Distributor: Rumbalara's Des Morgan dishes off a handball to a teammate.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
Numurkah at last broke a 10-year losing streak against Nathalia, Congupna earned its second huge win in as many weeks and Rumbalara had another tough day at the office during the weekend’s round of Murray Football League action.
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It had been a decade since Numurkah had defeated the Purples at Nathalia, but that drought came to an end on Sunday afternoon after the Blues prevailed by 27 points.
Numurkah was simply too good for its arch rivals, putting in an impressive display to win 12.11 (83) to 8.8 (56).
Blues coach Sean Harrap said it was a important for the Blues to shake their 10-year hoodoo at Nathalia Recreation Reserve.
Flying high: Nathalia's Brodie Ross and Numurkah's Matthew Smyth do battle in the ruck.
Photo by
Bransen Gibson
“We mentioned it, but we didn’t put a lot of emphasis on it. It probably just shows the era that Nathalia has had over a long period of time,” Harrap said.
“In the scheme of things it is a win, but everybody will look back on it, especially the players who have gone before us and have had a history against Nathalia.”
Up by 15 points at half-time, Numurkah kicked away in the second half, with a five-goal final-quarter sealing the win.
“At half-time we could sense the game was going to open up at some point. At stages during the third quarter it did that and then the last quarter opened up,” Harrap said.
“Yes, they got a couple of goals late, but we always felt we were in control of the game.”
Bitter rivals: Nathalia and Numurkah players get in a scuffle after a heavy hit.
Photo by
Bransen Gibson
Meanwhile on Saturday, Congupna was far too strong for the league’s newest club Tocumwal, steamrolling the Bloods by 131 points.
Daniel Schaper had a big day out as he booted 10 goals for The Road, with teammate Elliot Cavallaro kicking seven in the 24.12 (156) to 3.7 (25) win.
The huge win follows up from Congupna’s 162-point win the week prior, with Tocumwal still on the hunt for victory number one.
Rumba meanwhile was on the end of another tough result after falling to Echuca United by 155 points.
Good grab: Rumbalara's Dane Chapman holds possession under heavy pressure.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
It was a lively contest early, but the Eagles soon gained the upper hand as James Harney slotted home 12 goals in United’s 29.16 (190) to 5.5 (35) win.
There was a special moment before the game between the two sides as United unveiled its new Indigenous jumper that will be used as the club’s clash strip.
The match also saw the introduction of the Wanganeen medals, awarded to the best senior football and netball players on the day.
Teshawn Harrison made his senior debut for Rumbalara and was named as Rumba’s captain for the day, kicking a goal in his first appearance.
In other results, Cobram prevailed against Tongala 13.6 (84) to 10.11 (71), Mulwala topped Deniliquin 10.18 (78) to 5.5 (35) and Barooga was too good for Finley 11.15 (81) to 5.8 (38).
