Tongala’s Murray Football League finals aspirations took a big hit in an error-riddled 26-point loss to Barooga in round nine.
The Blues have fallen two games adrift of the top six after the 5.10 (40) to 9.12 (66) defeat, despite a fast start to the clash out at Barooga Recreation Reserve.
Tongala jumped out of the blocks out at Barooga Recreation Reserve, booting four goals straight to the Hawks’ two in a promising opening term.
But as was the story in their 33-point defeat to Numurkah in round seven, turnovers and skill errors cost the Blues dearly.
A wayward Tongala could only muster 1.10 after quarter-time to the Hawks 7.11, and a frustrated Matt Daniel did not mince his words as the Blues let slip a golden opportunity to keep touch with the top six.
“It was the same story as last week, but twice as bad after quarter-time,” the Tongala coach said.
“Up until quarter-time, we would have matched it with the best sides.
“We just fell apart going forward and those turnovers again killed us — shocking.
“They would have kicked four or five goals from our turnovers.
“Our skill errors were deplorable, we beat Barooga in and around the contest and had more of the footy, but we were just hitting them on the chest.
“Barooga, like good sides do, will hurt you on the turnover, which they did. We’ve got a fair bit to work on during the week.”
Lachlan and Ryan Harris inspired the Hawks to their fifth win of the season alongside Barooga champion Riley Gow (three goals), while Riley Clarke, Kyle Fitzgerald, and Oliver Watt stood out for Tongala on a dire day.
“Oli Watt was fantastic, we trialled him at full-back and he was great,” Daniel said.
“Kyle Fitzgerald battled away on the ball, and Riley Clarke was pretty good, young Tristan Watson played well.
“You could throw a dart at the bloody board for fifth and sixth best.”
Tongala’s woes were compounded by a hamstring injury to Mitch Gugliotti, but the cavalry is set to arrive for the Blues in what shapes as a pivotal three-game stretch.
Daniel himself is set to return to the side in the coming weeks, while champion midfielder Coby McCarthy is poised to return from injury.
Jordan Souter could also make a return through the Reserves from suspension.
The Blues remain in ninth with a 3-5 win-loss record, and Daniel has earmarked this Saturday’s clash against Deniliquin (10th) as make or break.
“This one against Deni is pretty season-defining,” he said.
“These are the teams we need to be beating because we’re competing with them for that spot.”
THE GAME
Score
Tongala: 4.0, 4.2, 4.4, 5.10 (40)
Barooga: 2.1, 5.4, 6.9, 9.12 (66)
Goals
Tongala: Mitch Fitzgerald 2, Sam Cipriani, Jack Sinclair, Max Watson
Barooga: Riley Gow 3, Sam Macheda 2, Zac Hanrahan, Jai Nolan, Jack Short, Lachlan Stephens
Best
Tongala: Riley Clarke, Kyle Fitzgerald, Oliver Watt, Tristan Watson, Brock McLean, Max Watson
Barooga: Lachlan Harris, Ryan Harris, Jayden Geisler, Angus Cameron, Nicholas Gooch, Samuel Macheda