Nathalia brings down Purple rain on Moama

Booting a trio of maximums through the first quarter, Nathalia had Moama on the back foot early, with the Magpies slotting one major in reply.

The hosts fought back in the second period, kicking a pair of goals and a smattering of behinds, but the Purples kept in front, piling on another three goals to hold a 16-point lead at half-time.

Following on it’s late first half momentum into the third term, Moama inched closer to snatching the lead with a three-goal effort courtesy of usual suspects Liam Barrett, Khy Stovell and Tobias Thoolen.

However, 2.2 from Nathalia meant the visitor kept a narrow two-goal lead at the last turn.

With all to play for the Magpies couldn’t quite cut the mustard, with Blake Evans kicking the first and only goal for Moama down the stretch.

Meanwhile, the Purples did enough (2.3) to escape with a slim, but definitive, 17-point victory in enemy territory.

While the 7.9 (51) to 10.8 (68) loss doesn’t remove the Magpies from second place, it makes them vulnerable to slipping back into the pack of Cobram, Mulwala and Nathalia all vying for a high finals seeding.

Young gun Rhys Drennan was named best-on ground for his work in the backline, with player-coach Barrett leading the way in front of goal with a double.

Moama will hit the road in round 15 and travel to Hardringe Street Oval to face its other bogey team vying for the last finals spot, Deniliquin.