Norm Smith medallist and four-time AFL premiership Hawk Cyril Rioli helped Tongala come from behind to deny Cobram at the weekend. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
Norm Smith medallist and four-time AFL premiership Hawk Cyril Rioli inspired Tongala to a huge final-term comeback in the Murray league senior football competition at the weekend, but unfortunately for Cobram, it came at the reigning premier’s expense.
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In front of an estimated 4000-strong crowd at Tongala Recreation Reserve, Rioli and the Blues overcame a 30-point deficit late in the third term to run out 10-point victors, as Cobram fell to a 13.11 (89) to 16.3 (99) defeat that could have big consequences on the ladder.
With fine margins separating the sides sitting second through seventh on the ladder, the loss has seen Cobram drop from second to fourth, and with two weeks off due to the league-wide bye and their second scheduled bye in round 14, the Tigers could find themselves even further down the order by the time they next take the field.
For the first three quarters on Saturday, though, Cobram looked to have the contest under control, taking an eight-point lead into the first break and extending it ever so slightly in the second to head into the rooms at half-time up 7.5 (47) to 6.1 (37).
The premiership term looked like being the difference maker too for the reigning premier, as Tyron Baden, Perry Lewis-Smith and Hugh Hyde hit the scoreboard consecutively to push the lead out to an even five goals, ahead 69-39 entering time-on.
Adam Champagne kicked a goal and was named among Cobram’s best in the loss.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Two late goals to the Blues though reduced the margin to 19 points at the final change to keep the home side in with a sniff, and with Rioli among the ranks, they set about reeling the Tigers in.
Five of the first six shots on goal in the final term went the Blues’ way, resulting in five goals, as the Tigers suddenly found themselves trailing for the first time all afternoon by 10 points.
Hunter Hardwidge found a steadier for Cobram though, and the Tigers soon retook the lead via Jack Murray, edging two points to the good once more.
Tongala’s remarkable accuracy in front of goal continued though, and another pair of majors saw the Blues reinstate the 10-point advantage, and while Hyde snuck one late to keep Cobram alive, the Blues held firm, sealing the victory with the final goal of the game and condemning Cobram to a 10-point defeat.
Harry Beasley was named the Tigers’ best in the loss ahead of Baden, who booted two goals, while Adam Champagne and Hunter Hardwidge each kicked a major to be included in the best.
Ciaran O’Sullivan and Lewis-Smith (two goals) rounded out the best, while Luca Allen and Hyde were the other multiple goalkickers for the Tigers, finishing with two each.
The Tigers will enjoy a two-week break as they look to finish the season strongly, before returning to action on July 18 against Rumbalara at Scott Oval.
