The Mulwala Lions’ senior team was entitled to be concerned coming up against an unpredictable Numurkah which was trying to stay in touch with a congested Murray League top six.
This concern was evident in Mulwala’s play early in the game as many mistakes and poor decision making led to poor kicking for goal kicking - 2.6 in the first quarter after controlling most of the play.
Connor Griffiths was brilliant in the midfield as Brodie Tyson began taking over in the ruck contests, but Mulwala continued to be sloppy in the forward half allowing Numurkah to quickly rebound and keep themselves in the game via much more accurate shots at goal.
Dylan McNamara and Harrison Meade were playing their usual strong games in the backline as Mulwala continued to surge through the middle of the ground through Griff and Matty Gorman, but the Lions were continually falling into the Numurkah trap of kicking too long into the forward line.
The last quarter was an arm-wrestle after Numurkah kicked an early goal and Mulwala was battling hard to stay in front on the scoreboard as its inaccuracy continued.
Enter the 15-year-old Oliver Watson who, in his first full senior game and after being among the best players all day, laid an impressive tackle to gain the free kick and showed maturity beyond his years to kick truly from 40m out and secure victory for the club with an inspiring goal.
At home this week to Rumba where the team will be looking to get the four points in what is becoming a very tight competition.
Reserves
Mulwala 5.6, 8.9, 13.12, 18.15.123
Numurkah 1.1, 3.3, 3.5, 4.7.31
Major goalkickers: C O’Neill 4, M Adkins 3, J Wheeler 3, T Wilson 2.
Best: M Appleby, M Adkins, J Wheeler, M McLachlan, A Frauenfelder, N Beasley.
The Reserves needed a convincing victory to consolidate their position in the top four and it was evident in the first quarter that this would be the scenario on the day.
Early goals to Jaxen Wheeler and Mitch Adkins, who are beginning to prove unmovable forces in the forward line, allowed the side to get out to an early lead. Through the middle of the ground Matt McLachlin and Thomas Wilson were unstoppable while Mitch Appleby was enjoying the open spaces of the wings to enhance his run, carry and precise kicking game.
The wily veteran Chris O’Neill proved to the boys that you don’t need to be quick or strong to be good, and his timing in the forward line led to him kicking a game-high four goals as he moved through congestion with graceful timing on many occasions.
Austin Frauenfelder and Nathan Beasley controlled the ruck contests throughout the day, continually giving the midfield the ball on a platter.
It was fantastic to see the entire team embrace Umpire Appreciation Week well and their disciplined play led to Numurkah getting a bit frustrated late in the game as the margin blew out to close to the 100-point range.
Under 17s
Mulwala 5.2, 5.4, 10.4, 16.5.101
Numurkah 0.2, 0.4, 2.5, 2.5.17
Major goalkickers: M O'Bryan 4, V Kreeck 3, B Donovan 2, J Sneddon 2, Z Wheeler 2.
Best: V Kreeck, H Cooper, H Lonergan, C Drake, Z Wheeler, B Donovan.
The Thirds boys started the game brilliantly again as they showed in the first quarter why they remain the only undefeated team in the competition.
Numurkah had no answers for the fleet-footed Mulwala team as they transitioned the ball from midfield to forward with precision.
Van Kreeck was carving up the opposition on the wing and really enjoying the open space of the Numurkah ground. Nash McNamara was applying great forward pressure allowing Zach Wheeler and Jai Sneddon to get on the end of a few great passages of play.
After a sluggish second quarter Mulwala came out firing in the third and fourth to blow Numurkah out of the game through the strong work of Hunter Lonergan and Harley Cooper in the midfield and some strong defensive marking from Charlie Drake.
Max O’Bryan found his niche by kicking four second-half goals, resulting in another great win by the boys as they are really working well together as a team and following the coaching instructions to perfection.
Under 14s
Mulwala 1.1, 5.2, 7.2, 9.2.56
Numurkah 0.0, 0.0, 2.3, 2.3.15
Goalkickers: F Woodhead 3, A Gardner, Ryder Leith, Alex Richardson, Axel Saunders, Hayden Stephens, Benji Watson.
Best: W Hammon, F Woodhead, A Saunders, A Kirchen, R Leith, L Brown.
The Young Lions were set for a cracking game in beautiful conditions with a lot of younger players lining up after Coach Dono omitted several top-age lads in the wake of training performances.
The training methods employed by the coaching staff this year have been exceptional in getting team unity, and this was exemplified early in the game as youngsters Ryder Leith, Lachlan Brown and Benny Ferg were brilliant in the first half.
Benji Watson and Alan Gardner were dangerous in the forward line, kicking a goal each, and they were brilliantly assisted by Fletcher Woodhead who finished with three majors. Wally Hammon was in everything in a best-on-ground performance and Archer Kirchen played his usual staunch game in the backline, moving forward with style.
The boys remain undefeated in what has been a fantastic start to the season.
Netball
C Grade
Mulwala 59 defeated Numurkah 30
Wow, a fantastic game. The girls worked hard all game and have settled into their positions. Strong performances all around. Thankyou Iris Elliott for playing on Saturday.
Awards: Squires - Brooke Bigger; Club Award - Abbey Matthews; NRMA Mulwala - Piper Poll.
C Reserve
Mulwala 41 defeated Numurkah 39
What a game this week. The team is coming along super well with all the fitness and skills being worked on at training showing through.
The girls adapted well to a few positional changes to start the game, and were able to settle into the game straight away and have a two-goal lead at quarter time. By halftime the girls had pushed hard to create a 10-goal lead.
Going into the third the girls lost their momentum, at times, and Numurkah was able to pull back with Mulwala only four goals up going into the last.
All credit to the girls who kept their composure and kept fighting till the end-siren to finish the game two goals up. Super proud of the effort this week - everyone is hitting the targets being set for them and the bond of the team is growing each week, which is a joy to be a part of.
Awards: Squires - Addye Carr; Club Award - Katrina Jameison; Waterside - Laura Nunn.
Under 15s
Mulwala 59 defeated Numurkah 4
A great team effort across the court defensively and attacking, with some new combinations proved no issue. They put into play what they were working on in training and came away with a strong win - well done all!
Awards: Paradise Palms - Maisee Pell; Bigger Floorworld - Summer Ibbott; MFNC Socks - Marlie Smith.
Under 13s
Mulwala 42 defeated Numurkah 16
Under 13s had a dominant performance against Numurkah, securing a convincing win. The girls started strongly, leading by 18 goals in the first quarter, with impressive shooting and tight defence. However, Numurkah fought back, slowing down Mulwala’s goal count. Despite the opposition’s effort Mulwala maintain its composure and continued to work together, extending its lead. The end-result reflected the teams hard work and determination.
Awards: Nancy Thomas - One Zach; Macy Robinson - Mulwala Socks; Ruby Snedon – Zambreros.
