MFL | Moama bounces back against Blues

The win for Moama ends its mini skid after back-to-back losses while also shoring up its spot in the top six.

Magpies coach Sam Sheldon said it was an important victory for his side.

“It was a big game for us. It’s good to be back on the winners’ board, that’s for sure,” Sheldon said.

“They were only a game behind us, so it was good to stamp our authority.

“Even though we still had a lot of boys out, it was good to see the team that we had stand up and play our way.”

The Pies got off to a strong start, kicking 10 goals to two in the first half.

“We had a really good start. We used the ball really well and we were good out of the middle,” Sheldon said.

“All the things you need to do to start well we ticked off and we carried on with it.”

The scoring slowed down in the second half but Moama still outscored the Blues four goals to three in the third and fourth quarters to emerge victorious by nine goals.

Sheldon said the win should help build confidence among the playing group heading towards the second half of the season

“For five years we haven’t had much senior success. This year, now that we’re 6-2, it’s still about finding that belief that we are actually good enough to make finals and go deep into finals,” he said.

“If we execute our game plan and play our way, hopefully it goes a long way to growing that belief in the direction we’re going.”

Fraser Buchanan, Christopher Horman and Stuart Taylor were the top goal-scorers for the Magpies with three majors each, while Travis Down kicked two goals for Numurkah.

Sheldon said he was pleased with his side’s effort throughout the game.

“There was a real willingness amongst the group to work harder for each other,” he said.

“We worked really well together and the boys worked hard for each other.

“It proved that if we stick to what we want to do and stick to our structures and our plans, it goes a long way to taking care of the scoreboard.”

He said Mitch Lake, Josh Vick, Nicholas Pavlou and Jye Smith all played well

“I thought Mitch played a really good game. He is getting better and better as he goes, he is a really good user of the footy,” Sheldon said.

“Jye played an exceptional game on the forward flank. He is growing and getting better as he goes.

“Nick did his thing again, he is just a class act, he definitely played as well as anyone.

“Josh just didn’t get beaten and used the ball really well out of full-back.”

It was a special occasion for Moama’s Liam Ritchie on Saturday, as he played his 50th senior game in the black-and-white.

“He’s a Moama boy born and raised, so that was a really good thing for the club,” Sheldon said.

“He’s a ripping fella and he’s having a really good year too. He’s one of our leaders.”