Tongala’s season draws to a close as Congupna clinches second

By Josh Huntly

Aug 20, 2023

Wrapped up: Tongala’s Oliver Watt is tackled by Congupna’s Elliot Cavallaro. Photos: Rechelle Zammit Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Tongala’s year has come to an end with a 54-point loss to Congupna.

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The Blues couldn’t keep pace with the Road on their home ground, with Elliot Cavallaro’s seven-goal haul helping Congupna clinch a coveted double chance.

Makenzie Ryan led the way for Tongala with five goals but a fast-starting Congupna forced the visitors to play catch-up for most of the game, taking a 21-point lead into quarter-time before extending it to 37 at half-time.

Pressure: Tongala’s Ryley Cowley and Congupna’s Dion Gleeson battle for possession. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

An improved second-half showing from the Blues helped pull back the final margin, but it wasn’t enough to notch a second consecutive win, falling to a 16.14 (110) to 9.2 (56) defeat.

Coby McCarthy, Kyle Fitzgerald and Tristan Watson were prominent for Tongala despite the loss, while Cody Di Bella, Sam Poole and Jordan Gee were pivotal for the Road.

The result sees Tongala finish the season in 11th with a 5-13 win-loss record, while Congupna will face Mulwala in the qualifying final at Nathalia next weekend.

Got it: Tongala skipper Kyle Fitzgerald gets down low. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Tongala will miss finals for the first time since 2018, but a host of its young players will give the Blues’ faithful something to look forward to as the club turns its eye to 2024.

The Blues will still be represented on the football field during Murray Football League finals, with the club’s reserves qualifying third and still in the running for back-to-back flags. They will face Cobram in this weekend’s elimination final.