Mulwala 1.0, 4.4, 5.6, 8.8 (56) def by Cobram 0.4, 2.12, 4.18, 10.20 (80)
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Goals: S. Robinson 3, V. Kreeck 2, J. Meade 1, Z. Scott 1, A. Rouel 1.
Best: A. Rouel, W. Cookson, Z. Scott, M. Holgate, T. Dow, J. Tonna.
Mulwala Lions went down to Cobram Tigers by 24 points in a hard-fought contest, with the visitors pulling away late after a tight battle across the first three quarters.
The match opened with a strong, contested brand of football as both sides fought hard for territory.
Cobram had the early opportunities but could not make them count, registering four consecutive behinds before Jackson Meade kicked Mulwala’s first goal of the match.
Tom Dow was lively across half-forward, providing energy and creating opportunities as Mulwala edged its way to a narrow lead at the first break, despite Cobram’s early control of general play.
The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with Cobram’s inaccuracy continuing to prove costly.
Mulwala capitalised through majors to Robinson and Kreeck, while Cookson worked tirelessly to keep his side on top.
At half time, Mulwala held a slender but well-earned advantage.
Cobram lifted in the third term and placed Mulwala’s defence under significant pressure.
However, the backline stood strong, with Holgate and Tonna repelling repeated forward entries.
A brilliant running goal from Adam Rouel ensured Mulwala remained within striking distance as the momentum began to shift.
The final quarter exploded into life, with seven goals kicked in the opening 12 minutes as the game opened up.
Mulwala continued to fight hard, but Cobram’s late surge proved decisive, with a flurry of goals stretching the margin to 24 points by the final siren.
Despite the result, Mulwala can take plenty of positives from the performance, with Zac Scott and Cookson leading the way as the side’s best in a determined team effort.
Reserves
Mulwala 3.0, 5.8, 9.10, 13.11 (89) def Cobram 3.1, 4.1, 4.3, 7.3 (45)
Best: Z. Wheeler 3, D. Flanagan 2, N. Thrower 2, D. Payne 2, J. Wheeler 2, L. Dwyer 1, L. Tonna 1.
Best: D. Flanagan, Z. Wheeler, J. Wheeler, B. Johnson, C. Menzies, J. Mackinnon.
Lions roar to impressive win over ladder leaders
The Mulwala Lions Reserves produced one of their most complete performances of the season on Saturday, recording a convincing 44-point victory over ladder leader Cobram.
After an even opening quarter, the Lions lifted their intensity and took control of the contest.
Coach Larkin’s pre-game message centred on focus, discipline and a team-first approach, and his players delivered in every area.
Brock Johnson gave the midfield first use with an outstanding display in the ruck, winning taps around the ground.
Jaxon Wheeler continued his excellent form through the middle and combined well with Jake McKinnon as the Lions gained the upper hand around the contest.
Dylan Flanigan’s class was evident once again, with his experience proving valuable in key moments as he finished with two goals.
Up forward, Zach Wheeler continued his impressive season, leading from the front with three majors in another influential performance.
In defence, Chris Menzies anchored a backline that stood tall all afternoon, helping restrict the Tigers to just 45 points with another composed and determined display.
With contributors across the ground, the Lions finished full of running and recorded an impressive 44-point win over the competition leaders.
Thirds
Mulwala 3.0, 4.1, 4.1, 6.2 (38) def by Cobram 2.1, 5.1, 9.5, 12.6 (78)
Goals: B. Dodd 3, A. Richardson 2, T. Sanderson 1.
Best: T. Sanderson, J. Butler, N. McNamara, L. Cooper, T. Taylor, H. Stephens.
No report submitted.
Fourths
Mulwala 0.1, 1.1, 2.2, 2.2 (14) def by Cobram 0.2, 3.8, 6.12, 9.13 (67)
Goals: R. Leith 2.
Best: J. Sage, N. Cook, C. Lowry, F. Mitchell, J. Stephens, H. Cooper.
It was the perfect morning for football following what was easily the team’s best training week of the season.
Although the scoreboard did not fall Mulwala’s way, the improvement from the team’s first meeting with Cobram was enormous.
After going down by 133 points earlier in the year, reducing the margin to 53 points demonstrated how far the group had come, over that period.
The boys never stopped competing, and their effort for one another was outstanding from the first bounce to the final siren.
Jacob Richardson made a great return in his first game back and looked right at home, showing that he was ready to be back on the field.
Jonah Hunt-Whipps played his best game of the season and attacked every contest with confidence.
Jack Sage stood tall in the backline and held his own against quality opposition.
Ryder Leith had a huge impact around the ground, playing wherever he was needed and hitting the scoreboard with both of Mulwala’s goals.
Benji Watson was outstanding in the backline, working hard to shut down Cobram’s dangerous forwards and competing fiercely throughout the game.
Every player fulfilled their role, and the team-first attitude remained evident across all four quarters.
Reducing the margin significantly from the first meeting was a credit to the hard work and commitment the group had shown throughout the season.
With that level of effort each week, the Lions are heading in the right direction.
Netball
A Grade
Mulwala 60 defeated Cobram 35.
The Mulwala Lions A Grade side was down to just six members of its regular squad, but that did not deter the team or its support crew from dominating the Cobram Tigers from the first siren.
The Lions took the sting out of the game and dominated the opening quarter, establishing an eight-goal lead by quarter time.
A scrappy second quarter from both teams followed, but the Lions regrouped in the third quarter and produced a dominant 16–4 term, which was fantastic to watch.
The girls continued on their winning way and finished with a 25-goal victory.
Fourteen-year-old Nancy Thomas debuted for the Lions, and it was a pleasure to watch a future star in action.
Seventeen-year-old Iris Elliott played an important role in supporting the midcourters in the warmer conditions.
Morgan Pitches supported the A Grade side by playing eight quarters of netball for the Lions.
Stephanie Ferguson was dominant in attack, creating numerous opportunities and shooting accurately.
Georgie Hemphill was steady at goal defence throughout the game, showing her class through her ability to read and deflect the ball.
Steph Hammond was again strong at goal attack and shot well in the heat.
B Grade
Mulwala 42 defeated by Cobram 45.
Mulwala B Grade went down by a narrow margin this week, with Cobram claiming a 45–42 victory after a tough contest from start to finish.
It was a neck-and-neck game across all four quarters, with both teams matching each other across the court before Cobram edged ahead late to claim the four points.
Mulwala’s defensive unit worked tirelessly throughout the match, applying constant pressure, creating valuable turnovers and making every possession hard-earned.
At the attacking end, the girls ran hard all game, working to create opportunities and keep the scoreboard ticking over.
Although a few crucial opportunities did not quite fall Mulwala’s way in the closing stages, the girls continued working until the final whistle.
The team extended a big thank you to Taylah for once again stepping up from the Under 17s to help the side.
Her willingness to fill in and contribute was greatly appreciated.
Although the result did not go Mulwala’s way, there were plenty of lessons to take from the competitive performance ahead of another tough game against Tongala next week.
This week’s award winners were Morgan Pitches, Cara Wood and Iris Elliott.
C Grade
Mulwala 37 defeated Cobram 36.
It was a slow start for the team, which struggled to build momentum early in the game.
Mulwala’s defensive pressure created several turnovers, but the team was unfortunately unable to capitalise on those opportunities and convert them into goals.
Despite the slow start, the team continued to work hard and held on to win by one goal.
There were plenty of positives to take from the game, and the team will continue building its combinations and execution over the next few weeks before finals.
C Reserve
Mulwala 32 defeated by Cobram 38.
The team knew it was going to be a close game, but unfortunately, it could not quite keep pace with Cobram and went down by six goals.
Addye gave everything she had throughout the game, rotating through the midcourt and applying constant pressure.
Jem found her groove in goals, moving well and creating some great opportunities.
Marlie was consistent from start to finish and provided a reliable presence throughout the game.
Annabelle worked tirelessly in defence, collecting some fantastic intercepts and never giving up.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives to take from the game, and the effort from every player remained strong until the final whistle.
Under 17s
Mulwala 41 defeated Cobram 21.
The girls came out firing this week and produced a great team performance.
They successfully implemented many of the things they had been working on at training.
The entire team deserved congratulations for a job well done.
Under 15s
Mulwala 21 defeated by Cobram 39.
The Under 15s came up against the team sitting second on the ladder this week.
Unfortunately, Mulwala did not play its best netball, but the girls never gave up.
They fought hard and consistently worked their way back at Cobram quarter by quarter, showing plenty of determination and resilience.
Every player gave her best effort, and there were some great passages of play throughout the game.
Although the result did not go Mulwala’s way, the team’s positive attitude and willingness to keep competing until the final whistle provided encouraging signs to build on in the weeks ahead.
Under 13s
Mulwala 9 defeated by Cobram 24.
The girls took on the strong and physical ladder-leading Cobram Tigers.
It was a tough game, but the girls never gave up and continued fighting until the final siren.
Cobram’s defensive pressure made it difficult for Mulwala to move the ball down the court, while its tall shooters were in excellent form.
The Mulwala girls continued competing and won the fourth quarter, despite losing the game overall.
Award winners: Thursday night dinner – Indy Burnett, for putting her body on the line at goal attack against a strong goal defence, holding her own despite the physical pressure and giving 110 per cent; Commercial Grazing Solutions $10 cash – Charlotte Sim, for working hard in the goal circle against her former teammates and never giving up; Jaycees voucher – Addison Kirchen, for maintaining a positive attitude throughout the game and collecting countless intercepts at centre, wing defence and goal defence.
Overall, it was a tough game from which the team can learn before returning stronger next week against Tongala.
Under 11s
The girls stepped onto the court ready to face a strong Cobram side.
Their rotation through different positions showcased their versatility, determination and overall growth across every area of the court.
Poppy Robinson delivered a skilful performance, intercepting well while driving and breaking swiftly and effectively.
Penny Gallagher also shone brightly, demonstrating her speed, agility and development throughout the season.
The Under 11s Red Team played strongly throughout all four quarters and worked seamlessly together, making the performance a joy to watch.