Last week saw some very interesting results in Murray League Football. Numurkah led all day in their game against Tongala, but Tonny despite poor kicking for goal hit the front at the 29 minute mark of the final term to get up in a thriller. Moama showed they are genuine finals contenders with a hard fought 27 point victory over the previously undefeated Cobram.
While Congupna took home the Unity Cup with a 36 point victory over Rumbalara. In other games Mulwala defeated Nathalia by 52 points, Deni Rams thumped Tocumwal by 91 points and Finley handed Barooga its biggest defeat of the season, with a massive 167 point victory.
Today we have some big games where the 4 points will be crucial, especially the Cobram (3rd) v Deni Rams (4th) game. While Finley (6th), Numurkah (7th), Tongala (8th) and Congupna (9th) need the 4 points on offer or they could find themselves missing finals action this season.
Cobram v Deniliquin
Cobram suffered their first loss in 2013 last week and will be keen to bounce back strongly today against Deniliquin at home. The Tigers still have some injury concerns to key players, but Tom Thorson, John Lucas, Brennan Mills, Sam Gemmill, Nick Tassell and Tom Crapp will again be crucial players in their quest for victory. The Rams have Ash Morris in great touch in the middle and up forward and he is receiving great support from Ricky Gittens and Ollie Draffin. While Beau Close, Brayden Hall and Blair Whelan will also look to have an influence in the Rams forward half. This game could go either way, but I just favour the Tigers on their home ground in a close one.
Congupna v Finley
Congupna face a big challenge today at home when they take on Finley. The Road need the 4 points if they have any hopes of participating in the finals this season. While Finley will be full of confidence after a massive 28 goal victory last week over Barooga. The Cats have plenty of goal kicking options in Dane Maxwell, Reid Crowe, Tim Robertson, Tom Doyle and Cam Robertson, While Ryan Bongetti, Ollie Ford, Kamen Ogilvie and Paul Massingham will win plenty of the footy through the middle. The Road will look to Matt Hodgetts and Mitch Sidebottom for their goals with support from Luke and Paul Kenelley, Daniel Bowles, Ben Hicks, Kaine Greening and Heath Barton. Congupna will put up a real fight of their home deck, but the Cats should be too big and much too strong.
Barooga v Echuca United
Barooga are looking down the barrel of another massive loss when they host ladder leaders Echuca United today. The Eagles had the chance to freshen up last week with the bye and will come out firing today. Farran and Rowan Priest, Scott Beattie and Duane Hueston will prove a real handful for the Hawks. Barooga rely heavily on Luke Jarjoura to boot the majority of their goals and the Eagles will look to shut him down through Jake Guinan and Ryan Prendergast. The Hawks need big games from Dylan Brooks, Chase Saunders, Ben Robbins, Kieran Hill and Mitch Richmann if they are to be competitive. The Eagles should remain undefeated for 2013 with a comfortable victory.
Nathalia v Numurkah
Long-time rivals Nathalia and Numurkah clash in what should be an entertaining game of football. The Blues have some quality players the Purples will need to watch closely in Chris Oliver, Justin Murphy, Jake Wilkinson, Matt Chapman and Mark Brown. While their youngsters in Tim Arnel, Beau McKeown, Matt Smyth and Mitch Jones continue to improve and provide plenty of run. The Purples need big games from their tall timber in Brodie Ross, Jason Limbrick, Jarrod Maskell and Ian Fulton if they are to cause an upset. While Matt Davies is always dangerous around goals and Nathan Ryan, Alistair Corry and Mal Barnes will win their fair share of the footy. At home I expect the Purples to be competitive, but the Blues should take the points.
Tongala v Rumbalara
Tongala get a big opportunity today to get another win on the board when they clash with Rumbalara. They staged a big fight back last week and should take that confidence into today. James Nanopoulos, Jimmy Cullum, Jordan Souter and Tom Donnell will again be key play makers, with Matt Andrews, Andrew Reid, Luke McGill and Adam Nunn providing the targets up forward. For Rumba Eric Edwards is always dangerous around goals and Levi Power, Rex Hudson, Des Morgan and Dalton Guthrie will win plenty of the footy. Tonny have too much to play for and should be victorious.
Tocumwal v Mulwala
In the final match of the round Tocumwal face a massive challenge when they take on Mulwala. The Lions should have too many match winners all over the ground led by Sean Robinson, Anthony Giuliano, Chase Strawhorn, Kyle Archibald and James Wilson. While the Bloods will look to Dalton Sanderson, Aaron Findlay, Aaron Morham, Harry Crowe and David Farrell to restrict the Lions from having a massive victory.