Nothing to be sheepish about

But the Tigers clung on for what it was worth into the second quarter, helped along by the return of skipper Sam Beasley from injury, converting multiple shots on goal into majors to come out at half-time four points up over Deniliquin.

A goal in the first seconds of the third term, then another moments later, put the Rams up by 1.2.

But a deadly five goals bumped Cobram back in front, and despite a late fourth-term resurgence from Deniliquin, the Tigers clinched victory, 12.11 (83) to Deniliquin 9.5 (59).

Meanwhile, Congupna’s clawing of Moama (The Road 19.18 132 to the Pies’ 6.5 41) delivered little surprises, and Numurkah consolidated a convincing 40-point victory over Tongala (13.13 91 to Tongala 6.15 51).

Barooga fell 20 points short of claiming its first win of the season when it travelled to Echuca to go claw-to-claw in a fierce contest against the Eagles.

When the Hawks finished the first half 14 points ahead of their avian foes, victory lingered on the horizon for the embattled visitors.

But a determined effort from Echuca brought the score to even at the end of the third term, and a fourth term rebound from the hosts saw the Eagles grapple the win from Barooga, 12.10 (82) to Barooga 9.8 (62).

In the reserves action, Cobram, in Matt ‘Stickers’ Sorrenti’s 150th club game, punished the Rams with a thumping 171-point victory that saw Tigers coach-player Darcy McCormack bag a season-best 10 majors to boot the home side to 26.17 (173) to Deniliquin’s 0.2 (2).

McCormack was joined by Noah Sneddon, who kicked his first hat-trick of his season.

Barooga’s reserves had no better luck than their senior counterparts, booting two majors in the face of an Echuca onslaught that saw the final score end at Echuca 14.8 (92) to Barooga 2.1 (13).

Next week, round 12 will see Cobram travel to Nathalia to face the Purples, while Barooga hosts Rumbalara at home.