Lions scratch way to crucial 13-point win

Deniliquin 2.2 4.3 9.6 11.6 72

Goals: Mulwala: B. Clarke 4, J. Gash 3, L. Davis, S. Robinson, T. Dow, H. Crossley.

Deniliquin: A. Pappin 4, J. Park 3, K. Elphick, L. Pitts, A. Free, C. Howe.Best: Mulwala: B. Clarke, J. Gash, L. Russell, S. Robinson, T. Doyle, J. Walker.

Deniliquin: C. O’Connor, N. Howe, R. Gittens, J. Pitts, A. Pappin, J. Park.

In a match that will be remembered for a strange third quarter where the officiating became the main talking point, Mulwala did enough in the final quarter to storm to victory.

Sean Robinson was superb once again and backed up his best on ground performance from last week. His running goal from the boundary in the second term was a real highlight as Mulwala’s ball use stood out in the slippery conditions.

The opening quarter had been largely Deniliquin with Mulwala forced to defend from their goal line with size in the backline an issue without Angus Shand and Glenn Dominick.

Through the midfield Jackson Gash was enormous and put his team on his back on several occasions. 

His ability to extract himself from tacklers and deliver on his right foot was a constant throughout the game.

After Mulwala dominated the opening 20 minutes of the second quarter, Deni hit back with three quick goals to have the margin at only 12 points at the main break.

Momentum was impossible in the third term with Tim Doyle forced into the ruck with big man, Hamish Hosking struggling with a sore calf and his extra run was telling.

Liam Russell was composed and sure under pressure whilst Damien Cook was once again controlling the flow of the game off half back.

From a point of control and a handy three goal lead, Deni suddenly kicked four goals in a row, all from free kicks and fifty-metre penalties. 

Deni were full of voice and run as they headed to the last change with a goal lead.

Mulwala had been reduced to 17 with a yellow card putting all the pressure on the Lions, and when Deni kicked the first goal of the last quarter it seemed as if the game was gone.

Once again it was captain Gash who got the team back on track as he won the ball through the middle. He found a willing partner in Beau Clarke who was suddenly off the leash and marking everything. 

He kicked truly after a strong mark at full forward and then set up the next to Lach Davis as Mulwala hit the lead.

Jake Walker then came to life on the wing and had several important touches as Tom Dow and Harry Crossley capped off great games with some powerful clearance work.

A couple of touches of genius from Sean Johns were also crucial as Lach Davis kicked the sealer after another clearance from Jackson Gash.

Mulwala will be relieved to get the four points and will look to continue their winning ways when they take on Finely next weekend.

Reserves

Mulwala 10.10.70 defeated Deniliquin 4.6.30.

Mulwala are back on the winners list with a comfortable win over Deni on Saturday.

With nearly a full team back on the park, Mulwala started slowly enough and managed to drag only one goal through the first quarter with too many turn overs giving Deni options going forward.

Mulwala were full of run to start the second quarter with Leigh Howroyd storming away from stoppages. 

Cooper Chung got the scoreboard ticking over with some absolute magic from the boundary line that was in the realm of Eddie Betts. 

Brock Conway, stepping up from the thirds then kicked two goals in a minute to kick Mulwala clear. Unfortunately for the Lions, four misses in a row stopped the carnage and kept Deni in the game.

Nathan Beasley was moved forward in the third with immediate effect, his early goal was quickly followed by another and Mulwala were once again on their way. 

Lach Orr was dominant through the middle with Dylan Leadingham and Wade Dennis also racking up the touches. 

Sam Willett was superb down back with Josh Bozola also starring in the back half.

Andy Miller was superb in the ruck all day and was well supported by Beau Nixon whose physicality was also a stand out. 

Cooper Chung added another banana from the boundary to finish off his work in the last quarter before Beau Nixon kicked the final goal of the game.

Best on ground honours went to Josh Spain, who was utterly dominant at half back. 

The young kid did not lose a one on one all game and continually won the ball back and used it with precision going forward.

Goals: Mulwala: C. Chung 3, N. Beasley 2, B. Conway 2, C. Nye, B. Nixon, T. Sissons.

Deniliquin: J. Campbell, B. Nisbet, H. Ross, S. Werner.Best: Mulwala: A. Miller, W. Dennis, J. Savy, C. Lindsay, L. Howroyd, J. Spain.

Deniliquin: J. Allitt, B. Sartore, M. Panton, M. Farley, S. Werner, L. Ives.

Thirds

Mulwala 2.2, 7.7, 11.12, 15.15.105.

Deniliquin Rams 1.1, 1.1, 1.1, 1.1.7.

Goals: Mulwala: L. Martin 4, A. Psaltiras 3, D. Psaltiras 3, Z. Scott 2, J. Ednie 1, C. Phibbs 1, J. Lappin 1.

Deniliquin Rams: D. McManus 1.

Best: Mulwala: D. Psaltiras, Z. Scott, J. Spain, K. Fisher, K. Abikhair, L. Martin.

Deniliquin Rams: K. Hillier, C. Fitzpatrick, L. Rodda, A. Matthews, R. Milward, D. McManus.

Fourths

Deniliquin Rams 3.7, 6.10, 12.15, 15.19.109.

Mulwala 0.0, 2.0, 2.0, 2.0.12.

Goals: Deniliquin Rams: C. Hillier 4, R. Ives 4, L. Todd 3, B. Elphick 1, T. Willis 1, N. Bradley 1, W. McCartney 1.