Taking on fellow Blues and midtable rival Numurkah at Numurkah Showgrounds, Tonny led at quarter-time, 16-12, and at half-time, 31-27, by a valuable four-goal margin.
The 2023 champion wasn’t able to muster that same level coming out of the break and by three-quarter time it was Numurkah that had the lead, 41-39.
After scoring eight goals in the third, the Tongala attack returned to form in the final period, but Numurkah’s offence was equal to the task, outscoring the visitor 20-15 in the final period to take the game 61-54.
A win would have had Tongala lurking half a game behind Numurkah and the top six, but as things stand this week’s opponent now has a 10-point edge over Tonny.
Grace Hammond’s squad will feel unfortunate to be in such a position, given the statistical similarities between the two sides.
Numurkah has a goal percentage less than one per cent higher than Tonny’s and has scored fewer goals this season, but still holds the significant edge on the league table.
Tongala’s respectable percentage of 97.58 would indicate a side close to an even record, rather than the Blues' 4-7.
Tonny will need things to go its way in the remainder of the season, a journey that it will hope starts with a game against 3-1-7 Congupna this weekend.
The Blues will host The Road at Tongala Recreation Reserve.
10°C