After giving Cobram a fright in round nine of the Murray League season, Barooga travelled to Mulwala with hopes of springing an upset.
Chasing their second win of the season, the Hawks knew they would have to be at their best.
A fast start would be a must but it was the hosts who flew out of the blocks, building a 23-point lead by the first change.
After kicking only one goal in the first term Barooga added two in the second, but it wasn’t enough to reduce the margin — Mulwala leading 8.5.53 to 3.5.23 at half-time.
Any hopes of a third-quarter charge by the Hawks were quickly dashed as the Lions piled on another four majors to lead by 50 points at the last break.
With only pride on the line at this point, Barooga came out on top by a point in a dour final term, Mulwala coasting to a 13.8.86 to 5.7.37 victory.
The defeat left Barooga in 10th position on the ladder while Mulwala stayed in third.
Barooga best players: Thomas Barker, Jake Poole, Nicholas Gooch, Charlie Ingham, Lachlan Harris, William Brooks.
Barooga goalkickers: Lachlan Sykes 2, Kris Bextream, Joe Lindrea, Lachlan Stephens.
Barooga hosts Rumbalara this Saturday, with both sides chasing their second wins of the season.