MFL | Magpies soar over slumping Lions

By Bransen Gibson

Jul 10, 2022

Contest: Moama's Dougal McKindlay and Mulwala's Owen Conway do battle in the ruck. Photo: Steve Huntley

Moama has claimed its most important win of the season so far with a crucial 13-point triumph over Mulwala on Saturday at Jack Eddy Oval.

A six goal to two second half for the Magpies saw them prevail 8.15 (63) to 7.8 (50), handing the Lions their third loss in a row while turning up the heat in the race for the top two.

Zac Stovell, Nicholas Pavlou and Jye Smith were three of the best for the Pies on the day, while Fraser Buchanan led the way with three majors down forward with skipper Jack Russell booting two.

Matthew Gorman was the Lions sole multi-goal kicker with two, while five other Lions chipped in with one goal each.

With second spot potentially up for grabs, the two sides traded blows in a see-sawing affair on a rainy afternoon.

Moama had an eight-point lead at quarter time but were held goalless in the second term as the Lions booted four goals to snatch back the lead.

But a strong second half saw the Pies limit Mulwala to just two goals, with the Pies picking up a pivotal four points despite their wayward goal kicking.

The victory is a key result in the race for finals, with second spot on the ladder now well and truly up for grabs with five rounds left to play.

Tongala, Moama and Mulwala are all now level with 10 wins apiece, with only percentage separating the three sides.

The Magpies’ win saw them move ahead of Mulwala on the ladder but they remained in third spot and both teams are now behind Tongala in second after their six-goal triumph over Deniliquin.

Sitting outside the top two is unfamiliar territory for Mulwala this season. The Lions were undefeated through the opening 10 rounds of the season, but three losses in as many games has seen them slide down to fourth.