Travelling to Moama Recreation Reserve on Sunday to face second-placed Moama, the Tigers’ women’s team made a sluggish start but rallied throughout the contest, closing down the early deficit but ultimately falling 2.8 (20) to 5.2 (32).
Kicking just the one behind in the first term, the Tigers were immediately put on the back foot as the Magpies booted 3.1 to take a solid three-goal lead into the first break.
Cobram managed to steady before dominating the second quarter, registering all four scoring shots in the term to keep Moama scoreless, though the Tigers were unable to make the most of their chances, mustering 1.3 to trail 1.4 (10) to 3.1 (19) at the main break.
The opportunities missed in front of goal in the second term came back to haunt the Tigers as the third quarter got under way, too, as an efficient Magpies side booted 2.1 to the visitors’ 0.2, widening the gap to a game-high 20 points at the final change.
But Cobram refused to die, kicking 1.2 in the final term to get within two straight kicks, again holding the home side to no score, but ultimately fell short, going down by 12 points despite registering 10 scoring shots to Moama’s seven for the contest.
Charlotte Artavilla-Bennett was named Cobram’s best in the loss, booting one of her side’s goals, the other scored by Sasha Parish, while Tahlia Newnham, Emmah Guastella, Casey Homewood and Kitty Nadugu were among the more influential players on the field in black in yellow.
While the loss would no doubt have been disappointing, the Tigers will suit up again this Sunday as they take to the field for the first semi-final against reigning premier Shepparton United, set to do battle at Deakin Reserve at 2:30pm for a spot in the decider having finished fourth on the ladder.
It has been confirmed for some time that the Tigers would be playing finals, but it is a mightily impressive feat nonetheless, given it is their first season in the competition.
What makes it even more impressive is that Cobram’s youth girls side will be joining their senior women clubmates in making a finals appearance, having also clinched fourth spot in their respective division.
The Tigers will be taking on a formidable Moama side for a spot in the youth girls decider, having played the minor premier at the weekend in the final round of the home and away season.
Cobram went down 1.1 (7) to 14.12 (96) against a ruthless Magpies outfit, though was buoyed by a goal to skipper Charlotte Cherry, who was also named in the best, alongside stellar performances from Lexie McCallum, Philippa Bain, Indy Bear, Madelynn Price and Charlotte Cameron.
The Tigers will look to bounce back strongly this weekend and spring an upset on the Magpies when they face off at 11:30am on Sunday, also at Deakin Reserve.
