Fresh off a goal-after-the-siren victory against the previously-undefeated Deniliquin Rams last weekend, Numurkah has its eyes firmly set on taking another Murray League scalp.
But if the boys from the Showgrounds thought Deniliquin was tough, this week’s assignment will push them to the absolute brink, as they travel to Cobram to take on the top-of-the-table Tigers.
Despite the magnitude of the task at hand, Blues coach Sean Harrap said his squad was excited to test itself against the competition’s benchmark.
“Obviously Cobram is probably the yardstick of the competition at the moment, so it is going to be a big challenge for a group, but something that excites us as well,” Harrap said.
“It will give a great indication of exactly where we are at, we’ve performed pretty well I think to be 4-2, so we are looking forward to the challenge.”
Last week’s win against Deniliquin marked the Blues’ first major scalp of the season, which was something Harrap said had given the group great confidence heading into this clash with the Tigers.
“Being a particularly young group it gives us a lot of confidence that we are on the right track and our game plan is beginning to work,” he said.
“We take a fair bit out of last week’s win, despite it not being the prettiest game of footy, and it instils that belief that we can compete with the competition’s best.”
When it comes to the game on Saturday, Harrap said being able to stop Cobram’s run and carry would be the key to giving his side a chance of securing the four points.
“The most important thing for us this week is just to bring a positive attitude,” he said.
“They (Cobram) run really well and are very skilful, so if we can just get the game on our terms and don’t let them get their attacking ball movement going that will go a long way to being in the game.
“As long as we bring the endeavour and work hard all day I’ll be happy regardless of the final result.”
In terms of team news, the Blues will once again be without star recruit Jamason Daniels, while Kade O’Dwyer and Shane Miller are under injury clouds and will be touch-and-go for the trip to Scott Oval.
Elsewhere, Congupna will be looking to make it back-to-back wins as it travels north to face Echuca United.
After a brutal opening set of fixtures, the Road got back on the winners’ list last week with a crushing 106-point win over Rumbalara.
The Eagles on the other hand have failed to register a win so far this season, and will be desperate for an improved performance for their home crowd.
The final Murray League clash of the weekend sees five-time reigning premier Nathalia travel to Hardinge Street Oval for a clash with the Rams.
After breaking their duck a fortnight ago with a big win over Finley, the Purples will be keen to increase their win tally to two against a Deniliquin team still reeling from an after-the-siren loss to Numurkah last week.
The remainder of the round seven fixtures will take place next weekend in what is the first of two Murray League split rounds this season.