Moama has inserted itself into the top four of the Murray Football League after winning against sixth-place Cobram at home in round 10.
After a solid defensive effort from both teams, scores were level at a goal and a behind each at quarter time.
The second term was another low-scoring affair. However, the Tigers managed to nudge ahead at the half-time siren, 22-15.
The Magpies lifted in the third quarter, levelling the scores at five goals apiece heading into the final stanza.
But in a strong fourth-quarter showing, the Magpies’ three goals were enough to stave off a last-minute Tigers goal and win the match in thrilling fashion, the final score reading Moama 8.7 (55) to Cobram 7.8 (50).
Moama coach Jye Warren enjoyed how the contest pushed his players, alongside taking away a positive result heading into the business end of the season.
“It was a pretty good hit-out; we knew it was going to be a cracking game, but it exceeded expectations,” he said.
“It was a hard-fought game, and with us winning, it’s a positive sign moving forward.”
Warren highlighted the defensive scheme the Magpies prepared for the Cobram contest, and how it ultimately helped deliver them the win.
“We wanted to make sure we had frontal pressure on them; they like to chip, run and play-on quickly; they have some elusive medium (sized) players that run hard,” he said.
“We wanted to nullify that, so we pressed up on them quickly, didn’t give them any space, and made sure we won that defensive 50-50 ball.”
“We wanted to stop their run because they’re young and fast, and they got us on the outside that first half.”
Warren also pointed to his ruckman and defensive anchor as the keys to the team’s success this week in a low-scoring contest.
“Dougal McKindlay played an exceptional game in the ruck; we gave him a rest last week, so he came in fresh and played an important role for us,” he said.
“Ned Osborne, in his 50th game, was outstanding in the back line; he marked everything and used the ball well; that was one of the best games I’ve seen him play for a few years.”
Moama will play eighth-placed Numurkah away in round 11, hoping to start stringing a few wins together as the finals approach.
Pies swoop in the MNL
Moama decimated Cobram in a one-sided affair in round 10 of the Murray Netball League.
The Magpies came out firing, scoring 23 points in the first term to Cobram’s eight, well and truly leading at quarter-time.
The Tigers hit double figures by the half-time siren, scoring 16 for the half, yet Moama continued to stretch its lead, ending the period with 34.
While the Magpies continued to score, Cobram faltered in the third term, only managing to add three points to their total in the quarter.
The Tigers managed to have their most productive period in the fourth, bringing their total to 28 at the full-time siren, but could not get close to Moama’s mammoth final score of 75.
The Magpies continue to impress this season, extending their winning streak to five on the bounce.
Moama will face 10th-placed Numurkah, hoping to claim another win on the road.