Nathalia 4.2, 7.3, 9.3, 12.5 (77) def by Mulwala 2.3, 6.6, 9.11, 13.14 (92)
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Goals: S. Robinson 4, J. Meade 2, M. Kunigiskis 2, M. Gorman 1, Z. Scott 1, T. Dow 1, B. Seymour 1, J. Bland 1.
Best: B. Tyson, S. Robinson, K. Rowe, W. Cookson, T. Dow, M. Gorman.
Mulwala claimed one of the results of the round, defeating third-placed Nathalia by 15 points in a high-scoring contest to strengthen its grip on a valuable finals double chance.
The Lions now sit second on the Murray League ladder behind undefeated Congupna, two games clear of the third-placed Purples.
Mulwala was forced to work hard for its lead during a competitive first half before making its move in the third quarter, kicking 3.7 to Nathalia’s two goals.
The Lions carried an eight-point advantage into the final term, where Nathalia showed plenty of resilience. However, Mulwala responded strongly to extend the winning margin to 15 points.
Veteran Sean Robinson was pivotal up forward, kicking four goals and using his experience to great effect in a tight contest.
He was supported by seven other Mulwala goalkickers in a significant victory ahead of a well-timed bye this weekend.
Brodie Tyson continued his strong form with a best on ground performance.
The Lions will return to action against fourth-placed Cobram at home on August 1.
Reserves
Nathalia 0.0, 2.0, 3.2, 6.3 (39) def by Mulwala 3.2, 4.5, 8.6, 8.8 (56)
Goals: A. Rouel 1, N. Thrower 1, Z. Wheeler 1, L. Dwyer 1, J. Wheeler 1, M. Appleby 1, M. Larkin 1, D. Nicholson 1.
Best: A. Rouel, D. Flanagan, A. Heslin, C. Menzies, J. Brennan, J. Wheeler.
No report submitted
Thirds
Nathalia 0.0, 1.0, 1.3, 2.4 (16) def by Mulwala 1.2, 1.4, 3.5, 4.6 (30)
Goals: Mulwala U17s: N. Leith 1, T. Sanderson 1, A. Richardson 1, N. Saunders 1,
Best: T. Woodhead, A. Kirchen, N. Saunders, J. Butler, L. Purtle, J. Dalen.
In thick fog and tough conditions, Mulwala produced a determined four-quarter effort to record a hard-earned 14-point victory over Nathalia.
From the opening bounce, Tyce Woodhead set the standard with his relentless attack on the footy and strong work around the contest.
Archer Kirchen was outstanding across half-back, reading the play brilliantly and repeatedly intercepting Nathalia’s forward entries.
Ned Saunders worked tirelessly through the midfield, winning important possessions and driving the ball forward when it mattered most.
In the ruck, Jack Butler gave Mulwala first use with a strong performance, while Levi Purtle competed fiercely all day, applying pressure and making every contest count.
Up forward, Jake Dalen provided a dangerous target and played an important role in keeping the scoreboard ticking over.
With visibility limited throughout the match, it became a battle of pressure, discipline and resilience.
Mulwala embraced the challenge, stuck to the game plan and refused to give Nathalia any easy opportunities.
It was a fantastic team performance in difficult conditions and secured an important four points for the Lions.
Everyone involved deserved plenty of praise.
Netball
A Grade
Nathalia 70 def Mulwala 52
The top-of-the-table clash between the Lions’ A Grade girls and the strong Nathalia Purples promised to be a great spectacle of netball.
Nathalia came out firing and established a commanding seven-goal lead by quarter-time.
The Lions rallied whenever they could, applying pressure and creating turnovers for their goalers to convert.
In the end, the constant pressure applied by the Purples prevailed, allowing them to build the margin and win by 18 goals, handing the Lions their second loss of the season.
The Lions girls tried their best, but it simply was not their day.
Steph Hammond stood strong in the ring and was well supported by Ellie Lothian through the midcourt.
Tess McNamara also gave 110 per cent for the Lions.
B Grade
Nathalia 38 def Mulwala 43
No report submitted
C Grade
Nathalia 38 def by Mulwala 53
No report submitted
C Reserve
Nathalia 73 def Mulwala 30
No report submitted
Under 15s
Nathalia 25 def Mulwala 24
No report submitted
Under 13s
Mulwala 37 def Nathalia 7
The girls made the trip through the thick fog to Nathalia and delivered a fantastic performance from start to finish.
They came out strongly and maintained their intensity and consistency across all four quarters, eventually reaching the mercy rule in the third quarter with a 30-point lead.
Despite the margin, the girls continued to play with great sportsmanship, keeping the game fun and fair.
With Charlotte Sims unavailable this week, Lucy Colomb stepped up into the side.
It was a true team effort, with every player contributing and working hard across the court.
Award winners: Commercial Glazing Solutions Award — Poppy Kirchen, for her outstanding defensive pressure, exceptional reading of the play and multiple intercepts; Thursday Night Dinner Award — Alana Hehir, for her impressive versatility across three positions and her ability to execute exactly what was asked of her by the coach.
It was a great all-round performance by the entire team.
Next week, the girls will enjoy a well-deserved week off for the bye before beginning a tough run home to the finals.
The Lions will be ready to go.
Under 11s
Nathalia
The Mulwala Lions Under 11 Blue side faced Nathalia on a cold and foggy morning.
The conditions did not deter the girls from making a fantastic start to the game, creating numerous opportunities through great defensive pressure for the goalers to convert.
No matter where they were positioned, the continual rotation allowed the girls to keep developing their gameplay.
The side scored more than 20 goals, and the girls should all be very proud of their netball development.