinson 2, W. Cookson 1, Z. Scott 1, O. Elliott 1, N. McNair 1, D. Flanagan 1,
Best: D. McNamara, O. Elliott, L. Rouel, M. Holgate, S. Robinson, O. Conway
A wayward Mulwala has been left to deal with missed opportunities after Tongala escaped with a six-point win in the opening week of the Murray Football League finals at Moama Recreation Reserve.
The Lions entered the clash as favourites after winning both meetings between the sides during the regular season but struggled to make the most of their chances in front of goal as their season came to an agonising end.
A tense opening term saw both sides battle to find their rhythm, with each managing just 1.4 to leave the scores level at quarter-time.
Mulwala began to find its groove in the second term, booting three of the first four majors to open an 11-point lead.
But despite controlling large periods of the quarter, the Lions were unable to capitalise on their opportunities, allowing Tongala back into the contest.
The Blues kicked four of the next five goals to turn the momentum around and take a 6.8 (44) to 5.10 (40) lead into half-time.
Tongala then produced its best football of the afternoon in the third term, keeping Mulwala goalless while adding 3.3 to extend its advantage to 21 points at the final change.
The margin left the Lions with a mountain to climb, but Mulwala refused to surrender.
The Lions had their opportunities but failed to convert in front of goals.
Just as it had when the sides met three weeks earlier in round 18, the Lions produced a stirring late charge, threatening to repeat their remarkable comeback.
On that occasion, Mulwala overturned a 26-point three-quarter-time deficit to win by 20 points, and history almost repeated itself at Moama.
Tongala came under immediate pressure at the start of the final term, but Mulwala's inaccuracy again proved costly as the Lions missed each of their first four scoring shots.
Eventually, the breakthrough came.
Two Mulwala goals brought the margin back to just five points at 66-61 midway through the quarter, with enough time remaining for the Lions to complete another remarkable turnaround.
But despite throwing everything at the Blues, Mulwala could not find the goal it needed.
Tongala managed just one behind in the final 10 minutes, but it was enough as Mulwala's earlier misses came back to haunt it.
The Lions finished with 7.19 (61) to Tongala's 9.13 (67), bowing out of the finals despite having more than enough opportunities to keep their season alive.
Under 17s
Mulwala 12.15 87 def Nathalia 1.2 8
Goals: S. O’Bryan, B. Dodd, L. Purtle 2, N. Leith, T. Parker, H. Cooper, N. Mcnamara, L. Cooper, N. Saunders, 1
Best: Harley Cooper, Fletcher Woodhead, Levi Purtle, Archer Kirchen, Jack Butler and Hugo Varndell.
Mulwala’s Under 17s have kept their finals campaign alive with an outstanding 79-point elimination final victory over Nathalia.
With their season on the line, the young Lions arrived ready to play and came out firing from the opening bounce.
Their pressure, teamwork and determination were evident from the beginning, allowing them to take control of the game and prevent Nathalia from settling into the contest.
Mulwala continued to work hard for one another throughout the afternoon. The boys moved the ball well, supported their teammates and maintained their intensity right through to the final siren.
Holding Nathalia to just one goal was a great reflection of the effort and commitment shown by the entire team.
It was a complete team performance, with every player contributing to a win the boys, coaches, families and supporters can be extremely proud of.
It was a fantastic reward for the hard work the group has put in throughout the season and a memorable way to progress through the first week of the finals.
The challenge now continues, with Mulwala set to face Deniliquin on Sunday, September 6, at Cobram. The boys would love to see plenty of Mulwala supporters on the sidelines as they look to continue their exciting finals campaign.
Netball
B Grade
Mulwala 57 def Echuca United 40
No Report Submitted
C Grade
Mulwala 33 def by Nathalia 36
A tough and hard-fought elimination final from start to finish. The girls showed plenty of fight and determination, competing hard across all four quarters and refusing to give up.
Their defensive pressure was strong, creating some great opportunities and forcing turnovers, but unfortunately, they weren’t always able to capitalise when it mattered. A few costly errors and missed opportunities made the difference in a tightly contested game.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives to take away. The effort, commitment and belief shown by the team were outstanding, and everyone continued to work for each other right until the final siren.
The team could be proud of the way they competed and of the season they put together.
Under 15s
Mulwala 35 def by Tongala 37
A see-sawing contest saw the Lions match it with Tongala throughout the day, with neither side able to gain a decisive advantage.
The game remained in the balance before heading into extra time, giving the Lions another chance to keep their season alive.
But the Blues proved just that little bit stronger when it mattered most, edging two goals clear in the extra period to come away with a tight two-goal victory.
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