Cobram and Barooga both turned in strong showings at the weekend as the two sides each earned an important four points.
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The Tigers survived a fourth-quarter comeback from Tongala to get across the line by 13 points, while the Hawks outclassed Finley to snare a 43-point triumph.
The final term has been a troublesome period for the Tigers in 2023, having been outscored by Nathalia in round one.
The Tigers then led Barooga by 19 points at the final change in round three, only to see the Hawks kick six goals to two to surge past them and snatch victory.
But this time, facing similar circumstances and another tough challenge, Cobram held firm.
The Tigers were up by seven points when the fourth quarter began, and although the margin was as low as a point at one stage, Cobram answered back to eventually prevail 13.6 (84) to 10.11 (71).
Cobram coach John Brunskill said his side’s fourth-quarter struggles were a key focus on Saturday afternoon.
“It was certainly in the back of our minds and I mentioned that to them at three-quarter time,” he said.
“The score got down to one point but we were able to hold on in trying conditions for both sides, it was pretty warm.
“It installs a bit of belief in the team, it was our time to stand up.”
Even with four of their regular key contributors in Harry Beasley, Matteo Allen, Daniel Clarke and Nathan Hartley all out, Brunskill said he could sense his side was in for a good showing.
“You could see during our talk before the game that they were switched on and ready to play,” he said.
“Having four out, it was interesting to see how they were going to reply and they responded pretty well, I thought. It was a pretty good game out for both sides.
“Mitchell Ward was double-teamed all day and still kicked four, he did really well.
“Kyle Coates rucked without a change all day. In those conditions to ruck by himself all day was just fantastic.
“Tommy (McShane) played really well again, he is a solid contributor to the team with what he brings.”
A pair of Tigers made their debuts against Tongala as well, with Noah Sneddon and Sebastion Conheady both playing their first senior game.
Cobram will now host Echuca United at Scott Oval on Saturday.
Hawks soar against Finley
North of the river, Barooga bounced back from its drubbing at the hands of Mulwala to defeat Finley 11.15 (81) to 5.8 (38).
The Hawks were up by 29 points at half time, before emerging as 43-point victors once the final siren sounded.
Following a disappointing performance the week prior against the reigning premiers Mulwala, Hawks coach Luke Jarjoura said he was much more impressed with his side’s effort against the Cats.
“The endeavour was there, as well as the desperation and the want to win the contested footy which we really lacked the week prior,” Jarjoura said.
“It was really pleasing to have that aggression and desperation around the ball for four full quarters.
“I am a big believer in (the saying) you train the way you play and we trained really, really hard during the week and got the rewards on Saturday.”
Hawks captain Callum Leighton-Daly was awarded the Anzac Medal after the game for his performance on the field, with he and Riley Brooks both earning Jarjoura’s praise.
“I was really impressed with the response from the local guys. Riley Brooks in the back pocket was instrumental in thwarting any sort of forward thrust from Finley. He was very composed under pressure as well at times when the game was in the balance,” Jarjoura said.
“The skipper Callum Leighton-Daly was phenomenal for us with his leadership during the week at training and then on match day as well.”
Riley Gow booted five goals for Barooga to lift his season’s tally to 13, while Zac Hanrahan, Ryan Harris and Nicholas Gooch all had strong games as well.
With another four points in the bank, Jarjoura said the result against Finley was crucial — especially heading into another big clash on the road against Moama this Saturday afternoon.
“I think the top three sides are clearly leaps and bounds in front of the rest of the competition. I think it is a three-horse race in terms of premiership credentials between Congupna, Moama and Mulwala,” he said.
“I think the bottom three spots in the top six are up for grabs, so it is imperative that we win games against those sides that are fighting for those last three spots in the finals.
“We are going to go over there with everything we have got and try and win as much contested footy as we can and be really aggressive around the ball with our tackling pressure and we will see what happens.
“The result will be irrelevant for me, I just want to see our boys have a red-hot crack.”
In other results, Mulwala was too good for Deniliquin, 10.18 (78) to 5.5 (35), and Numurkah beat Nathalia, 12.11 (83) to 8.8 (56), as the Lions and Blues both remained unbeaten.
Congupna powered past Tocumwal 24.12 (156) to 3.7 (25) while Echuca United hammered Rumbalara 29.16 (190) to 5.5 (35).