Hosting the Eagles at Scott Oval on Sunday afternoon in a huge third versus fourth clash that could have big implications on the first-round finals match ups, the Tigers were valiant, however were unable to match a late Mansfield surge, ultimately going down 2.2 (14) to 3.7 (25).
With scores tied at a goal apiece at quarter time, the tense affair descended into an arm wrestle, with a collective seven behinds kicked in the second term as neither side found a major, handing the visitors a three-point lead at the main break.
Mansfield would extend the lead to four points by the final break as both sides found a solitary goal in the third term, and while they had been behind for much of the contest, the Tigers were still well and truly in the game with less than a kick separating them from the lead.
But while the Eagles surged in the final term, the Tigers were unable to go with them, failing to score while Mansfield booted 1.1 to extend the lead to a game-high 11 points at the final siren.
Liz Young was named Cobram’s best in defeat, closely followed by Casey Homewood, while Charlotte Artavilla-Bennett was also influential, booting one of her side’s goals.
Kitty Nadugu, Angelina Watt-Fotia and Remmi Wardlaw rounded out the best, while Sasha Parish booted the Tigers’ only other goal.
While already having sewn up a finals spot, the Tigers remain locked in a battle for third with the Eagles, retaining the position at the end of round 12 despite the loss thanks to a superior percentage, with the pair now level on seven wins with two games remaining before finals.
It isn’t just a meaningless battle, either – third spot represents a significant advantage over fourth, as the team that finishes in third spot will play second in the first week of finals, likely avoiding the unbeaten reigning premier in Shepparton United until the grand final, meaning a win in each of the final two games is of utmost importance for the Tigers.
Elsewhere, Rumbalara produced a dominant second half to defeat Tatura by 12 points and move to four wins for the season.
With the sides separated by only one point at the main break, the home side took control after the interval and charged to a 5.2 (32) to 3.2 (20) victory at Rumbalara Recreation Reserve on Sunday.
There was little between the teams during a tightly contested opening term, with both sides registering 1.0 to enter quarter-time locked together on six points.
Rumbalara edged ahead by the narrowest of margins during the second quarter, adding 1.1 while restricting the Bulldogs to one goal to lead 2.1 (13) to 2.0 (12) at the main break.
However, the complexion of the contest changed dramatically after half-time.
Rumba piled on two unanswered goals and a behind during the third term, stretching its advantage to 4.2 (26) to 2.2 (14) at the final change.
The home side then kept Tatura at arm’s length throughout the final quarter, with both teams adding one goal as Rumbalara secured its fourth victory of the campaign.
Nartarsha Bamblett led Rumba’s attack with two goals, while Jessica Bamblett, Chelsea Hall and Maddie Miles contributed one apiece.
Meanwhile, Maddy Andronaco, Shannon Cadel and Sarah Green were the Bulldogs’ goals-kickers on the day.
The result strengthened Rumbalara’s hold on fifth position, lifting it to a 4-7 record and 16 points, as they bounced back from last week’s defeat to Shepparton United.
Tatura remains sixth with three victories and nine defeats, level on points with Nathalia but ahead on percentage.
Ladder-leader Shepparton United collected the four points after Nathalia forfeited Friday night’s scheduled encounter at Wanganu Oval. United remains unbeaten through 12 rounds and sits four points clear of Moama.
Moama also received a forfeit victory after the Shepparton Swans were unable to take the field on Sunday. The result keeps Moama firmly in second position with an 11-1 record, while the Swans remain at the foot of the table.
