Sport

Cobram downs Magpies in gritty thriller

By Oliver Shedden and Owen Sinclair

Sep 8, 2025

Zac Stovell and Moama were wrapped by Kyle Coates and Cobram in the semi-final. Photos: Matthew Kappos Photo by Matthew Kappos

In a shocking turn of events, a heavily favoured Moama unit fell to Cobram in the Murray Football League first semi-final on Sunday.

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Playing at Numurkah Showgrounds, the Magpies were left reeling early, being held goalless as the Tigers jutted out to a 27-point lead after banging on four goals.

Moama found its feet in the second period, coming back strong with a trio of maximums, however, Cobram stayed one step ahead, putting a pair of shot attempts through the middle to take a 24-point advantage at the major break.

A three-goal barrage by the Tigers after half-time kept them in the driver’s seat, but, the Magpies wouldn’t give in, clinging on after booting four goals to bring the margin to 21 with a big final stretch to play.

While Cobram faltered at the death, tallying a sole goal in the fourth, Moama’s wayward kicking 3.4, prevented them from pulling off an almighty comeback at death’s door.

Trent Gray tackles Hunter Hardwidge Photo by Matthew Kappos

Unfortunately for the Moama faithful, it wasn’t to be, as the Magpies’ season was abruptly cut short by a gritty Tigers outfit in an 11.13 (79) to 10.8 (68) finish.

Ben Ryan led the pack in front of goal for the Tigers with three majors, followed up by Darcy Pridham-Mccormack with a double.

Luca Allen was named Cobram’s best-on-ground.

With the loss, Cobram moves on to a preliminary final against Mulwala at Nathalia Recreation Reserve, while Moama’s season has come to an end after a strong home-and-away season.

The winner of the match will have a tough job ahead of them, coming up against unbeaten defending champion Congupna in the grand final.