There were some interesting results in Murray League Football last week. Numurkah scored a much needed victory over fellow finals aspirants Moama. Mulwala were made to work extremely hard to gain the 4 points against Deni Rams and Nathalia pushed Echuca United for 3 quarters before eventually going down by 26 points. In other matches Finley, Cobram and Tongala all recorded comfortable victories.
This week the big games are at Cobram where the 4th placed Tigers clash with the Finley Cats who are in 3rd position on the ladder. Then at Deniliquin where the Rams 5th take on Numurkah 6th. While Tongala and Congupna clash to see who can keep their finals hopes alive.
Cobram v Finley
Both these teams appear to be definite finals participants, so while the 4 points on offer are important, the victor could gain a physiological advantage for later in the season. The Tigers appear to be gaining some momentum after a string of injuries. They have a number of goal scoring options in John Lucas, Tom Thorson, Dylan Ryan, Ben Ryan and Dean Norris. While recruits Daniel McIntyre, Matt Campbell and Will Patone are starting to fit in and make a real contribution. The experienced group of Matt Hyde, Tom Crapp, Adam Svarc and Nick Tassell continue to win plenty of the footy and lead the way.
The Cats have also been gathering momentum as the season goes on. The have a fabulous on ball brigade led by Ryan Bongetti, Ollie Ford, Tim Robertson, Matt Jackson and Kamen Ogilvie. While Paul Massingham, Marcus Jackson, Reid Crowe, Tom Doyle and Dane Maxwell are all capable of being match winners.
This should be a really close hard fought battle but Finley may just get over the line.
Deniliquin v Numurkah
Deni Rams host Numurkah in what is a massive game for both teams. Victory by Numurkah would see them climb above the Rams on ladder. While a loss to the Blues could see them clinging to 6th spot by percentage.
The Rams really pushed top side Mulwala last week and will be keen for a similar effort today. Ash Morris continues to play well each week, Nick Howe, Jayden Pitts and Dan Jordan will have big jobs in defence. Forwards Brayden Hall, Troy Bartlett, Hayden Barker and Josh Whelan keep giving the Rams a target and Anthony Bull, Ricky Gittens, Blair Whelan and Matt Connors provide strength and run around the contests.
Numurkah will look to the experienced Mark Brown and Brent Chapman to boot their goals with support around the ground from Justin Murphy and Chris Arnold. While the youngsters in Beau McKeown, Nick Fothergill, Mitch Jones and Corey Dunn should enjoy the big Deni ground. At home I think the Rams should just get over the line.
Moama v Rumbalara
Moama need to bounce back on the winners list today to keep their finals hopes alive. They need big games from leading goal kicker Tyler Jones and midfielders Josh Maddox and Daniel Thorp. While Jake Kilmartin, Lachie Schultz, Paul Van der Sluys and David Ismail will give them valuable support. Rumbalara can’t be underestimated with Eric Edwards, Levi Power, Justin Terlich, Ryan Hudson and Ash Miller capable of having big games and causing an upset. Moama should keep their finals hopes alive and take the 4 points on offer.
Tocumwal v Echuca United
Tocumwal again face a massive challenge when they take on 2nd placed Echuca United. The Eagles welcomed back Guy Campbell and Duane Hueston from injury last week and Damian Dalziel is almost ready to rejoin them. The Eagles midfield in Scott Beattie, Farran and Rowan Priest and Brynn Barnes-Webb should control the midfield and give their forwards plenty of scoring opportunities. When Toc do venture forward Ryan Prendergast and Jake Guinan will make scoring difficult.
The Bloods will continue to give their all and battle hard led by Dalton Sanderson, Dave Farrell, Aaron Finlay, Daniel Carey, Adrian Hickey and Aaron Morham. On the final siren the Eagles should be comfortable victors.
Nathalia v Barooga
Nathalia host Barooga in a game both sides would see as a winning opportunity. The Hawks have yet to taste success in 2013 and will look to Chase Saunders, Ben and Sean Robbins, James Hazelman and Sam Ryan to get them over the line.
While The Purples will be buoyed by their performance last week and Brodie Ross, Matt Davies and Jason Limbrick shape as their match winners. The performances of their young players in Tom Nihill and Bowen Smith was impressive and Adam Hickey, Wade Hicks and Craig Whyte continue to give their all.
This shapes as a close game, but the home ground may just see the Purples sneak home.
Tongala v Congupna
In the final match Tongala host Congupna in a crucial game for both clubs. A victory by either team would keep their finals hopes alive. Tongala found some form last week with Andrew Reid, Matt Andrews and Jordan Souter providing the goals up forward. While Jimmy Cullum, Dave Newman and Luke McGill worked hard around the ground.
Congupna will be freshened for the bye and will look to Daniel Bowles, Kaine Greening, Luke and Paul Kenelley and Mitch Sidebottom to get them home.
This should be another close hard fought game, but Congupna should just sneak over the line.
Mulwala Bye
Selections – Deniliquin, Moama, Finley, Echuca United, Nathalia, Congupna.
