The Blues weren’t wiped away by the unbeaten leader at Tungamah Recreation Reserve, but a poor opening quarter left Picola with far too much to do against a side of the Bears’ quality.
Tungamah burst out to a 14-4 advantage in the first, dashing Picola’s dreams of an upset quickly.
Picola was better in the second half.
After trailing 27-11 at the main break, the Blues improved on both ends of the court to win the third quarter 10-8, but still fell on the final scorecard, 50-28.
Picola is still holding on to a place in the top eight with a 6-5 record, heading into the general bye, which will be followed by another difficult clash against top opposition Tocumwal (9-2).
Mathoura v Katunga
At Mathoura Recreation Reserve, the Timbercutters battled a side not too far removed from them on the league table in Katunga, but were still a couple of gears short of their rivals.
Scoring goals continues to be a challenge for Mathoura and the host only drained five in the opening term, while the Swans logged 10.
Mathoura warmed into things as the game wore on, but was more or less out of it by half-time, with Katunga ahead 25-11.
The Cutters would keep at it and even edge the final term by a goal, but it was the Swans’ day 43-26.
Mathoura will continue the search for a maiden win after the general bye, travelling to Rennie (3-8) on July 11.