A late goal had them three points in front of a hard-hitting Deniliquin Rams side, with the Magpies looking strong across all lines.
But after half-time, that all fell apart.
They would give up seven goals to two in the second half of a low scoring battle, falling to the Rams by 34 points ibn the opening game of the 2021 Murray Football League season.
A number of goals would come as the direct result of free kicks, while the side gave away six 50m penalties throughout the contest to add insult to injury.
But it was the Magpies’ inability to maintain the style of play that had them leading at half-time that left Moama coach Luke Eldridge frustrated.
“We actually came in really confident at half-time, thinking we could out run them,” he said.
“But we really lacked pressure and discipline in the second half of play. Giving away six 50m penalties, especially when three of them result in goals, it's not going to win you a lot of games.
“But the biggest problem in the second half is that we went away from our structures.
“We didn't man up, our forward line structure fell away and our midfield accountability wasn't there.”
Eldridge said the discipline of his side was a major issue on the day, and didn't shy away from his own performance.
“It's certainly disappointing, and I was guilty of it too, I'll put my hand up,” he said.
“When we got to the final quarter we thought we could generate some momentum and it really breaks your back when mistakes cost you.
“I think at times we lacked leadership and needed guys to stand up, but we didn't have them.”
Though the side went down, Eldridge said there were a number of positives to come out of the clash, and spoke of his club's ability to fight back.
“Fraser Verhey was really good, he showed great composure with the football,” Eldridge said.
“Matthew Close was unreal with the work he did in defence, and Lewis Rolfe was really good in his first game.
“There are some things we can work on and we will this week. Once things click and that structure is drilled in, that on-field discipline will come.
“If we get back to playing how we did in the first half, it will make a huge difference.”
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