Round seven of the Murray Football League is in the books, and the top half of the ladder looks evenly poised.
Only one win and percentage separate first and fifth place, as the 2024 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
Ladder-leader Congupna got back on the winners’ list — after last week’s loss to Finley — with a 19-point victory over Deniliquin at home.
The Rams — who now sit in eighth place on the ladder, two wins behind The Road — fought bravely against the home side, as the match remained even throughout most of the day.
Congupna arguably should have put the game away earlier in the match, but inaccuracy cost The Road as they kicked 1.6 in the first quarter before finishing the game having kicked 10.18.
The Road led by eight points with one quarter left to play before they kicked four of the first five goals to start the last term, quickly putting the result beyond doubt.
Deniliquin’s Sam Lloyd and Hamish Shepheard both kicked three goals for the match, while Congupna’s star goal-sneak Kyle Mueller kicked two to increase his league-leading tally to 38 from seven games.
The score eventually finished 10.18 (78) to 9.5 (59) in Congupna’s favour.
Nathalia further pushed its premiership credentials with a five-point win over Moama in a tightly-contested match.
At home, the Purples burst out of the gate, booting six opening-quarter goals to three before taking a 23-point lead into half-time.
In the third quarter, Moama returned serve as the Magpies took control of the contest, kicking five goals while keeping Nathalia scoreless.
However in the final term the momentum was wrangled back Nathalia’s way as two late-quarter goals from former AFL player Kayne Pettifer got the Purples over the line in a thriller.
Numurkah made the trip across the border to take on a red-hot Finley.
The Blues could never force themselves into the contest as the Cats extended their lead each quarter, eventually winning the match 16.9 (105) to Numurkah’s 9.7 (61).
Finley’s 2023 leading goal-kicker Tom Lang was busy for the Cats, finishing with four majors, while Numurkah’s Nathan Hicks also finished with four.
Rumbalara has produced a gallant performance away from home against reigning premier Mulwala.
Following half-time, the Lions kept Rumba at bay and finished the match with a 37-point win, with the score finishing 12.9 (81) to 6.8 (44) in Mulwala’s favour.
After losing two of their first three games, the Lions’ season is back on track as they sit in second place on the ladder.
Barooga has secured its first win of the season with a 31-point victory over Echuca United.
Hawks forward Riley Gow was on fire in attack for Barooga, finishing the match with five goals.
After winning the first three matches of the year, Cobram then lost the next three as the Tigers slowly slid back down the ladder.
However Cobram broke its losing streak on Saturday afternoon when it defeated Tongala by 28 points at home.
Star forward Jackson Trengove was busy for the Tigers, kicking a game-high four goals.