Mulwala defeated the 2011 premiers Deniliquin in a crucial match at Lonsdale Reserve on Saturday.
The arrogance displayed by Deniliquin’s coach with his comments made when he turned up at Lonsdale Reserve only added to the determination of the Mulwala senior team to put an end to any hope Deni were clinging to of making an unlikely defence of their win in 2011. Game over Deni and the deplorable full press tactics and crowding of Mulwala’s forward line by Deniliquin made the contest at the a very forgettable one.
Nathan Parker responded in the best way possible to some ill-advised comments from the deni coach with a best on ground performance to help his beloved Lions to another important win.
These clogging tactics used by Deniliquin have been becoming more common in country football and will start to cost clubs support if coaches don’t take responsibility for promoting football rather than destroying the excitement of the contest. To the credit of the Mulwala players and coaches they stayed committed to playing aggressive, exciting football and tried to go about winning the contest in an entertaining way.
Mulwala was without Sean Robinson, one of their most important players, who could have cut through the Deni defence and open the game up. Sean was in Wagga Wagga representing NSW in the country championship and as usual was collecting plenty of the ball helping NSW to third position in the championship behind the two Victorian teams.
Deni made the most of their opportunities early in the game and were able to build a handy lead by midway through the first team. On the other hand Mulwala couldn’t buy a goal no matter what they did as they struggled to break through the crowded forward fifty. Lee James and Cam Symes were working hard but the lack of space made sure any shots on goal were from a low percentage area or long range.
The strength of Mulwala’s back six was clearly going to be a problem for Deni if they were going to be able to build a winning score across the day. Nathan Parker, Tim Doyle, Damien Cook and James Wilson were back in control in the backline after a slow start and the run from young gun Jackson Weir was breaking the lines Deni were trying to set up. The superb foot skills of Michael Duiker was an important element in the team working their way through the press.
It was the hard running and evasive skills of the Beams boys that really started to open the Deni defensive press up and Jake was covering plenty of country to collect his possessions. Tom was too strong in the air for his opponent and his power running was leaving the Deni players flat footed when the press was broken. Deep in the fifty Anthony Giuliano was presenting continually and with a little more luck on his side would have put the game beyond doubt before the half time break. Goals the little pocket rocket would normally have slotted with ease were just missing the mark and this served to keep Deni’s hopes alive even though they were not winning much of the ball at all. Tim Doyle was winning the ball and creating the run from half back that ensured Deni had very little chance to score and if the ball got past him Parks just sorted it out.
Michael O’Riordan was another player willing to run hard and break the lines and cut his way through the press and set up Giuliano for a much needed goal. The Mulwala players were running hard in support of each other and their ability to maintain possession and link up was opening up the Deni plan. Damien Cook found his way through the traffic to hit Lee James up and he didn’t let him down with another accurate shot on goal. The goals were still being punctuated by too many points which was serving to keep Deni close enough to be a threat.
It was a very uneventful contest due to the tactics being employed but it really did seem to only be a matter of time before Mulwala pulled away with the win. This was the case and it was the hard running and superior leg speed of the Mulwala players, along with their willingness to take the game on, that finally saw them run out deserving winners. There were players who were able to break free during the contest with Bohdi Butts and Dan Kirchen being two players who led the way for the whole contest.
Mulwala takes on the dangerous Finley outfit on their home track next week and will need to continue to improve across the board if they are going to continue to keep their top two aspirations alive. Cobram’s defeat of Echuca United has really opened up the top positions and if Mulwala continues to win the games they should it will set up fantastic contest in the last round between these two teams.
Reserves
The Mulwala boys started full of confidence and the early signs suggested the Deni twos could be in for a long day. The Dizza show started early with multiple goals in the first quarter. Boxa Parish was finding the ball through the centre and was leading the way with his attack on the ball. Mr Consistency Marcus Larkin once again dominated across half back, helping set up a seven goal lead at quarter time.
The second quarter followed much the same course as Brad Wilson used his head to kick a couple of miraculous goals. Mulwala had winners all over the ground and through pinpoint passing from Zach Moore the lead stretched to 14 goals at the main break. Ultimately the game reflected the outstanding depth of the Mulwala list. Already 34 players have played senior footy this year, ensuring that there is plenty of talent running around in the magoos.
The run from Eli Boyer and Leigh Howroyd kept pushing the ball inside forward 50 and with so much supply it began raining goals. Mitch Marks, Nick Gash and Tyler Walshe all contributed with goals but it was big Dizza who was the star finishing with 12 for the game, that is 22 in the last two weeks. Berto presented well and took several strong marks and if he could remember where the goals are he will be very dangerous as we head towards the finals.
In the last quarter the Mulwala train rolled on and even though Chris O’Neill missed several chances he managed to find Jake Savy who kicked truly for a memorable goal. A special mention must be made to the players who missed out on a game, without their dedication and commitment the team would not be achieving to what it is.
Thirds
In the second game of the day, the thirds boys were very keen to post the clubs second win of the day. Deni came out with all guns blazing getting their scoring going with two quick goals before Mulwala was able to get their game flowing. Michael Bourke really stepped up his work rate in the ruck and his efforts ensured Nick Olphert, Liam Russell and Dale Powell were given plenty of opportunity to win the football.
Dale Powell was the most dangerous player when the ball got inside Mulwala’s forward fifty and he was keen to take responsibility with a much needed goal to get Mulwala on the board. Justin Rattle and Dylan Rose were working hard inside the forward zone to keep the ball alive and in dangerous areas. Their efforts enabled Mulwala to reel in the lead Deni had created early in the game. The game was becoming a real arm wrestle and the work rate of the Mulwala players all over the ground was very impressive.
Jake Dodds was playing at centre half forward and his hard leads up the ground and strong marks were important in the context of the close game. He continually presented to his players coming through the midfield and off half back which helped Mulwala to gain back the lead. At the other end of the park Nathan McNair and Ned Holmyard were doing a great job in the key defensive positions which had really slowed Deni’s scoring down.
Nathan Cook and Liam Russell were working their way into the contest and they were able to collect a series of telling possessions around the middle of the ground which enabled Mulwala to build a slight lead and have Deni on the back foot. It was a fantastic tight contest that was going to go down to the wire and the Mulwala players were doing everything in their power to hold on to their slender lead. Dylan Rose was laying strong tackles on his Deni opponents whenever it looked like they might break clear and score a much needed goal. The Mulwala boys were desperate in their attack on the football and were able to hang on for a thrilling win.
It has been a tough run for the thirds boys with a horrid run of series injuries to key players but to the group's credit they have all stuck to the challenge well and have been competitive against all the top teams over recent weeks. The thirds boys are showing the fighting spirit the Mulwala Lions are known for and provided the motivation for the senior team to overcome a similar determined effort from the Deni senior group.
Fourths
The Lion cubs came ready to play a hard game and avenge the loss to Deni in the first round. The boys got off to a flying start with Gus kicking two goals in the first quarter. The boys were displaying some good foot skills with Jordan and James driving the ball into the forward line. Cooper B was unforgiving in his tackles and had the opposition nervously listening for his footsteps. Cody and Shanka ran the wings with determination and speed to deliver the ball to Harry for a goal. Deni were not going to give in and mounted a comeback in the third quarter but Connor, Harley and Khai worked hard to stop the scoring and Beau saved a goal on the last line of defence. Hunter, Lachie W and Lachie R were also great in defence. Tom showed his tenacity in and under the packs and Mick made a great intercepts to halt Deni’s run. A very timely goal from Ryan gave the boys a much need lift and the support of the smaller forwards – Sam, Daniel and Tanner was fantastic. Cooper J, Jack and Ruban displayed great tackling skills as well as their attack on the footy and worked together to feed Gus for the game sealing goal. A fantastic effort to break the drought, it has been years since the 4ths have had a win against Deni, well done boys.
Goals: Gus McMillan 3, Harry Crossley, Ryan Burns.
Senior Awards – Wingates Dan Kirchen, ClubMulwala James Wilson, Royal Mail Hotel Bohdi Butts, MFNC 2 Bohdi Butts, MFNC 1 Jake Beams, Lekeal Homes Awards 5 Nathan Parker, 4 Bohdi Butts, 3 Michael Duiker, 2 Dan Kirchen, 1 Jake Beams.
Reserve Awards – Foodworks Brad Wilson, Celebrations Dan Clarke, Judds Mensland Corey Parish, MFNC 3 Dylan Flanagan, MFNC 2 Ely Boyer, MFNC 1 Lee Howroyd.
Thirds Awards – Lake Mulwala Cafe Nick Olphert, Judds Mensland Dale Powell, MFNC Nathan Cook, Blue River Pizza Jake Dodds, Mulwala Water Ski Club Liam Russell, Foodworks Mulwala Dylan Rose, Salon 121 Nathan McNair, Coach’s Award Lachie Pike.
Fourths Awards – Lake Mulwala Cafe James Bruce, Dowling Family Harry Crossley, Lake Mulwala Bakery Conner Newman, MFNC Jordan Urquhart, Blue River Pizza Angus Shand, Mulwala Water Ski Club Cooper Bennett.
Last Modified on 26/07/2012 20:34