Last week saw some very big results in Murray League Football. Numurkahkept their position in the top 6 with a hard fought 26 point victory over Deni Rams at Deniliquin. Finley all but guaranteed a top 3 finish with a comfortable 42 point victory over fellow finals aspirants Cobram.
While Moama and Congupna kept their finals hopes alive with victories over Rumbalara and Tongala respectively. In other games Nathalia surprised with a massive 131 point over a disappointing Barooga, and Echuca United moved to the top of the ladder with a big win over Tocumwal.
With only 7 games left for the 2013 season, things are really starting to hot up in the run home to the finals. The top 3 sides appear guaranteed of a finals spot. While only 4 points separates 5 teams fighting for the remaining 3 positions. Today we see a number of very interesting games, with a number of teams fighting for a spot in the top 6 playing each other.
Echuca United v Cobram
Cobram currently in 4th position face a massive challenge when they travel to Echuca United to take on the ladder leaders. The Tigers have suffered some injuries to key players in recent weeks in John Lucas, Nick Tassell and Brennan Mills. On the other hand the Eagles have regained Guy Campbell and a number of others have recently returned through the reserves. The key to this battle will be the midfield where the Eagles star studded line up of Scott Beattie, Farran and Rowan Priest take on the Tigers Tom Crapp, Matt Hyde and Sam Gemmill. Up forward the Eagles now have a number of options in Campbell, Duane Hueston and Cam Parker. Tiger defenders Simon Rudd, Mark Pennycuick and Phil Bourke will be in for an extremely tough day. At the other end Tom Thorson will be the Tigers main target with support from Dylan and Ben Ryan and Daniel McIntyre, but Eagles defenders Ryan Prendergast, Jake Guinan and Daniel Barwick are in good form. If the Tigers are to cause an upset they need big games from Logan Morey, Will Patone, Adam Svarc and Blake Hicks. However, at home the Eagles should get the job done.
Numurkah v Mulwala
Numurkah 5th host the 2nd placed Mulwala in another massive game. The Blues also need to cause an upset to consolidate a position in the top 6. Their youngsters in Mitch Jones, Nick Fothergill, Corey Dunn, Tim Arnel and Dylan Grandell continue to make valuable contributions and the experienced Chris Oliver, Mark Brown and Brent Chapman are leading the way. The Lions have plenty of experience and class through the middle led by Sean Robinson, Nick O’Bryan, Michael Duiker, Kyle Archibald and Dean Bigger. While up forward they have dangerous options in Anthony Giuliano, Chase Saunders, Dylan Robinson and Cam Symes. The Blues have showed plenty of promise in recent weeks, but the Lions should be too strong on the final siren.
Rumbalara v Deniliquin
Deni Rams make the long trek to Rumbalara desperately looking to get back on the winners list. The Rams also have some injury concerns with Troy Bartlett likely to miss and Ollie Draffin and Brayden Hall also doubtful. They need big games from Ash Morris, Nick Howe, Anthony Bull, Ricky Gittens and Blair Whelan, while Josh Whelan and Hayden Barker will need to step up and cover their injured forwards. Rumbalara need big games from forwards Eric Edwards and Graham Weston, while Ryan Hudson, Des Morgan, Levi Power, Justin Terlich and Rex Taylor will ensure the Rams don’t get everything their own way. If the Rams are to play finals this year they must win today.
Finley v Moama – Live on 98.5 OneFM
Moama travel to Finley in another must win game. They sit in 7th position just 4 points outside the top 6. For Moama to win they need massive games from forwards Tyler Jones and Jake Kilmartin and midfielders Josh Maddox, Daniel Thorp and David Ismail. While the likely return of ruckman Michael Sage to assist Paul Nevill take on Cats big men Tim Robertson and Dane Maxwell will be a bonus. The Cats also have a quality and potent midfield with plenty of options in Ryan Bongetti, Matt and Marcus Jackson, Reid Crowe, Kamen Ogilvie and Paul Massingham. Moama will be extremely desperate for the 4 points with their season on the line, but the Cats should prove too good on their home deck.
Barooga v Tocumwal
The Leagues 2 winless teams for 2013 get the opportunity for a much need victory. Barooga were extremely disappointing last week being smashed by 131 points, while the Bloods have also slipped in recent weeks after some competitive performances earlier in the season. The Hawks will need to bounce back strongly this week starting in the middle with Matt Hendry, Ben Robins and Sam Ryan. While around the ground Chase Saunders, Zane Goodwin and James Hazelman will be extremely important and Ben Ryan should be a valuable inclusion. For the Bloods Dalton Sanderson could be a match winner with support from Harry Crowe, Aaron Findlay, Jacob Hore, Daniel Carey and Jeremy Cardillo. While veterans Kenny Chellew and Scott Baldwin will again give their all for the cause. This should be a close game with one team getting to sing their theme song loudly, and it may just be Barooga.
Congupna v Nathalia
Congupna also sitting just 4 points outside the top 6, get the opportunity to creep a little closer when they take on Nathalia. The Road had a solid victory over Tongala last week and will be keen to build on that today. Kaine Greening has been in great touch along with Paul and Luke Kenelley, Daniel Bowles and Mitch Sidebottom. While a couple of veterans in Matt Hodgetts and Heath Barton are dangerous around goals. Their younger players in Aaron Cuthbert, Braden Lambert and Nathan Congram have also been valuable contributors. The Purples will be confident after their big win last week with Brodie Ross, Matt Davies, Adam Hickey, Jason Limbrick and Alistair Corry all playing well. Their youngsters in Rhys Shannon, Tom Nihill and Bowen Smith have also been impressive. In what should be a fairly close game Congupna should just sneak home.
Tongala Bye
Selections – Echuca United, Mulwala, Deniliquin, Finley, Barooga, Congupna.
By Neale Hawks