Cobram’s Jackson Trengove evades an opponent during his side’s win over Deniliquin. Photos: Supplied
Following a disappointing loss to Echuca United in round 14 which threatened to derail its season, Cobram has bounced back with an emphatic 8.11 (59) to 6.6 (42) victory over Deniliquin at Scott Oval on Saturday.
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The shock loss last weekend, which saw the Tigers kick 3.11 (29) for the contest, left Cobram a win outside the top six heading into round 15, making the clash against Deniliquin, which sat a game ahead inside the finals positions, all the more crucial.
It was the Rams who accumulated more scoring shots to open the game, however the return of 1.3 left the door open for the home side to take the lead at quarter time, having slotted 2.1 (13).
But the momentum shifted back the way of Deniliquin in the second quarter, as the visitors piled on four goals to two, entering the main break with a seven-point advantage to lead 34-27.
A response was needed after half-time with the game — and potentially its season — on the line, and that was exactly what Cobram gave, restricting the Rams to just one major for the term while also slamming home four of its own, to lead by 16 at the final change.
Tiger Hugh Hyde looks for a teammate down the field.
A desperate final term saw no goals kicked by either side, as the Tigers hung on to clinch a brilliant 17-point victory in front of a home crowd.
Luca Allen and Fergus Pinnuck did the damage for Cobram, finishing as the two best on the ground and also making an impact on the scoreboard with two majors apiece.
Alec Ritchie, Daniel Clarke, Hunter Hardwidge and Izac Artavilla were also influential, while Matthew DeMaio (two goals), Bailey Roberts (one goal) and Jackson Trengove (one goal) all found the middle of the big sticks.
The win could prove pivotal in each club’s September chances, with Cobram now drawing ahead of Deniliquin on the ladder, level on nine wins each, although the Tigers occupy sixth spot, ahead of the Rams in seventh, due to a superior percentage.
Three rounds remain in the Murray league, and it is a tough run home for the Tigers, who will face Numurkah, Finley and Mulwala over that period, all of whom are currently inside the top six.
Deniliquin on the other hand have a more favourable fixture remaining, with all three of their matches against teams outside of finals contention, and could deny Cobram a September berth.
Other grades
Cobram’s Chase Hardwidge was among the best for the reserves.
In the reserves, the Tigers proved no match for Deniliquin, going down 4.3 (27) to 8.20 (68), with Matthew Ward named Cobram’s best and Koby Withers the only multiple goalkicker, bagging two majors.
Tiger Bodey Webb made an impact in the under-17 clash, booting three goals.
The under-17 Cobram side dominated in their outing to claim a mammoth 18.16 (124) to 4.1 (25) win over the Rams, led by three goals each to Jack Iddles and Bodey Webb, while Mikael Corso (two goals) was named the most influential.
Riley Thompson was named his side’s best player in the under-14 clash.
It was another big win also for the under-14s, who beat out Deniliquin 12.8 (80) to 1.1 (7), as Eamon Hyde bagged five goals, and Riley Thompson (three goals) was named best afield.
