Mulwala 3.1, 5.3, 8.4, 10.5 (65) def Tongala 1.3, 5.3, 6.5, 8.5 (53)
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Goals: B. Seymour 5, M. Leith 1, D. Flanagan 1, L. Rouel 1, N. McNair 1, J. Mackinnon 1.
Best: M. Holgate, K. Tyson, O. Elliott, B. Seymour, Z. Scott, T. Dow.
Mulwala Lions produced a strong four-quarter performance to overcome a defiant Tongala Blues at Lonsdale Reserve on Saturday.
The Blues travelled to Mulwala to meet the Lions as part of a bunched top six contingent looking to cement their spot before the general bye on July 4.
Accuracy proved the difference in the first term, as the Blues missed two opportunities to post the opening goal before eventually getting on the board late in the term, while the Lions capitalised on their forward entries, kicking three.
Tongala fought back in the second, with a pair of quick-fire Jack Hammond goals getting his side to the lead, and a battling quarter ended with the teams locked at 33 at the half.
The Blues jumped back to the lead with the first major after the break, but the Lions answered the challenge and reeled off three consecutive goals to hold a tenuous 11-point lead at the final change.
Tongala twice fought within a goal in the last term, but Mulwala responded on each occasion, securing a 12-point victory.
Beau Seymour was busy up forward, snagging five goals, but the work from players up the ground kept the ball rebounding into the Lions’ forward.
Max Holgate claimed best-on-ground honours, while Kyal Tyson, Tom Dow and Oscar Elliott kept busy around the ground.
Mulwala travels away this Saturday to take on fellow finals contender Numurkah in what will be a good test for the Lions.
Reserves
Mulwala 2.0, 3.0, 3.2, 4.4 (28) def by Tongala 1.6, 2.10, 4.13, 8.14 (62)
Goals: D. Cornish 2, B. Sissons 1, N. Thrower 1.
Best: J. Wheeler, B. Johnson, J. Brennan, B. Sissons, H. Lonergan, J. Tysoe.
The Mulwala Reserves took on Tongala on Saturday in conditions that could only be described as absolutely putrid.
With rain falling sideways and the ground resembling a rice paddy, both teams were forced to adapt their game plans from football to survival.
The Lions started strongly, matching Tongala early and giving supporters false hope, a proud Mulwala tradition.
Unfortunately, Tongala decided they would rather win the game and slowly pulled away as the afternoon wore on.
Jaxen Wheeler spent the day covering so much ground that Google Maps briefly mistook him for a major road.
Brock Johnson found plenty of the football, although in the conditions it was often difficult to tell whether he was picking up a Sherrin or a wet sponge.
Jye Brennan attacked every contest with the enthusiasm of a bloke who had been told there was a cash prize at the end.
Opposition players quickly learnt that, if Jye was nearby, personal space was no longer an option.
Hunter Lonergan worked tirelessly all afternoon and was involved in so many contests that Tongala players were reportedly asking if he was allowed to have a substitute.
Meanwhile, Jack Tysoe threw himself into everything that moved and a couple of things that did not.
Up forward, Dave Cornish slotted two goals and looked so dangerous that Tongala defenders started following him into end-of-quarter huddles.
Beau Sissons added one major and briefly convinced the crowd a miracle comeback was brewing.
Nathan Thrower chipped in with a goal of his own while continuing to wear a track up and down the wing all day.
As the game wore on, Tongala’s lead grew, although its final score of 8.14 suggested it was trying its hardest to keep Mulwala in the contest.
The Blues eventually ran out 34-point winners, but not before both teams had consumed enough mud to satisfy their daily dietary requirements.
In the end, the Lions may not have collected the four points, but they did prove they can tackle, chase and compete in conditions better suited to jet skis than football.
The boys will dust themselves off, hose the mud out of places mud should never be, and look ahead to next week.
Thirds
Mulwala 7.4, 10.4, 15.6, 15.8 (98) def Tongala 0.0, 0.0, 1.0, 2.2 (14)
Goals: N. Saunders 5, B. Dodd 4, A. Richardson 2, L. Cooper 2, J. Dalen 1, F. Woodhead 1.
Best: B. Dodd, J. Butler, N. Saunders, T. Woodhead, L. Purtle, V. Kreeck.
The Thirds produced a very strong team performance this week, highlighted by a dominant display from Byron Dodd, who kicked six goals and controlled the game up forward.
Ned Saunders also had a big impact, finishing with five goals in a great performance.
Jack Butler started strongly in the middle, winning the ruck contests early before moving back and taking control of the backline.
Tyce Woodhead and Levi Purtle worked hard around the ground all day.
With a few players out this week, it was great for the side to be bolstered by several very capable Fourths players, who stepped up and contributed well.
The McNamara O’Bryan $20 Award went to Jack Sage.
The Paradise Kreecky $20 Award went to Dane Bromley.
The Charlie Chicken Award went to Byron Dodd.
The Wingate’s Sports Power Award went to Ned Saunders.
The Papalia Pizza Award went to Levi Purtle.
The Canteen Award went to Tyce Woodhead.
Fourths
Mulwala 82 def Tongala 0
Mulwala produced a fantastic team performance against Tongala, coming away with a strong win while keeping the opposition scoreless.
From the first bounce, the boys worked hard for one another, applied great pressure and shared the football well across the ground.
A highlight of the day was seeing all players explore new positions, embracing the opportunity to challenge themselves, develop new skills and build their confidence in different areas of the game.
Their willingness to adapt, back themselves and support one another was a credit to the team.
Ben Ferguson, Campbell New, Lachlan Brown and Hunter Beams were all strong contributors, leading by example with their effort, determination and team-first attitude.
Overall, it was a terrific team effort, with every player playing their role.
The boys should be proud of the way they worked together, encouraged one another and continued to grow in confidence throughout a well-deserved victory.
Netball
A Grade
Mulwala 57 def Tongala 51
Stephanie Hammond 35, Stephanie Ferguson 22.
No report submitted.
B Grade
Mulwala 38 def by Tongala 58
Mulwala B Grade faced a tough challenge this week against an undefeated Tongala side, going down 58-38 in a hard-fought contest.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives to take from the game.
The girls produced some good passages of play and strong drives down the court, working hard to move the ball and create scoring opportunities.
Defensively, the team never stopped competing, with the defenders working tirelessly all game to create turnovers and limit Tongala’s scoring opportunities.
With a number of changes through the midcourt and attacking end, every player adapted well to their new roles and combinations.
The girls continued to work hard for one another and kept fighting to add points to the scoreboard throughout all four quarters.
A big thank you went to Under 17s players Taylah and Abbey for stepping up to help out this week.
While it was not Mulwala’s week on the scoreboard, there are plenty of positives to build on and take into another tough matchup next week.
Award winners this week were Freya Fletcher, Taylah Bigger, Abbey Mele and Cara Wood.
C Grade
Mulwala 24 def by Tongala 35
No report submitted.
C Reserve
Mulwala 23 def by Tongala 83
No report submitted.
Under 17s
Mulwala 21 def by Tongala 56
No report submitted.
Under 15s
Mulwala 28 def by Tongala 41
The Under 15s played a solid game against Tongala, matching it with a strong opposition and showing some great passages of play down the court.
Nancy and Scarlett were fantastic in defence, working hard against Tongala’s strong goalers, while Milla and Layla applied plenty of pressure through the defensive end and created some important turnovers.
Through the midcourt, Siena and Paige delivered some excellent passes into the ring, creating great opportunities to convert goals.
It was a tough contest, but the girls never stopped working hard and gave their best.
Under 13s
Mulwala 26 def Tongala 18
A chilly start did not stop the girls as they took on Tongala on a cold and wet morning.
Despite the slippery court, the Grippo proved its worth, helping with clean handling and strong contests throughout the game.
It was a tight and competitive start, with the girls a little messy in the first quarter but still managing to edge ahead by two goals at the first break.
From there, they lifted their intensity and execution, pushing the lead out to seven goals by halftime.
Carrying that momentum into the second half, the team continued to build, extending the margin to 11 goals at three-quarter time.
Tongala fought back in the final quarter, but the girls held strong to secure a well-earned eight-goal victory.
It was a fantastic team performance and, most importantly, a really positive and enjoyable game for all involved.
Award winners were a tough decision this week for coaches Nat Ferguson and Sally Kirchen, with every player contributing and deserving recognition.
The goalers were on fire and consistently worked well in the ring, while at the other end the defenders made life very difficult for the Tongala shooters.
The midcourt players were all brilliant, with a number of rotations being made, and not one player dropped the intensity or skipped a beat.
The first award went to Addison Kirchen, who received the Charlee’s Chicken voucher for her outstanding teamwork, intercepts, effort, playmaking and positive attitude.
The second award went to the quiet achiever, Alana Hehir, who received the Divine Goodness voucher for stepping up in defence and midcourt, coming out of her quiet shell, and being loud, enthusiastic and full of energy.
Well done to the girls on a great result and a great team effort.