Magpies flying high after gritty win over finals competitor

Cobram drew first blood, but it was one way traffic once Moama got on the board with a goal, as it launched four behinds in the back half of the quarter to take a narrow, two-point lead at the first break.

The Tigers found their rhythm in the second half with a pair of goals, while the Magpies struggled to kick straight, adding 1.4 to the tally to fall a point behind at half-time.

Following the major break, both sides found greater attacking rhythm, with Moama fixing its accuracy issues and booting 5.1 to romp back into the lead.

Yet, Cobram wouldn’t go away, adding 4.3 to its own tally, the margin three points in favour of the Magpies.

Moama’s defence held up down the stretch, limiting the Tigers to 1.1, while down the other end the visitor’s attack flourished, finishing with a 3.1 effort.

This last push put the Magpies over the top, escaping round eight with a 15-point victory.

Mitchell Lake and Jye Warren did the heavy lifting for Moama in front of goal, kicking three majors each.

Both were joined by Darchi Clarke, Tobias Thoolen, Jake Cardilini and James Whitehead among the Magpies’ best.

Following the victory, Moama now finds itself second only to defending champion Congupna on the ladder.

The Magpies will return home for a blockbuster Three Jacks Trophy rematch against arch-rival Echuca United in round nine.