Picola United suffers first loss as Tungamah runs riot

But that was as close as they got for the rest of the day as a relentless Tungamah piled on eight goals to one in the second half to secure the 6.6 (42) to 17.17 (119) win and preserve its unbeaten start to the season.

Picola United coach Darby Walsh was optimistic about the result, taking plenty of positives from the loss despite the margin.

"We know a lot about Tungamah, they're a pretty good opposition,” he said.

“So we knew we were going to have to bring our A-game yesterday and, you know, to the boys’ credit we did bring our A-game, but it wasn't for long enough. We did it for probably, you know, a quarter, but we needed four quarters.

“So yeah, we were thereabouts, and we still very much believe that our best can go with them and beyond them, but for us it was probably more of a consistency thing trying to get it for four quarters."

While the scoreline might suggest a total domination of the contest through the middle of the ground, Walsh was assured his side wasn’t overrun in the midfield.

"I wouldn't say middle at all,” he said.

“Their ball use inside 50 was really strong and they were able to finish really well too. So probably their forward line had our measure. I thought our mids were really good, our rucks were really good.

“I thought our backs did a pretty good job as well considering the way it was coming in a little bit there. But yeah, probably for the most part just their forwards were able to get on top and obviously do some damage.”

While there were a few standout performances in the Blues’ effort, Walsh emphasised the performance of the team as a whole, which he was pleased with.

“Daniel Maher for us playing in the midfield had a blinder,” Walsh said.

“He was really, really good, really consistent, so that was really pleasing. Other than that, again, as I said, our rucks were pretty good, all of our mids were pretty good.

“It was a pretty good team effort to be honest."

Maher was best afield for the Blues, with a goal to go with his work at the coalface, while Taylor Beard contributed four goals as well. Marcus Walsh was another standout performer, as was Connor Langley, who was also among the goals.

Ashley Saunders kicked five for Tungamah, while Dylan Robinson was the most influential player, slotting two goals and named best on ground.

As his team prepares to take on another side without a blemish on its record in Waaia next week, Walsh’s message to his players will be one of positive reinforcement.

“We showed that for, I think it was the second quarter, or probably the second half of the second quarter really, that our best was as good as them, but we just couldn't do it for long enough,” he said.

“So we get back, we keep working on a few things we know we can do, we know that we're capable of. (This week) will just be an opportunity to go out there and do more of it.”

Picola United will face the undefeated Waaia next week, while Tungamah will look to continue its good form when it takes on Mathoura.