Mulwala 2.1, 4.6, 5.10, 9.12 (66) def by Nathalia 2.3, 7.3, 15.4, 15.6 (96)
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Goals: Mulwala: S. Robinson 3, M. Kunigiskis 2, W. Cookson 1, M. Holgate 1, J. Mackinnon 1, B. Tyson 1. Nathalia: L. Evans 4, C. Congues 3, B. Ross 2, K. Lundberg 2, L. Campbell 1, J. Duggan 1, N. Nihill 1, J. Mann 1.
Best: Mulwala: Z. Scott, W. Cookson, A. Heslin, B. Tyson, M. Kunigiskis, M. Leith. Nathalia: H. Congues, K. Lundberg, B. Ross, B. Mann, N. Frostick, L. Evans.
Mulwala’s Seniors suffered a 30-point defeat to Nathalia Football Netball Club at Lonsdale Reserve on Saturday.
Scott, Cookson and Heslin battled hard for the Lions, who trailed by just 15 points at half-time and remained firmly in the contest.
However, Nathalia took control in the third quarter, piling on eight goals to Mulwala’s one to blow the game open.
Facing a 54-point deficit at the final change, the Lions rallied in the last quarter and outscored Nathalia, but the damage had already been done.
The loss leaves Mulwala with three wins from six games and sitting sixth on the Murray Football League ladder.
Mulwala will now travel to face Echuca United Football Netball Club this weekend.
Reserves
Mulwala 10.4 (64) def Nathalia 8.10 (58)
Goals: J. Prestaige 3, J. Wheeler 3, B. Johnson 2, L. Dwyer 1, D. Payne 1.
Best: Z. Wheeler, T. Cooper, J. Prestaige, J. Wheeler, B. Johnson, L. Dwyer.
Mulwala Reserves pulled off a heart-stopper on Saturday, pinching a six-point win over Nathalia in a game that had more twists than a cheap garden hose.
The Lions ran out six-point winners, thanks to a final goal with less than a minute left, sending the Mulwala faithful into scenes usually reserved for Tattslotto winners and blokes finding cold cans at the bottom of the esky.
Young gun Jacob Prestaige announced himself in style on debut, snagging three goals and immediately demanding a pay rise the club absolutely could not afford. Rumour had it his first touch was so clean the footy asked for his autograph afterwards.
Jaxen Wheeler also booted three majors and spent most of the afternoon running around like a man who had accidentally consumed three Red Bulls before the bounce.
Every time Nathalia looked like getting back into the contest, Wheeler popped up again like an unpaid electricity bill.
Big Brock Johnson crashed packs, dominated the ruck and slotted two goals, proving once again that subtlety is overrated. One opponent described standing next to him as “like being parked beside a fridge with legs.”
Damian Payne chimed in with one sausage roll, while Lockie Dwyer kicked another and spent the rest of the day collecting possessions like a kid grabbing free samples at Woolies.
Mulwala trailed early and looked a little shaky in the first quarter but steadied after quarter time and slowly clawed their way back into the contest.
Nathalia kept peppering the goals but, thankfully for Mulwala supporters, their accuracy resembled blokes trying to throw darts after a wedding reception.
The final few minutes were absolute chaos. Players were cramping, supporters were yelling things that could not be printed in the newspaper, and the coaches had stress levels normally associated with tax audits.
Then came the moment.
With under a minute remaining, Mulwala surged forward one last time and slammed through the sealer, sparking celebrations louder than the pub raffle draw on a Friday night.
Somewhere along the boundary line, a pie went flying, and at least three supporters prematurely claimed it was “never in doubt.”
Best players for the Lions were Zachary Wheeler, Tim Cooper, Jacob Prestage, Jaxen Wheeler, Brock Johnson and Lockie Dwyer in a gutsy win that will keep the club talking all week, or at least until Thursday night training when nobody can run laps anymore.
Thirds
Mulwala 0.2, 3.10, 3.12, 7.15 (57) def Nathalia 1.2, 1.3, 3.4, 4.6 (30)
Goals: N. Leith 3, T. Parker 1, S. O'Bryan 1, H. Cooper 1, A. Kirchen 1.
Best: F. Woodhead, N. Saunders, A. Kirchen, B. Dodd, J. Butler, T. Woodhead.
A strong four-quarter performance from the boys saw Mulwala come away with a 27-point win.
Best-on-ground honours went to Fletcher Woodhead, who was outstanding around the contest all day.
Ned Saunders worked hard through the midfield, while Archer Kirchen was solid down back and continued to stop Nathalia’s forward movement.
Byron Dodd looked dangerous up forward, while Jack Butler returned for his first game back and played an important role through the ruck and forward line.
Tyce Woodhead provided plenty of run around the wings and up forward, while Nate Leith continued his strong form.
Awards: McNamara O’Bryan – Fletcher Woodhead, Palm Creek – Jack Butler, Charlie Chicken – Tyce Woodhead, Wing Gates Sports Store – Nate Leith, Beechworth Armoury Socks – Levi Purtle, Papalia Pizza – Archer Kirchen.
Fourths
Mulwala 5.3, 5.3, 7.5, 9.5 (59) def Nathalia 1.1, 1.7, 3.10, 6.13 (49)
Goals: B. Ferguson 4, J. Sage 3, F. Mitchell 2.
Best: C. Lowry, D. Bromley, B. Ferguson, F. Mitchell, N. Cook, L. Brown.
With perfect weather setting the tone, the boys came out ready to play.
It took a short time to find their rhythm, but once they settled, their connection through the midfield really stood out.
Colin and Dayne worked hard around the ball, while Ben Ferguson was reliable up forward. Benji and Jayden also made strong contributions throughout the game.
Across the ground, the boys showed a real commitment to playing as a team.
They listened closely during quarter-time discussions, took on feedback and translated it directly into their performance.
Whether it was positioning, effort at the contest or supporting each other, the improvement from break to break was clear.
It was a well-rounded team performance built on effort, communication and trust in one another.
Everyone played their role, and the way they worked together was a major factor in securing the win.
Netball
A Grade
Mulwala 68 def by Nathalia 57
The Lions came out firing in the first quarter, creating numerous turnovers for their goaling end and producing some impressive attacking play to lead at quarter time.
In a tight second quarter, the Purples were able to gradually rein in the Lions, bringing the margin back to one goal at half time.
In the third quarter, a patch of Nathalia dominance extended the margin the Purples’ way to five goals at three-quarter time.
The Lions never gave up and put in 110 per cent effort, and they should be proud of their performance. There was plenty to be proud of and plenty to learn from as the season progresses.
The injury to Lara Langford was disappointing, but the girls rallied and still enjoyed a great Ladies Day despite the final 11-goal margin.
Steph Ferguson and Steph Hammond were impressive in goals, dictating terms in the attacking end. Georgie Hemphill created numerous turnovers, recorded plenty of deflections and produced a great four-quarter game of netball.
B Grade
Mulwala 58 def Nathalia 27
Report not submitted.
C Grade
Mulwala 53 def Nathalia 47
Report not submitted.
C Reserve
Mulwala 47 def by Nathalia 57
Report not submitted.
Under 17s
Mulwala 40 def by Nathalia 43
Report not submitted.
Under 15s
Mulwala 22 def by Nathalia 20
The Under 15s girls played a hard-fought match against Nathalia in a very close contest.
It took the team a half to settle into the game and find their groove, but once they did, the girls worked brilliantly together and headed into the final quarter with a three-goal lead.
Unfortunately, a few small mistakes in the closing stages allowed Nathalia to claw their way back into the game and take the win by two goals.
Despite the result, all the girls played well and should be proud of their effort and determination throughout the match.
Under 13s
Mulwala 40 def Nathalia 10
The girls delivered an outstanding team performance, playing with great intensity across the whole court.
Everyone contributed, which saw the mercy rule come into effect early in the third quarter with a 30-goal lead.
With such a strong all-round effort, it was no easy task for the coaches to select award winners.
Alliarna was recognised for her incredible versatility, seamlessly transitioning between GK, GS and C.
Maddie Witton earned her award through strong leads to create options, particularly off-centre passes, even while playing in WD.
Addison Kirchen was dominant through the midcourt, applying constant pressure and coming away with numerous intercepts and deflections.
Overall, it was a convincing win built on teamwork, effort and excellent sportsmanship.
Under 11s
The Little Lion legends came out firing and dominated the game with some great passages of play.
No matter what combination was put on the court, the girls rallied around each other, applied great defensive pressure, produced strong and steady attacking play, and finished nicely with some lovely goals.
The girls should be proud of their developing netball skills. They are an amazing group to coach, and the future looks bright.
Awards: Norah Primmer and Frankie Hicks.