Having gone down by two points to Tongala before the bye, the reigning premier suffered yet another blow on Saturday when it travelled to Echuca South Recreation Reserve to take on Echuca United, going down 6.14 (50) to 9.10 (64) to slump to a 4-4 record as the roller-coaster start to the year continues for Mark Meyland’s troops.
Initially things looked good for the Tigers, who got off to a hot start to lead by 12 points at the first break following a four-goal-to-two opening term, although the Eagles rallied in the second quarter, adding four of their own as Cobram managed five behinds, turning a 12-point lead into a 10-point deficit at the main break, behind 32 to 42.
A somewhat stronger third term ensued, with Cobram kicking two goals to one to eat into the margin, reducing it to a single kick at the final change, although overcoming the 45 to 51 deficit would still prove a challenge in the low scoring encounter.
For the second time in the contest, kicking to the same end, the Tigers managed five behinds for the term, going goalless in the final quarter as Echuca United added another two to claim the 14-point win, and condemn Cobram to a second successive defeat.
Bailey Roberts was named Cobram’s best in the loss, closely followed by Luca Allen (two goals) and Joseph Allen (one goal), while Tyron Baden, Matthew DeMaio and Hunter Hardwidge rounded out the most influential, and Jackson Trengove the multiple goalscorers, also with two.
The loss means the Tigers now sit fifth with an even record of four wins and four losses through eight games, locked in a three-way battle alongside Tongala and Moama, who sit sixth and seventh respectively, also with 4-4 records.
Round nine also proves a tough task for the Tigers, who will be desperate to find some form, however, face a daunting away trip to Numurkah Showgrounds to take on the second-placed Blues in a crucial clash.
Elsewhere in round eight, Congupna claimed a 10.9 (69) to 7.10 (52) win over Nathalia to remain unbeaten atop the ladder, but were forced to do it the hard way, coming from 17 points behind at half-time to secure the win.
Rumbalara clinched its first win of the season with a shock 14.9 (93) to 13.13 (91) victory over Tongala at Rumbalara Recreation Reserve, while Moama hung on to claim a thrilling 11.5 (71) to 10.10 (70) victory over Finley on the road.
Netball
A spirited Cobram outfit was unable to overcome Echuca United on the road in round eight of the Murray Netball League A-grade competition, looking up to the task early before a third quarter lapse cost them dearly.
Matching the Eagles goal-for-goal across the opening two terms, the Tigers eventually succumbed to the pressure in the second half to go down 37-45, with all the damage done in the third term.
The Tigers made the better start to the contest to edge ahead 15-14 at the first break, and there was nothing in it by the half as the Eagles reversed the scoreline in the second term to tie things up at 22 apiece heading into the long break.
Emerging from the half-time huddle, the Eagles put the foot down, and Cobram was unable to match the acceleration, as Echuca United outscored the Tigers 13-5 in the third quarter to take an eight-goal lead into the final break.
It would be the final margin of victory, too, as Cobram regrouped to tie the final term 10-10, with the lapse in the third term all to split the two sides.
Cobram sits eighth following the loss with a 2-6 record, and will look to bounce back when they travel to take on sixth-placed Numurkah this weekend.
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