Mulwala has re-cemented its status as the benchmark side in the Murray Football League with a key victory at the weekend, sending a rival tumbling down the ladder in the process.
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A blistering fourth quarter saw the Lions run out 56-point victors over Congupna, a result that reshapes the top of the ladder.
Mulwala’s 18.7 (115) to 9.5 (59) triumph sees the reigning premier remain four points clear in first place, while the Road have slipped from second down to fourth after their second defeat in a row.
Three points separated the two teams at half-time and Congupna was still within touching distance at the final change, down by 16 points, but the Lions put the game to bed with a three-goal-to-none final term.
It was a perfect bounce-back result for Mulwala following its first loss of the season last round.
On the flip side, it was a tough result for Congupna, who is now eight points behind the Lions on the ladder.
“It was a disappointing result for us in the end,” Congupna co-coach Ben Bingham said.
“We were right in the thick of things and in the game at three-quarter time, we just fell down in a few key areas in the last quarter and let the game slip away.
“We gave ourselves every chance, it was only a couple of goals at three-quarter time, they just overran us. They were just too good in the end.
“We had to go all-out attack and it was either win the game or lose the game by a margin, and unfortunately it went the latter.
“It was just disappointing how things went in that last quarter.”
For Mulwala, Ronald Harley Middleton was the spearhead up forward with six goals for the day.
Jackson Gash, Nathan McNair, Owen Conway and Jack Sutherland were the other key movers and shakers for the Lions, with Sutherland kicking four goals as well.
Elliot Cavallaro had four goals for Congupna while James Boyer, Samuel Poole, Jordan Gee and Brodie Gee were the standouts for Bingham.
“I think Jordan Gee and Brodie Gee really stepped up in different roles, they really impressed us,” the Congupna co-coach said.
“Samuel Poole and Jimmy Boyer really stepped up as well in the midfield. They are starting to get some continuity together.”
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Ruck skirmish: Mulwala's Owen Conway and Congupna's James Butts battle to tap the ball. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 9
Eyes on the prize: Mulwala's Owen Conway and Congupna's Samuel Poole lead the race for the ball. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 9
Key role: Samuel Poole was named among the best for Congupna on Saturday. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 9
On the ball: Mulwala's Matthew Gorman. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 9
Skipper: Congupna captain Daniel Schaper. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 9
Rising highest: James Butts wins a tap for the Road Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 9
Good day out: Jackson Gash was one of the best on for the Lions in their 56-point win on Saturday. Photo by Megan FisherImage 8 of 9
Road warrior: Congupna’s Samuel Buxton. Photo by Megan FisherImage 9 of 9
Goal machine: Mulwala' Ronald Harley Middleton had his kicking boots on against Congupna, booting a game-high six goals. Photo by Megan FisherCongupna has now suffered two defeats in as many weeks after falling to Finley a week ago.
Amidst the team’s first losing streak of the season, Bingham said it was important for his side to keep backing itself.
“We just need to keep staying positive. We know our best footy can stack up with anyone and we have seen that in glimpses,” he said.
“We have been really good for three quarters for most of the year, it is just trying to find those four-quarter games to put together.
“Yes, we’ve lost the last couple of weeks, we just need to keep sticking to our game plan and hopefully the wins keep coming.
“We’ve got a couple of tough games coming up, but we are looking forward to those tough games as well.”
It was the second time the Lions have got the best of Congupna this season, having also defeated the Road back in round two.
Elsewhere in the MFL, Numurkah moved up into second place after thumping Tocumwal by 155 points.
Hunter Verhoeven kicked eight goals for the Blues, who have moved ahead of Congupna into second.
Moama and Cobram both had important wins over their local rivals, defeating Echuca United and Barooga by 42 points and 20 points respectively.
Finley defeated Deniliquin by 16 points, while Nathalia belted Tongala by 71 points.