Lions upset reigning premiers
Mulwala had a great win against last year’s premier, Deniliquin, in a workman-like performance last Saturday.
The occasion was even more significant as it was the unfurling of the Deni Premiership flag. The six goal win by Mulwala flattered Deni, who kicked some easy goals as the heat went out of the contest.
In a hotly contested opening, where the ball moved from one end of the ground to the other, Deni kicked the first goal. Penetrating and accurate kicks from Bodhi Butts and Tom Beams always had the Rams on the back foot. With quick goals to Cam Symes and Sean Johns, who roved the pack beautifully, the Lions hit the front and never looked back.
The Lions defensive unit, under the skillful leadership of General Nathan Parker, repelled any forward thrusts from Deni. Quick ball movement and player spread suddenly turned defence into attack. Sean Robinson, Thomas Wilson and Nick O’Bryan worked their magic through the centre of the ground paving the way for 50 gamer, Lee James (one goal), Anthony Giuliano (six goals) and Cam Symes (six goals) up in the forward line.
As the game progressed, Mul consolidated its hold on the game and any score posted by the opposition was quickly answered by multiple scores. Josh Hammond produced an enormous effort, as regular ruckman Daniel Clarke injured his knee early in the first quarter. Josh carried most of the rucking duties throughout the match, playing a major role in the final result.
After Mulwala had skipped to an eight goal lead at three quarter time, Deni continued to battle on, kicking five goals to three in the last term. The disappointment of being outscored in the final quarter was quickly reconciled by having a good win against the Rams in Deni.
Reserves
In a dominant performance, the reserves match was one way traffic – all Mulwala’s.
Mul led by 10 goals to 0 at half time and pushed on to an 18 goal win, with Deni kicking only two goals for the day; both coming in the third quarter.
A total of 12 goal kickers for Mul were recorded, led by Dylan Flanagan with six. The match was set up by an exhibition of great ball use from Chris O’Neil, who was ably assisted through the middle by Brad Wilson, Brandon Kreeck, Jake Beams and Leigh Howroyd.
Any time Deni looked a threat it was shut down by defenders, James Wilson and Marcus Larkin, quickly turning defence into attack, with strong running and great link play. Welcome returns from John Whelan, Nick Gash and Zach Moore, who all gave good accounts of themselves, is a positive sign for the rest of the year.
Thirds
Both teams posted only one goal apiece in the first quarter with Mulwala’s coming after a great tackle on the wing by Dale Powell who then passed to Lach Davis for a goal.
Deniliquin came out firing after quarter time kicking 3.6 while keeping Mulwala scoreless. Michael Tabain and Mitch Doughty gave their opponents little room and cleared the ball out of Deni’s forward line effectively and were helped by Nathan McNair, Aaron Gissing, Ned Holmyard and Lachie Pike.
The Lions fought back in the third quarter with Bourkey and Cookey standing tall in the ruck. Their hard work ensured the onballers of Booga, Powelly, Matt Tabain and Roo were getting first use of the ball. The forward line consisting of Fourths players Harry Crossley, Jordan Urquhart and Gus McMillan did a great job against more experienced opposition, with Gus and Harry each scoring goals in the third.
Going into the last quarter four goals down, the Lions continued to give 100% despite showing signs of weariness from the large ground. First year Thirds players Lachie Davis, Nash Jones, Zakarij Garner, Jake Dodds and Corey Pearn are playing great footy against older, larger opposition and are gaining confidence each week.
The loss of experienced player Justin Rattle for the remainder of the year and the late withdrawal of Jackson Weir due to seniors duty saw Mulwala start the game with a depleted three man bench and after an early injury to first gamer Harley Spring, Deni was able to run the game out more effectively and came out winners by 42 points.
With several players returning in the next week or two, the Thirds will become more settled and have some added depth to the side. The clash against Finley this week at Mulwala will require a big team effort and should be great hit out for the young Lions.
Deniliquin 10 9 69 def Mulwala 4 3 27.
Goal Kickers: A Rouel, Z Garner, L Davis, H Crossley.
Best Players: N Cook, L Russell, N McNair, M Doughty, L Davis, A McMillan.
Fourths
The Mulwala 4ths came back to reality with a thud on Saturday morning. The long road trip to Deniliquin took its toll as the Lions came out very sluggish in the first quarter.
A few changes in position and attitude saw the Lions draw even with Deniliquin at the long break. Unfortunately that was to be the end of the positives for the day as the young Rams kicked 7 of the 9 goals scored in the second half, leaving the Lions 5 goals down at the final siren. In a game that was up for grabs at halftime, poor decision making and skill errors let the game slip away. James Bruce, Harley McCarthy, Angus Shand, Tom Dow, Harry Crossley and Connor Newman tried hard all day. This week we all need to get down to training and have a good couple of nights on the track. With Finley at the Lonsdale Reserve on Saturday the boys have a chance to get back on the winners list.
Dean and Bodhi would also like to remind everyone that all parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters and supporters are welcome in the Mulwala change rooms after the game.
Players Auction will be held this week, in the club rooms, after the Finley game. There is lots of talent available across football, netball, seniors and juniors. Get your syndicates together for what should be a great night, starting after the awards at 6.00pm. Food will be available.
