MFL | Wayward Moama withstands valiant Eagles in Three Jacks sweep

After holding Moama goalless in the second quarter, United’s defiance came to a swift end in the second half, managing just two behinds as Moama kicked away with seven goals.

The 9.20 (74) to 5.6 (36) victory makes it a clean sweep of Three Jacks clashes for Moama this season, but coach Sam Sheldon conceded inaccuracy could have cost the Pies.

“It was an interesting game,” Sheldon said.

“We had seven or eight shots on goal in the first quarter that we just couldn’t convert.

“After half-time I asked for a response and the boys did that.

“We just used the ball a bit better, and we had a lot more effort from everyone on the ground.

“Everyone got involved and tidied it up in the end, but our inaccuracy could have really killed us if (United) had a few more shots on goal.”

Fraser Buchanan booted three goals for the Pies, and Sheldon cited co-captain Jordan Ives’ performance off half-back as a crucial one.

For the Eagles, a slow start to the second half allowed Moama back into the contest with United going through the third term scoreless.

Two behinds in the fourth quarter capped off their 10th straight defeat of the season, but Eagles coach Farran Priest found plenty of positives after the side “lowered their colours” in last week’s 10-goal defeat to Finley.

“Our first half was outstanding,” Priest said.

“It was really a true reflection of what this group can do.

“During the week, we really dove in on mindset and how we perceive ourselves, and where we want this group to go.

“There was a lot of talking during the week, but the actions really stood out in the first half.”

The Eagles’ ruck Darcy Ramage led the charge for the side with Lachlan Carmody, Max Childs and Joe Harney in support, while James Harney and Justin Cantwell each kicked two goals.

“Darcy gave us first use out of the midfield; he was on top most of the day,” Priest said.

“Kynan Sharpe has put two or three really good games together. Lachlan Carmody played a bit of a run-with role with Nick Pavlou and made it super hard for him.

“Pavlou’s a good player but (Carmody) just didn’t give him the easy access, and that’s probably where Moama struggled to get that drive.”

In a mid-game twist, the Eagles found themselves a player down on the bench with skipper Cantwell withdrawing at half-time – but not through injury.

“(Justin) played a half, and then his wife went into labour, so he had to leave,” Priest said.

“We’re really happy for him, it’s an exciting time.”

Moama, now a game clear in third spot, finds itself on a three-game winning streak, with a match-up against an in-form Congupna (sixth) in round 11.

Sheldon said his side was looking forward to the challenge.

“Their win-loss ratio doesn’t stack up against how good a side they are,” Sheldon said.

“They have a couple of forwards that have kicked a fair few goals, they’re a strong-bodied side so it’s a good challenge for us to see where we’re at.”

Meanwhile, Echuca United will make the road-trip to Hardinge Street for a rematch against Deniliquin Rams.

Around the MFL, Tongala slumped to its third straight defeat, this time at the hands of Nathalia by 24 points in yet another Blues upset.

At Lonsdale Oval, Mulwala clocked up a mammoth 202-point win over the struggling Rumbalara on the back of a Jack Sutherland 11-goal haul.

The Rams fended off Finley by seven points, while ladder-leader Cobram continued its blitz of the MFL with a big 128-point win over Barooga.

Cobram and Mulwala will put their undefeated statuses on the line when the two face off in a blockbuster clash at Scott Oval next week.