The forecast wet weather arrived last week and these were a few upsets in Murray League Football. Congupna caused the biggest upset when they defeated the previously unbeaten Echuca United by just 4 points in a thriller.
While Nathalia recorded their 2nd victory for the season with a hard fought win over Rumbalara by 22 points.
Deni Rams produced a very solid performance to down Moama by 52 points and Mulwala moved to the top of the ladder with a comfortable 47 point victory over Cobram. In other games Finley and Numurkah both had solid victories.
Today we have some fantastic games to be played over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. Moama take on Mulwala in a must win game, Cobram 6th clash with Numurkah 5th and Tongala will be keen to inflict successive losses on Echuca United. In other games Congupna can put themselves in finals contention with a win over Barooga, Nathalia face a big challenge against Finley and Tocumwal and Rumbalara get the chance to get a much needed win on the board.
Cobram v Numurkah – Live from 1.30pm on 98.5 One FM
Cobram host Numurkah in what is a real 8 point game. The Tigers currently sit in 5th position and the Blues 6th with a number of teams breathing down their necks. The ruck clash between Adam Svarc and Chris Oliver should be a beauty. While the young Blues midfield in Beau McKeown, Nick Fothergill, Jordan O’Dwyer, Michael Herlihy and Corey Dunn will face a big challenge against the experienced Tigers midfield. Cobram have Tom Crapp, Matt Hyde, John Lucas, Tom Thorson, Daniel McIntyre, Brennan Mills and Sam Gemmill all rotating through the middle and up forward. They will be hoping Nick Tassell is available to provide much needed run from defence. The Tigers also need contributions from their young group in Ben Ryan, Harry King and Dylan Ryan. For the Blues to win their experienced players in Brent and Matt Chapman, Jack Miechel, Justin Murphy, Jake Wilkinson and Mark Brown must have big games if they are to be successful. This should be a really tight game that could go either way. The home ground advantage may just see Cobram get over the line.
Moama v Mulwala
This game could be a real shootout on the small Moama oval. Moama full forward Tyler Jones is leading the competition with 47 goals for the season and will be a real key today. The Moama midfield led by Josh Maddox, Daniel Thorp, David Ismail, Paul Nevill and Michael Sage will really need to stand up if they are to cause an upset. While Kyle Manley and Simon Maddox will have big roles to play in defence. The Lions have multiple goal scoring options in Chase Strawhorn 41 goals, Anthony Giuliano 30 and Sean Robinson 20, who will really test the Moama defence. Around the ground Mulwala have plenty of depth led by Kyle Archibald, Nick O’Bryan, Dean Bigger and Michael Duiker. At home Moama play an impressive brand of football, but Mulwala’s overall depth and class should see them home.
Tongala v Echuca United
Both these teams will be keen to get back on the winners list after losses last week. Tongala started the season full of promise but have slipped down the ladder in recent weeks after a number of injuries and losses. Their season is on the line today as another loss would see them 3 games outside the top 6. While Echuca United suffered an upset loss against Congupna and will no doubt come out a different outfit this week after coach Scott Beattie described their performance as “gutless” and ”undisciplined”. Tongala will need to shut down the dangerous Farran Priest who has been in outstanding form this season racking up a mountain of possessions in the middle and also booting 35 goals. Tonny need Jordan Souter, Jimmy Cullum, Tom Donnell, Dave Newman and Adam Lovison to stand tall and lead the way and forwards Matt Andrews, Andrew Reid and Luke McGill booting a bag full of goals. For the Eagles their quality midfield in the Priest brothers, Scott Beattie and Duane Hueston should again win plenty of the footy, but their need plenty of support to bounce back on the winners list. Defenders Ryan Prendergast and Jake Guinan should restrict the Tongala forwards and ensure an Eagles victory.
Nathalia v Finley
Nathalia bounced back to the winners list last week, but face a big challenge today against Finley. The Purples regained some injured players last week and appear a better side with Troy Snelson, Alistair Corry, Luke Quinn and Joe Richardson running around to support Jarrod Maskell, Nathan Ryan and Rhys Shannon. While their forwards in Brodie Ross, Jason Limbrick and Matt Davies are capable of kicking a match winning score on their day. The Cats are a well-balanced side with plenty of height, pace and versatility. They have Ryan Bongetti, Kamen Ogilvie, Ollie Ford, Paul Massingham, Matt Jackson and Tim Robertson in the middle and Tom Doyle, Dane Maxwell, Robb Jewell, Nick and Will Robertson are quality key position players. I expect the Purples to be competitive at home, but the Cats overall depth and class should see them home.
Tocumwal v Rumbalara
Tocumwal get their best opportunity for a while to get a win on board, when they take on Rumbalara. Both teams have been affected by injury this season, which has not helped their cause. The Bloods will play a close checking man on man brand of footy to restrict Rumba and need big performances from Dalton Sanderson, Aaron Findlay, Harry Crowe and Scott Baldwin. Rumba will rely on their run and carry from Levi Power, Ryan Hudson, Justin Terlich, Des Morgan and Michael Clarke to supply key forward Eric Edwards with enough scoring opportunities. This should be another close game of footy, but Rumba should just be in front on the final siren.
Congupna v Barooga
Congupna will go into this match chock full of confidence after their big win last week. Another win today could see them continue to climb the ladder and within reach of an unexpected finals berth. Their younger players in Daniel Bowles, Kaine Greening. Nathan Congram, Ben Hicks, Aaron Cuthbert and Lachlan Sidebottom continue to improve and contribute, while the experienced group in Mitchell Sidebottom, Matt Hodgetts, Heath Barton, Paul Simpson and Luke and Paul Kenelley continue to lead the way. Barooga will be fresh from a couple of weeks off and will come out strongly led by Ben Robbins, Sam Ryan, Zane Goodwin, Matt Hendry and Chase Saunders and their youngsters in Cal Leighton-Daly, Harry Foster and Mitch Richmann. However Congupna at home will not let this game slip and keep their finals hopes alive.
Deniliquin Bye
Selections – Mulwala, Cobram, Rumbalara, Finley, Echuca United, Congupna.
