Tongala’s finals chances look done and dusted after falling to Numurkah in a crucial Murray Football League showdown on Saturday.
With seven home and away rounds remaining, Tongala is now two games and percentage off sixth-placed Numurkah which led from start to finish on Saturday in recording a 40-point win at Numurkah.
Tongala skipper Kyle Fitzgerald said the main difference between the two teams on the day was Numurkah’s ability to finish off at the goal front.
“We just don’t maximise our chances enough around the goals,” he said.
‘‘We had only three shots less on goals in the first half, but were still down (23 points) at half-time.
‘‘We just don’t convert enough of our chances and it’s been the case all year.“
Tongala’s midfield and on-ball brigade led by regular stars Mackenzie Cowley, Jack Hammond and Tristan Watson presented many chances to their forwards and the returning gun Bailey Waasdorp was able to reduce the influence of Numurkah star Jamason Daniels.
Tongala’s defence had solid contributors in full-back Mitch Fitzgerald, who played arguably his best game for the club, and Alex Williams, steady all day on a back flank.
It’s not going to get any easier this Saturday for Tongala which takes on the white-hot and in-form flag favourite Congupna at Tongala.
Unlike the seniors, Tongala’s reserves and under-17s pulled out victories against Numurkah in round 11.
It was a gusty performance by the reserves, who managed to narrowly escape with a 10.8 (68) to 9.12 (66) win.
Blues vice-captain Jayden Tucker was named best-on in the contest, with Mitch Heywood leading the way in front of goal with three majors to his name.
For the under-17s, it was about as different a scalp as it gets, with Tongala absolutely dominating Numurkah.
Holding their opponent to no score through the first three quarters, the Blues nailed a staggering 24 goals in the 148-point triumph.
Jedd Turpin was named best-on for Tongala after kicking an extra large bag of 10 goals in the 24.10 (154) to 1.0 (6) win.