Travelling to Nathalia Recreation Reserve on Saturday needing a win to make sure of second spot on the ladder, and with it the security of a double chance come finals, the Tigers were made to work hard but ultimately proved too strong for the Purples.
After a tough first half, Cobram flexed its muscle in the premiership quarter to run away with a hard-fought 9.13 (67) to 4.7 (31) victory, earning a week off this weekend before setting up a huge second semi-final clash against Congupna.
With accuracy in front of goal in the first term, Cobram shot out to a 16-point lead over Nathalia by quarter time, having made the most of its chances to boot 4.1 (25) while restricting the Purples to 1.3 (9) in a strong start to the contest.
But by half time the margin had been whittled down to three points, as the Tigers found scoring much harder, going goalless and registering two behinds for the term while the home side turned up the pressure, though a wayward 2.3 ensured Cobram still led, 4.3 (27) to 3.6 (24), at the main break.
With a double chance on the line, though, the Tigers burst out of the rooms with intent, blowing the contest to pieces in the third term.
In a stunning display of scoring power, Cobram piled on five goals to one in the third quarter to open up a game-high 30-point lead, having restricted Nathalia to 1.1 for the term to head into the final change up 9.7 (61) to 4.7 (31).
Such a margin in a low-scoring affair looked almost impossible to overcome, and so it proved in a dour final quarter, as the Tigers did the only scoring, kicking six behinds without a goal, as they charged to a decisive 36-point victory.
The win was set up by a best-on-ground performance from Tyron Baden, who booted a game-high three goals, while Bowen Calogero, Kyle Coates, Luca Allen (one goal), Jackson Trengove and Perry Lewis-Smith rounded out the most influential, and Ben Ryan booted two goals as the only other multiple goalkicker.
With victory in the final round, the Tigers wrap up second spot on the ladder with a 13-5 record, the same as Mulwala in third, but crucially with a far superior percentage, ensuring they have the safety net of the double chance.
It also sets up a big grand final rematch in the second semi-final on September 5 at 2:10pm, with the Tigers to take on Congupna at Rumbalara Recreation Reserve for a spot in the decider, continuing what is turning into a brilliant rivalry between the two sides.
Cobram remains the only team to defeat the Road in the past two seasons, having spoiled an undefeated season in last year’s grand final, while also handing them their only loss so far this season with a stirring come-from-behind victory by seven points in round 16.
The first week of finals in the senior football competition will see Mulwala and Tongala do battle this Saturday in the first elimination final at Moama Recreation Reserve, while Nathalia and Numurkah will square off in a huge grudge match on Sunday as they contest the second elimination final at Tongala Recreation Reserve.
Across the lower grades, Cobram will also contest a second semi-final in the reserves competition, having finished top of the table with a 15-3 record, earning this weekend off before a clash against Moama to punch the first of the grand final tickets.
The Tigers’ strong junior program continues to roll on, too, with the under-17 side also securing top spot with a 17-1 record, ensuring they too will face Moama in the second semi-final as they look to qualify for the decider at the first time of asking, as will the under-14s, who also finished atop the ladder with a 16-2 record, and will face Finley in the second semi-final.
