Tongala 3.5, 6.7, 10.12, 10.13 (73) def by Mulwala 3.0, 6.2, 7.4, 14.9 (93)
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Goals: Sean Robinson 6, Dylan Flangan, Jackson Meade 2, Will Cookson, Tom Dow, Matt Gorman, Matt Holgate 1
Best: Matthew Holgate, Sean Robinson, Lachlan Rouel, William Cookson, Nathan McNair, Van Kreeck
A final-quarter masterclass from club veteran Sean Robinson has powered Mulwala past a wayward Tongala Blues outfit on Saturday, completing a remarkable comeback victory.
The opening quarter was fiercely competitive, with both the Lions and Blues having their fair share of chances early. Tongala, however, will rue missed opportunities, spraying goals at crucial moments that could have seen them establish a handy lead.
Mulwala began the second quarter dictating terms, with Jackson Meade and Sean Robinson seizing their opportunities to briefly put the Lions in front.
Tongala quickly responded, kicking three of the next four goals to wrestle back the ascendancy and restore their control of the contest.
With second place and the double chance on the line, the Lions knew they needed to capitalise on every opportunity. But, much like the opening term, the Blues’ wasteful finishing kept Mulwala within striking distance, leaving only a narrow margin at the halfway point of the third quarter.
Tongala finally found their range late in the third, with Tristen Watson, Jack Hammond and Riley Smith all slotting majors to put the Blues on track for what looked to be a famous victory.
Enter Sean Robinson.
What followed was a final-quarter bonanza that left the Blues stunned.
While Tongala could manage only a minor score for the term, Robinson put the Lions on his back, producing a breathtaking individual performance to turn the game completely on its head.
From 26 points down, Mulwala stormed home to claim a famous 20-point victory, with Robinson the architect a memorable comeback.
A game that appeared to be slipping away from Mulwala was transformed into a statement win — and it was Sean Robinson who delivered when it mattered most.
The next two weeks are pivotal for the Lions second chance, with an away game with Deniliquin and the final game against Echuca United at home
Reserves
Tongala 3.1, 4.5, 5.8, 6.8 (44) def Mulwala 2.1, 2.1, 3.2, 4.3 (27)
Goals: Marcus Larkin 2, Lockie Dwyer, Dylan Nicholson 1
Best: Marcus Larkin, Riley Mitchell, Harley Cooper, Jaxen Wheeler, Christopher Menzies, Jack Tysoe
No Report Submitted
Thirds
Mulwala 14.16 100 def Tongala 4.3 27
Goals: Sonny O’Bryan 7, Nate Leith 3, Nash Mcamara, Tige Sanderson 2
Best Harley Cooper, Nash McNamara, Tige Sanderson, Sonny O’Bryan, Jack Butler, Nate Leith
The Lions controlled the contest for much of the afternoon, with strong pressure around the ground and some excellent ball movement creating plenty of opportunities going forward. Importantly, it was a genuine team effort, with players across the ground contributing and playing their role.
The midfield was led superbly by Harley Cooper, Nash McNamara and Tige Sanderson, who were influential around the stoppages and helped give Mulwala plenty of forward opportunities.
Jack Butler continued to provide a strong presence in the ruck, giving his midfielders first use of the football, while Nate Leith was dangerous around goal and finished the afternoon with an impressive four majors.
Up forward, Sonny O’Bryan was the standout, putting together a terrific performance and finishing with six goals. His ability to find space and convert his opportunities was a major factor in Mulwala’s big scoreboard return.
The Lions’ scoring was rounded out by Nash McNamara and Tige Sanderson, who both contributed two goals each.
It was a pleasing performance from Mulwala, with the most encouraging aspect being the contribution from across the entire team. The Lions will be looking to carry this form and team-first attitude into the coming weeks.
Fourths
Mulwala 9.12 66 def Tongala 0.0 0
Goals: Danyne Bromley 3, Mitchell Purtle , Zeke Small 2, Ben Furgerson, Raffa Leary 1
Best Harley Cooper, Nash McNamara, Tige Sanderson, Sonny O’Bryan, Jack Butler, Nate Leith
A slow start for the boys today, but after a good pep talk, things started to come together and the footy this group knows it can play began to show.
With plenty of rotations throughout the game, everyone had the opportunity to play different roles and contribute to the team effort.
Ben Ferg made an impact up forward, providing a strong target and creating opportunities.
Mitch Purtle made his presence felt on the scoreboard, rewarding his hard work with some great play around goal.
Max Carroll and Campbell New really stepped up today, with the hard work they have been putting in at training starting to show on the field.
Elijah Buckingham and Tate Phillips executed their roles exactly as asked, putting the team first and doing the jobs that needed to be done.
A fantastic effort from the whole group to keep Tongala scoreless and work their way into the game after a slow start.
The best part was seeing everyone contribute, back each other up and continue to work for the team right through to the final siren.
Plenty to be proud of today, boys. The group should keep putting in the work at training, trusting each other and building as a team.
Netball
A Grade
Mulwala 26 def by Tongala 70
Only a few goals separated the Mulwala Lions A Grade team and Tongala throughout the four-quarter netball game on Saturday. The Lions came out with a one-goal lead at quarter time.
The Blues hit back in the second quarter, changing the momentum in their favour and leading by two goals at half time.
Tongala increased its lead with a 14–11 third quarter.
The Lions needed to lift, and they certainly did in the last quarter, bringing the margin back to within two goals at one stage. Tongala were able to hold on and consolidate with a four-goal win.
Grace Thomson provided great drive and amazing feeds into the goalers. Eli Lothian was solid all day for the Lions, giving 110% in attack and defence. Steph Hammond stood tall despite the physicality and shot well for the Lions.
B Grade
Mulwala 43 def by 59
Mulwala B Grade faced another tough challenge against Tongala this week, going down 59–43 in a competitive contest.
Although the four points weren’t theirs this week, the girls can be incredibly proud of the strong and consistent team performance they put together across all four quarters.
With some great combinations across the court, and even a run around with their coach, the girls worked hard for one another and continued to build throughout the game.
Each player showed great independence, staying focused on the goals they had set for the week and working together to execute them. Most importantly, the girls remained positive, composed and determined right through to the final whistle.
With plenty still to play for as they look to secure that second spot on the ladder heading into finals, there are lots of positives to take from this performance.
The girls should all be proud of the way they competed, supported each other and continued to work towards their goals.
Congratulations to this week’s award winners: Freya Fletcher, Morgan Pitches and Nicole Coates.
C Grade
Mulwla 26 def by 70
A slow start had the team playing catch-up against a strong opposition today.
The girls worked hard to settle into the game and showed plenty of determination and fight throughout all four quarters.
Their defensive pressure created some great turnovers and opportunities, but unfortunately, they weren’t able to capitalise on enough of them and convert them into scores.
There were plenty of passages of great teamwork, some strong drives through the court and lots of effort from everyone on the court. While the result wasn’t what they were hoping for, there are lots of positives to take away.
C Reserve
Mulwala 14 def by Tongala 66
The team knew going into today’s game that it was going to be a tough one, but the girls showed incredible determination from start to finish.
Annabel worked tirelessly in defence, putting in a huge effort and never giving up. Marlie played her role across several positions, adapting wherever she was needed, while Bonnie was fantastic through the midcourt, working hard to create opportunities for the team.
Most importantly, the whole team kept fighting right until the final whistle. There was plenty of effort and teamwork on display today, and the team couldn’t be prouder of the way the girls never gave up.
Under 17s
Mulwala 29 def by Tongala 60
The girls got off to a strong start against a strong opposition, leading by one going into the second quarter. Although the girls worked tirelessly for the rest of the game, they couldn’t keep up with the opposition. It was a great effort from the whole team.
Under 15s
Mulwala 35 def Tongala 22
The Under 15s produced one of their strongest and most connected performances of the season, playing with confidence and control right from the first whistle.
Their 35–22 win over Tongala showcased excellent teamwork and resilience. The girls applied steady pressure, created turnovers and moved the ball cleanly through the midcourt. The attacking end finished well, and the defensive unit stayed disciplined, shutting down Tongala’s options and forcing errors.
Every player stepped up, showing composure, maturity and a real commitment to working together. The consistency across all four quarters and the ability to reset quickly were standout strengths.
A terrific win away from home, full of flow, effort and belief. Strong momentum heading into next week.
Under 13s
The girls travelled over to Tongala hoping to repeat their last clash, where they came away eight-point winners.
The warm-up was done, positions were handed out and the girls were ready. The first whistle blew and, within 30 seconds, Tongala scored the first goal. The girls locked in and went on to score the next eight goals, bringing the quarter-time scores to 1–8.
Tongala won the second quarter, bringing the half-time scores to 7–12, Mulwala’s way. In the third quarter, Tongala came out firing, keeping Mulwala to just two goals for the quarter while scoring seven goals against them.
Coming into the final quarter, the scores were even at 14–14. The message from the coach was to take a deep breath, dig deep and work hard. As the last quarter started, it went goal for goal for the next 10 minutes, but Tongala never once had the lead.
To the girls’ credit, they stuck together and held on to win by just three goals. A great team effort by every player.
Awards for this game went to Alana Hehir – Jacyees, Addison Kirchen – Thursday Dinner and Jade McInerney – Commercial Glazing Solutions.