Blues in fatal fade-out

The loss leaves the Steve Hammond-coached Blues still searching for their second win for the season.

After the bye this week, the Blues face another huge test the following week, taking on unbeaten Cobram at Cobram.

The Blues were able to match every move Moama made in the first three quarters and were only nine points down at the last change.

Tongala skipper Kyle Fitzgerald said his team was ‘‘right in it’’ at three-quarter time, but Moama scored early goals in the last term to break the game open

But Fitzgerald said there were some positives out of the Tongala loss for his side.

‘‘James Coulson’s move to centre half-back was a real winner for us and Nate Dear was moved to the forward where he kicked four goals, was also a big positive,’’ Fitzgerald said.

Classy midfielders Cam Ilett and Jack Hammond were the main reasons why Tongala was in the game for three quarters, while Tristan Watson gave his usual reliable game in defence.

Fitzgerald had to tussle with a much bigger opponent but was still able to make an impact for his team.

Brock McLean, Jimmy Cullen and Jessie Johnstone didn’t play, but hopefully will return for the Cobram clash.

The Blues suffered a similar fate in the reserves and under-17 matches, with both sides falling to the Magpies on home turf.

With just one goal in the first half, the reserves outfit was never truly in the contest despite a second half surge.

Levi Taylor (3) was the standout in front of goal for Tonny in the 26-point defeat, the final score was Tongala 6.2 (38) to Moama 9.10 (64).

The under-17s were equally slow starting against the Magpies in the first quarter but managed to salvage the contest earlier.

Bringing it back to a 10-point deficit heading into the final frame, the Blues were in striking distance, but let it slip through their fingers, losing by 30 points in the end.

Jedd Turpin (2) was the only player to score more than one goal for the Blues.

The final score was Tongala 4.6 (30) to Moama 8.12 (60).