Mulwala Lions produced a powerful second-half comeback to overrun Deniliquin Rams, turning an early four-goal deficit into an impressive 17-point victory in a match that showcased the Lions’ resilience, experience and ability to lift when the pressure was on.
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After being outplayed early, Mulwala found another gear after halftime, with veteran Sean Robinson and returning forward Beau Seymour leading the charge in a stirring turnaround.
The opening term belonged to Deniliquin, which made the most of its opportunities to boot four goals to Mulwala’s one, with the home side’s only major coming via Brodie Tyson.
The visitors carried that momentum into the second quarter, applying relentless pressure that rattled Mulwala’s forward entries.
Despite generating chances, inaccurate kicking proved costly for Mulwala and compounded the side’s early woes.
A bright spot in the first half was the return of Beau Seymour from injury.
Stationed deep in attack, Seymour provided a strong target and found plenty of the footy, although Deniliquin’s defensive pressure made clean conversion difficult.
Connor Griffiths also worked his way back into the contest in his return from injury, showing promising signs.
Fans were also thrilled to see Sean Johns pull on the jumper for a one-off appearance to bolster numbers.
Whatever was said at the main break sparked Mulwala into life, with the third quarter producing a complete shift in momentum.
Veteran Sean Robinson reminded everyone of his class and reliability in his 299th senior game, exploding with four goals in a dominant display.
Seymour added another, and suddenly Mulwala had surged into the lead for the first time all afternoon.
With confidence high, Mulwala carried that energy into the final term.
Seymour continued his strong return, adding two early goals to stretch the margin, while Kyal Tyson once again showcased his class with a crucial major to steady the side.
Behind the turnaround was a resolute defensive effort, with Nathan McNair and Matt Holgate standing tall under pressure and helping repel Deniliquin’s forward thrusts.
After a slow start, Mulwala’s ability to lift when it mattered most proved the difference, turning a worrying early deficit into an impressive and hard-fought victory.
Best players were Kyal Tyson, Matthew Holgate, Nathan McNair, Brodie Tyson, Beau Seymour and Sean Robinson.
Goals were Beau Seymour four, Sean Robinson four, Brodie Tyson one and Kyal Tyson one.
Mulwala 1.3, 2.6, 7.8, 10.8 (68) defeated Deniliquin 4.0, 6.4, 6.7, 7.9 (51)
Best: Kyal Tyson, Matthew Holgate, Nathan McNair, Brodie Tyson, Beau Seymour and Sean Robinson.
Goals: Beau Seymour 4, Sean Robinson 4, Brodie Tyson1, Kyal Tyson 1.
Reserves
Mulwala 4.6, 8.9, 14.14, 19.20 (134) def Deniliquin 0.0, 0.2, 0.2, 1.2 (8)
Best: D. Robinson, R. Mitchell, J. Brennan, T. Cooper, D. Payne, J. Macdermid.
Goals: D. Robinson 5, S. Fernandez 4, R. Middleton 2, L. Dwyer 2, M. Appleby 1, T. Cooper 1, P. Templeton 1, D. Payne 1, J. Wheeler 1, B. Johnson 1.
Report not submitted.
Thirds
Mulwala 3.2, 7.5, 9.8, 12.8 (80) defeated Deniliquin 4.1, 6.1, 6.2, 6.2 (38)
Mulwala recorded a hard-fought win in what became a tale of two halves.
The first half was tight, with Mulwala holding only a one-goal lead at the main break.
Deniliquin applied strong pressure and remained well in the contest.
After halftime, Mulwala lifted to another level, kicking six goals to none in a dominant second half to run away with the game.
With injuries impacting the side, Mulwala fielded six fill-in players, all of whom stood up when it mattered most and played a crucial role in the win.
Makio Leith and Fletcher Woodhead were outstanding, leading from the front and setting the tone across the ground.
Up forward, Nate Leith was electric, finishing with five goals in a standout performance.
The team effort was reflected in all awards going to fill-in players.
Goals: N. Leith 5, R. Leith 1, L. Cooper 1, F. Woodhead 1, R. Driscoll 1, J. Butler 1, L. Purtle 1, F. Wood 1.
Awards: Beechworth Amour Socks Award went to Ryder Leith. McNamara O’Bryan $20 award went to Sefanaia Bainikoro. Papalia Pizza award went to Finn Mitchell. Charlie Chicken award went to Nash Cook. Palm Kreecky $20 award went to Rhys Driscoll. The canteen award went to Blake Carey.
Fourths
Deniliquin 71 defeated Mulwala 8.
Mulwala took on Deniliquin in a match where the result did not go the side’s way, but there was still plenty to like from the effort and determination shown across the day.
Under plenty of pressure, the backline fought hard all day and never took a backward step, continuing to put bodies on the line and compete right until the final siren.
Reed Phillips worked hard all day down back alongside the other defenders, standing strong under pressure and helping hold the defence together.
Finn Mitchell was again all over the ground, working tirelessly and making his presence felt wherever the ball went.
Colin was running hot through the midfield, putting in a strong effort and continuing to involve himself in the contest.
It was also great to see bottom-age players Ted, Max and Jonah stepping up and making an impact throughout the game.
They showed confidence, effort and a willingness to compete, which was fantastic to see and a great sign for the future.
While the scoreboard did not fall Mulwala’s way, the boys continued to fight it out and there were plenty of positives to build on.
Goals: N Cook.
Best: F. Mitchell, C. Lowry, B. Watson, N. Cook, J. Sage, D. Bromley.
Netball
A Grade
Mulwala 57 def Deniliquin 39
The A Grade Lions did not have it all their own way against the Deni Rams.
The Lions were able to build a four-goal margin at quarter time, but that was reduced to three goals by the halftime break.
Mulwala stepped into gear in the second half, dominating with a 17-8 third quarter and a 16-10 final quarter.
The Lions’ ability to maintain a four-quarter effort and bring huge intensity for the entire match proved the difference.
Georgie Hemphill was solid in defence.
Her footwork was super impressive to watch, and her endeavour at every contest was a pleasure to see.
The Stephs show continued, with Steph Hammond and Steph Ferguson stepping up and dominating the goal ring no matter what role or position they were required to play.
Ellie Lothian was super consistent through the midcourt all game, producing some great defensive turnovers and smart feeds into the goalers.
It was a great four-quarter team effort by the girls.
B Grade
Mulwala 40 def Deniliquin 24
Mulwala B Grade finished with a strong 40-24 win over Deniliquin in a fantastic team performance across the court.
Defensively, the girls were outstanding all game, applying great pressure and creating plenty of turnovers that set the tone early.
In attack, there were some very versatile combinations that worked well, with the girls adapting seamlessly and moving the ball confidently down the court.
It was great for the side to come away with a strong win leading into the bye weekend, giving the girls plenty of confidence and momentum as they prepare for Round 10 in two weeks.
C Grade
Mulwala 54 def Deniliquin 27
The girls had a slow start but continued to build momentum as the game went on.
Different combinations through the attacking end worked well, although the side struggled at times to fully settle into the game.
Defensive pressure right across the court forced errors and created plenty of opportunities.
Teagan, Steph and Mon worked tirelessly in defence, creating many turnovers.
Mulwala was able to capitalise on many opportunities, although at times small errors resulted in turnovers that the opposition converted.
Overall, it was a great win by the girls.
C Reserve
Mulwala 55 def Deniliquin 23
A strong team performance led to a convincing win for Mulwala.
Jemma was outstanding in the shooting circle with accurate shooting and strong movement to create opportunities.
Annabel and Alannah worked tirelessly in defence, applying constant pressure and creating plenty of turnovers for the team.
Daisy made a huge impact through the midcourt, using her speed and determination to move the ball forward.
Overall, it was a fantastic all-round effort and a well-deserved win.
Under 17s
Mulwala 36 def by Deniliquin 51
No report submitted.
Under 15s
Mulwala 40 def Deniliquin 11
Mulwala’s Under 15s delivered an outstanding performance against Deniliquin, securing a dominant 40-11 win.
From the start, the team showed great cohesion and confidence, with smooth transitions and strong defensive pressure.
Their flow of play was a standout and highlighted the hard work being put in at training.
The side now sits comfortably in second place on the ladder, a well-earned reward for its consistency this season.
After the bye, the girls will take on Congupna looking to produce another strong performance.
Under 13s
Mulwala 22 def Deniliquin 21
Mulwala recorded a thrilling one-point win over second-placed Deniliquin in a match that had everyone on the edge of their seats.
After a fired-up pre-game address from coach Nat, the girls came out strong and ready to compete.
It was goal-for-goal from the opening whistle, with neither side giving an inch.
This was a true full-team performance, with every player fulfilling their role brilliantly.
The defence was rock solid, applying constant pressure and forcing turnovers.
The goalers worked beautifully together in the ring, creating space and converting under pressure.
The midcourt never stopped working, zipping around the court, getting hands to everything, creating intercepts and delivering great feeds into the circle.
Award winners were Jade McInerney, who received Charlee’s Charcoal Chicken Voucher for her outstanding effort in centre, working tirelessly all game, chasing every loose ball and leading hard to every contest.
Alliarna Mathews received the $10 canteen voucher for her dominant presence at both ends of the court while rotating between GK and GS. Her height and long reach made life incredibly tough for the opposition.
The team should be proud of the effort, teamwork and determination shown in a fantastic win.
Under 11s
The Under 11 Blue girls were switched on and ready to go this week.
Mulwala came out strongly against the Deni girls and maintained great teamwork right through to the final whistle.
Development remains the number one focus for this age group, with all players continuing to learn various positions that they will carry into future years of netball.
The improvement being shown across the group is a credit to all involved, and the girls should be proud of their efforts.