If there was any lingering scepticism about Numurkah’s status as a genuine premiership front-runner in Murray Football League in 2023, that doubt has all but been abolished following the Blues’ gutsy win over Conupna.
Numurkah shrugged off a lacklustre third quarter to come from behind and snare an important 12-point victory against The Road at Congupna Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
After building a 25-point lead at half-time, the Blues watched that advantage evaporate as a six-goal-to-one third term had Congupna surge into the lead at three-quarter time.
But Numurkah kept its composure and bounced back, outscoring Congupna 25-7 in the fourth quarter to prevail 11.9 (75) to 9.9 (63).
It was Numurkah’s second resume-boosting win in the past three weeks against a fellow flag contender following an exhilarating one-point win against Mulwala in round 10.
Having lost to Congupna by 67 points in April, Blues coach Sean Harrap said the result was a big boost for his side.
"It was a really good win,“ Harrap said.
“It just gives us great belief. Congupna did a number on us only seven weeks ago, the result was 11 goals.
“We've improved a fair bit and we're just playing better footy, which is good to see.”
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Big sticks: Numurkah’s Joshua O'Dwyer about to kick one of his two goals on the day against Congupna. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 7
Eyes up: Congupna’s James Butts searches for the ball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 7
On the board: Claye Sculthorpe kicked two goals for the Blues on Saturday. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 7
Road warrior: Congupna’s Dion Gleeson. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 7
In the zone: Numurkah’s Trent Baker. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 7
Good day out: Jack Norman was named among the best for Congupna. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 7
Going long: Nathan Hicks sends Numurkah forward. Photo by Rechelle ZammitPlaying in blustery conditions, Numurkah led by five points at quarter-time before a strong second term had that margin grow to 25 points at the main break.
Kicking with the breeze in the third term, the Blues seemed to be in a commanding position – but Congupna had other ideas.
Looking to put back-to-back defeats behind them, The Road hit their straps after the main break and six goals to Numurkah’s one put the home side in front by four points at three-quarter time.
Momentum, however, would swing back Numurkah’s way, as key goals from Josh O'Dwyer and Ben Millen – the hero against Mulwala – helped the Blues come out on top.
“We were just going away from what sort of put us in the position we were in at half-time,” Harrap said about the third quarter.
“We had some opportunities, but we just didn't take them, whereas they did.
“Our message at three-quarter time was just to get back to those basics that put us in the position in the first half.
"That was a pleasing thing – a bit like the Mulwala game, we were headed and we were able to fight back and get the win, which was pleasing from our point of view as coaches.“
Millen, O'Dwyer and Claye Sculthorpe kicked two goals apiece for Numurkah, while Daniel Schaper (three goals) and Elliot Cavallaro (two) and Jak Trewin (two) did most of the damage for The Road.
The two-goal win means Numurkah remains alone in second spot on the ladder, one win behind league leader Mulwala and one win ahead of Moama – a side the Blues will now face this weekend – in third.
Congupna has slumped to its third defeat on the trot, a losing streak that has seen it fall from second spot to fourth.
The Road are now eight points behind second-placed Numurkah, while Moama is a game clear in third spot following a 98-point thumping of Tocumwal.
Cobram moved level on points with Congupna after a tough eight-point win against Finley, while Barooga moved within a game of the top six after belting Rumbalara by 163 points.
Elsewhere, Mulwala defeated Tongala by 70 points, while Deniliquin toppled Echica United by two goals.