Magpies undone by superior Congupna

In the Three Jacks, Moama made a slow start it was ultimately able to rectify, and it once again struggled in the first quarter against Congupna, which came out of the blocks firing, kicking six of the game’s first seven goals, all in the first quarter, to take a 32-point lead into the first interval.

The Magpies attempted to recreate their efforts from round one, kicking three of the first four goals in the second term.

But Congupna, last season’s minor premier, would not relinquish too much control of the contest, keeping Moama at arm’s-length by booting the next two majors, a late first-half goal by Magpies forward Dean Galea trimming the margin to 22 at the main break, The Road leading 9.3 (57) to 5.5 (35).

With the fixture presenting an opportunity for Moama to make an early statement against a side that did not lose a regular season game last year, Shannon Keam’s men came out strong to start the third, kicking the first major to edge closer on the scoreboard.

But whenever the Magpies seemed to gain momentum, Congupna countered in devastating fashion, kicking the next three goals to ensure the lead remained at 22 heading into the fourth.

Any hope of a late, spectacular comeback by the hosts was immediately thwarted, The Road showing why it has been so tough to beat in recent seasons, kicking the first two goals of the quarter in the first two minutes, ultimately setting them up for what was a comfortable 16.6 (102) to 10.10 (70) victory.

Despite likely having positives to take from the performance, Moama goes back to the drawing board having split its opening two Murray league games, joining a group of five teams with a 1-1 record.

Keam’s men have the bye in round three, before casting an eye on a local fixture against Tongala in round four, playing at home once again.