Mathoura pushed second-placed Strathmerton all the way to the end in what was brewing as an epic round 13 upset in the Picola District league at the weekend.
But with scores tied at three-quarter time, the Timbercutters’ fairytale fail to eventuate as a wasteful Bulldogs booted two goals to one in the final term, running away with a seven-point win.
The lead failed to drift beyond five points at any break during the thrilling contest at Mathoura Recreation Reserve and, despite the loss, the 11th-placed Cutters were left buoyed by the performance.
“A little bit of luck goes our way towards the end of the game and we could have possibly won it,” Timbercutters coach Tim McCormick said.
“To get within seven points of the second-best team in the competition at the minute is a fantastic effort from our boys.
“We didn’t let Strathy get their running game going, it was just consistent pressure for four quarters.
“We just asked for continued pressure and intensity and we couldn’t have asked for more barring the result.
“It was one of our best four-quarter performances for the year.”
Mathoura livewire Isaac Johnson booted four of his side’s five goals in an inspired performance down forward, with Noah Milner the other goal-kicker.
Sam McHale was judged best-on-ground in his second game back at the club, while Clint McNabb drew praise from McCormick for his run off half-back.
Former Timbercutters coach Darcy Robinson booted two goals to lead the scoring for Strathmerton, while the Crestanis, Adrian and Jordan, were also prominent for the Bulldogs.
“We missed a couple of opportunities in the last quarter, but that’s footy,” McCormick said.
“It’s a massive confidence booster for our group knowing that our best is good enough.”
Mathoura will now be hunting its third win of the season when it makes the road trip to Yarroweyah (1-10) this Saturday before heading into a scheduled bye.
On the court, Mathoura tasted its fifth defeat of the season to a strong Bulldogs outfit, experiencing a 23-39 loss.
The Timbercutters are seventh with a pivotal match-up against ninth-placed Yarroweyah (5-5) to come this weekend.
The Game
Score
Mathoura: 1.0, 2.4, 4.5, 5.6 (36)
Strathmerton: 1.5, 2.8, 3.11, 5.13 (43)
Goals
Mathoura: Izaac Johnson 4, Noah Milner
Strathmerton: Darcy Robinson 2, Sam Lewis, Tim Looby, Darcy McCormack
Best
Mathoura: Sam McHale, Clint McNabb, Jacob Simpson, Izaac Johnson, Jack Duggan, Jake Cardilini
Strathmerton: Adrian Crestani, Jordan Crestani, Lewis O’Sullivan, Daniel Buzza, Sam Lewis, Josh Payne