Tongala takes slim win, Numurkah topples reigning premier in Murray Football League action

By Liam Nash

Jul 14, 2024

Sam Cipriani kicked a goal during Tongala’s two-point victory over Echuca United at the weekend. Photo by Aidan Briggs

After a week off Murray Football League action resumed in a big way at the weekend.

Following the bye, play returned in style as Tongala managed to strut off its home deck with fans waiting in the wings to sing after a knife-edged two-point victory against Echuca United.

The last-placed Eagles showed they were no pushover up against a historically successful Blues, but a latent start ended up costing the travellers as Tongala held on for a 8.9 (57) to 7.13 (55) result.

Despite trailing for most of the first quarter, Bendigo Pioneer and Vic Country star Oliver Poole kicked one late to give United hope, spurring the Eagles on to lead by a point at half-time.

A remarkably inaccurate third term saw no goals kicked, but United’s six behinds to Tongala’s three had the former up by five with one term left to play.

However, in the 24th minute of the final quarter, up stepped best-on-ground Mitch Gugliotti to stand and deliver the match-winning goal and break the hearts of Eagles who’d looked primed to snatch their first win of the season.

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Tongala’s Tom Cooper spots an option ahead of him. Photo by Aidan Briggs

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Tongala’s Sam Cipriani stands up and reels it in. Photo by Aidan Briggs

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Echuca United’s Nash Ramage holds onto a mark. Photo by Aidan Briggs

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Echuca United’s Reece Sidebottom drops it onto the left boot. Photo by Aidan Briggs

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Echuca United’s Bailey Sawyer receives the ball in the centre square. Photo by Aidan Briggs

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Bendigo Pioneer Oliver Poole played his third game of the season for Echuca United on Saturday. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Meanwhile, Numurkah rolled on to resume its blazing run of form, knocking over reigning premier Mulwala.

Numurkah trailed by nine points heading into the last, but then went crazy in front of the posts, drilling 6.6 to the Lions’ 1.0 and whisking a 12.9 (81) to 8.6 (54) victory from the hosts.

It means Sean Harrap’s side is now unbeaten in six straight games.

Congupna kept its firm grip on the competition after seeing off Cobram, pushing it further ahead of the pack by 10 points.

Last time the two powers danced it was a white-knuckler as The Road held on for a three-point win, but Saturday’s rematch was more convincing as Ben Bingham’s men collected a 10.7 (67) to 6.11 (47) triumph.

Key Tiger Jackson Trengove was held goalless, while Congupna’s Daniel Schaper (four goals) and Isaiah Jones starred in the win.

In other games, Rumbalara put up an epic fight against Finley, but succumbed by 19 points, while Jobe Shanahan led the way for Moama in a 19.19 (133) to 6.6 (42) thrashing of Barooga.

Lastly, Nathalia slid out of the top six after losing to Deniliquin 12.10 (82) to 6.14 (50).