Troy Damon fires one down field.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Despite winning back-to-back games in rounds four and five of the Kyabram District Football League, Rushworth produced arguably its best effort of the season so far when it almost got over the top of Murchison-Toolamba in round six.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Coming up against the only remaining undefeated side left in the competition that has looked in prime position to repeat in 2025, the Tigers were always in for a challenge.
The first quarter was every bit the challenge Rushworth expected, as the Grasshoppers got on top early in the contest with six majors.
Meanwhile, the Tigers managed to slot three of its own to remain within striking distance at the first quarter siren.
Murch continued to do its thing, kicking another four maximums in the second period, but Rushworth didn’t go away, producing another three-goal effort to head into half-time down 25.
Andrew Clarke takes a mark under pressure from Jye Borg.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The game flipped on its head in a big third term for the hosts, who closed the gap with a stellar six-goal quarter, while holding the Grasshoppers to just 1.3 in the same time.
With the deficit now just five points and the momentum firmly with the Tigers, could the underdogs pull off the upset of all upsets?
Jye Borg intercepts the ball on its way to Andrew Clarke.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Unfortunately not, but it was pretty damn close.
Murch’s elite defence held up down the stretch, limiting Rushworth to just one goal and behind in the fourth quarter, but the host’s own defensive tenacity was nothing to sneeze at either, despite the Grasshoppers finishing the match with 3.3.
Liam Adlington and Alex Tatersall in the centre bounce contest.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Considering Murch’s lead was 25 at half-time, to bring it back within a goal and a few behinds was an effort to behold for the rising Tigers.
The final score was Rushworth 13.7 (85) to 14.10 (94).
Luke Oakley nails one.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Andrew Clarke was vital for the Tigers, walking away from the game with a bag of goals for his efforts.
Paul Vavlitis was the best-on-ground for Rushworth in the close encounter with Clarke, Troy Damon, Liam Francis, Ethan Arnold and Jac Barrett rounding out the list.
Ryan Beale gets some serious hang time.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
While it was the loss for the Tigers, it was a decisive performance from a side that has found recent form in the competition and will carry the knowledge and confidence that they can contend with the best the KDL has to offer the rest of the way.
Rushworth will have a perfect opportunity to get back to its winning ways when it travels to Merrigum to face the winless Bulldogs in round seven.
