The Mulwala Lions failed to overcome a strong Congupna outfit at its Good Friday clash at Lonsdale Reserve.
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The 2025 runners-up Congupna secured a convincing 49-point victory to begin its MFL campaign defeating a Mulwala side who could only kick six goals on its home deck.
Final Scores
Mulwala Seniors: 3.2, 3.3, 4.4, 6.6 (42)
Congupna Seniors: 4.3, 7.9, 8.11, 13.13 (91)
Goals: Mulwala: M. Kunigiskis 2, J. Meade 2, B. Seymour 1, O. Conway 1.
Congupna: C. Mellington 4, D. Campbell 2, R. Damianopoulos 1, C. Boyer 1, T. McCluskey 1, S. Poole 1, B. Bingham 1, W. Norman 1, J. Boyer 1, D. Schaper 1.
Best: Mulwala: K. Tyson, J. Meade, D. McNamara, M. Kunigiskis, O. Conway, B. Seymour.
Congupna: C. Mellington, J. Vraca, W. Norman, J. Boyer, B. Cooper, C. Boyer.
In a fast-paced opening quarter the Lions kept pace with Congupna kicking three goals but could only manage another three goals for the remainder of the match.
New Lions recruit Mitch Kunigiskis, who arrived this season at Londsdale Reserve after playing at Hoppers Crossing, kicked two goals and was named in the best players along with Jackson Meade who also kicked two goals.
Congupna forward Charlie Mellington was named best on ground after kicking four goals and assisting in others.
In other Murray League matches Cobram’s premiership defence has made a false start.
The Tigers hosted Numurkah on Easter Saturday, but the Blues came away with the chocolates after a sensational 32-point comeback.
Tongala edged out Nathalia by nine points as a late Purples surge fell short, Moama defeated Echuca United by 22, and a straight-shooting Deniliquin Rams pinched a one-goal win over an inaccurate Finley, 11.3 (69) to 8.15 (63).
Last week, Echuca United and Deniliquin also played an opening match standalone blockbuster, which the Rams claimed by 14 points.
The Loins will be aiming of their first win against Rumbalara this Saturday at the Rumbalara Recreation Reserve.
Reserves
Mulwala Reserves: 1.2, 3.5, 4.6, 7.7 (49)
Congupna Reserves: 3.3, 7.5, 14.10, 19.11 (125)
Goals: Mulwala: D. Flanagan 3, S. Robinson 1, H. Walters 1, J. Wheeler 1, M. Appleby 1.
Congupna: J. Chapman 5, M. Tucker 4, S. Brodie 2, A. Philipps 1, P. Hall 1, S. Barbuto 1, J. Brun 1, L. Hall 1, N. Scott 1, A. Barolli 1, C. Hall 1.
Best: Mulwala: D. Flanagan, H. Walters, S. Robinson, L. Saunders, M. Sanderson, H. Lonergan.
Congupna: A. Barolli, M. Tucker, S. Barbuto, K. Donovan, S. Brodie, J. Chapman.
No reported submitted.
Under 17s
Mulwala U17s: 3.2, 6.8, 12.10, 15.11 (101)
Congupna U17s: 0.1, 2.2, 3.2, 5.4 (34)
Goals: Mulwala: A. Richardson 4, S. O'bryan 3, L. Purtle 3, B. Dodd 1, F. Woodhead 1, T. Woodhead 1, T. Sanderson 1, H. Cooper 1.
Congupna: M. McLeigh 2, O. Buckland 1, M. McLeigh 1, K. Thorn 1.
Best: Mulwala: M. Leith, F. Woodhead, L. Cooper, A. Richardson, N. Saunders, B. Dodd.
Congupna: O. Buckland, L. Reddrop-Miller, B. Bonham, M. McLeigh, D. Taylor, L. Miles.
No reported submitted.
Fourths – Under 14s
Mulwala U14s: 3.5, 8.7, 15.8, 22.12 (149)
Congupna U14s: 0.1, 0.2, 1.2, 1.2 (8)
Goals: Mulwala: B. Ferguson 9, R. Leary 7, B. Watson 3, T. Cook 1, F. Mitchell 1, L. Brown 1. Congupna: B. Piper 1.
Best: Mulwala: B. Ferguson, R. Leary, N. Cook, R. Leith, F. Mitchell, C. Lowry.
Congupna: J. Shields, N. Sidebottom, X. Tenace, B. Hodgetts, J. Wereszczuk, A. Tenace,
Mulwala’s 4ths delivered a dominant performance against Congupna, running out convincing winners 149 to 8.
The side controlled the game from start to finish, showcasing strong ball movement, disciplined defence, and consistent effort across all four quarters.
Once things clicked, they really kicked into gear and played some fantastic footy, finishing with a strong win in warm conditions.
It was a terrific team effort across the board. Bennie Ferg was dominant up forward, Nash Cook showed great strength in the ruck, and Raffa, new to the club, was lively in the forward line.
Down back, Ryder was a general in defence, coming in strong and steady when it mattered most.
Finn and Colin worked tirelessly all day, first to the ball and using their skills well to drive the team forward.
It was a complete team performance, with players working hard in every position and capitalising on scoring opportunities.
Awards: Healey Socks Award Jonah Huntwhipps; MFNC Award Nash Cook; Commercial Glazing Award Ryder Leith; Purtles Award Ben Ferguson; Coaches Award Raffa Leary.
Netball
A Grade
Mulwala 21, 37, 53, 71, (71)
Congupna 6, 10, 13, 15, (15)
Mulwala’s A Grade side delivered a commanding performance, defeating Congupna 71 to 15.
The team showed excellent structure and control throughout the game, with strong attacking connections and relentless defensive pressure.
The A Grade Lions made a statement in round one of the Murray League with a dominant display right from the word go.
With their depth, height and versatility they were able to rotate the 10 players through the game at any opportunity.
No matter what combinations were thrown at them by coaches Laura and Casey, it made no change to the scores.
Some impressive attacking play was supported by great defensive work all over the court.
The girls were great with continuing on never putting the foot off the pedal focusing each quarter on what that their goal would be and making sure that their fitness and their determination prevailed.
A 56-goal victory proved their dominance and that they are a team to take note of during the season.
The girls look ahead to next week facing Rumbalara whom will be a great challenge for the lions.
Goals: Stephanie Hammond 35, Stephanie Ferguson 28, Adrienne Templeton 8.
Awards: MFNC Incentive Stephanie Hammond; MFNC incentive Steph Ferguson; MFNC Incentive Georgie Hemphill; MFNC incentive Lara Langford.
B Grade
Mulwala 5, 10, 25, 36, (36)
Congupna 7, 9, 18, 24, (24)
Mulwala produced an impressive result against Congupna, securing a 36 to 24 victory.
The team moved the ball well and applied consistent pressure, allowing them to build a strong lead.
Goals: Emma- Jane Bond 22, Hollie McNamara 10, Mikyah Frauenfelder 4.
C Grade
Mulwala 9, 20, 32, 43, (43)
Congupna 11, 23, 33, 43, (43)
Goals: Piper Poll 21, Stassy McCarthy 18, Sarah Mathews 4.
C Reserve
Mulwala 9, 18, 26, 32, (32)
Congupna 6, 11, 17, 20, (20)
C Reserve came away with a solid victory against Congupna, winning 32 to 20.
The team showed resilience and consistency, with strong passages of play and good teamwork throughout the match.
Annabel and Belle worked hard all day in defence, making Congupna shooters earn each goal. Jemma switched between defence and goals with ease.
Gracie and Kat were consistent all game in goals. It was a great team effort, the girls should be proud of a great start to the season.
Goals: Katrina Jamieson 17, Gracie Lagudi 9, Jemma Riches 3, Ever Mcglynn 3.
Awards: Commercial Glazing Solutions Annabel Hart; Free as A Bird Jemma Riches; Hardluck Gracie Di Petta.
Under 17s
The Under 17s def Congupna 46 to 16.
The new mixture of girls took to the court and from the first whistle attacked and defended hard. Throughout the game the girl found their feet and ended with a strong win.
Awards: Bigger Floorworld Chelsea Carroll; Nudd Jemima Bruce; Divine Goodness Abbey Mele; Papalias Taylah Bigger
Under 15s Netball
The Under 15s netball team recorded a solid win over Congupna, finishing 28 to 17. The team showed strong composure throughout the match, maintaining pressure and converting their opportunities effectively.
Their defensive efforts and smooth transitions through the court were key highlights in a well-rounded performance.
Rhianna and Phoenix set the tone early with composed, accurate shooting, while Nancy was a standout in defence, pulling in crucial intercepts.
In the midcourt, Layla and Siena kept things steady and controlled, providing reliable drive and linking the court beautifully.
A strong, united first outing that shows exactly what this team is capable of.
Awards: Canteen Award Rihanna Ewert; Papalia’s Nancy Thomas; Divine Goodness Phoenix Kennedy.
Under 13s
The Under 13s team secured a strong win over Congupna, finishing 31 to 8.
Overcoming early nerves to deliver an impressive 23-point win.
While the team took a couple of minutes to shake off any first game nerves, their excitement and confidence quickly took over and they found their rhythm, coming out firing for a strong start to the season.
Alliarna and Indy worked well together in the circle, scoring a combined 26 points out of 31. Down the other end, Poppy and Alana formed a rock-solid defensive wall that Congupna struggled to break through, keeping them to just 8 points for the game.
In the midcourt, Addison, Jade and Maddie showed fantastic chemistry, working tirelessly in the heat and moving the ball with speed and control.
Charlotte’s versatility was also a standout, seamlessly rotating through shooting, defence and midcourt, filling every role with ease. An all-round team effort and a great way to open the season.
Coaches Nat Ferguson and Sally Kirchen couldn't be prouder of the girls first game.
Awards:$10 Canteen Voucher Indy Burnett; Divine Goodness Jade McInerney; Papalias Alliarna Mathews.
Under 11s
No official score is recorded for this match. The Under 11s showed great enthusiasm and teamwork. Players continued to develop their skills, supporting each other well in both attack and defence.
Awards: Mulwala Canteen Award Maizie Thomas; Divine Goodness Zoe Lawrence.