Mulwala proves too strong for Cobram in under-14 decider

Mulwala claimed the under-14 Murray Football League premiership with a brilliant 10-point triumph over Cobram. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Mulwala has triumphed in the under-14 Murray Football League grand final, prevailing by 10 points over Cobram to win 4.4 (28) to 2.6 (18).

It was an arm wrestle to begin the contest at Moama Recreation Reserve, with neither side able to take control of the game in the first term, although Cobram was the first to put a score on the board with a major.

Mulwala replied shortly after with a behind, and then a goal, to draw ahead on the scoreboard, however Cobram found a behind to ensure the first term ended all square at 1.1 (7).

The two sides would record the same amount of scoring shots in the second quarter, but it would be Mulwala that went into the half time huddle ahead having kicked the only goal, leading 2.2 (14) to Cobram’s 1.3 (9).

Cobram did its best to reduce the deficit after half-time, which it did, but only just, winning the third term by a point to go into the final break trailing by four points, 2.5 (17) to 3.3 (21).

Mulwala captain Axel Saunders gets a kick away during his best-on-ground performance. Photo by Aidan Briggs

While Cobram gave its best in the final term, Mulwala proved too strong, kicking the only goal of the final quarter to run out victorious by 10 points.

There was an intriguing contest within the contest, with runaway joint league best and fairest winners, and club captains, Mulwala’s Axel Saunders and Cobram’s Eamon Hyde, clearly each the best player for their respective sides.

Saunders was adjudged best on ground by the officiating umpires, capping a superb individual season for the young Lion.

Mulwala’s Henry Donovan flies for a mark. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Speaking after being presented his premiership medallion, coach Ryan Donovan thanked his own club for giving him the opportunity to coach the special team he had at his disposal.

"Thanks to the Mul(wala) Football Netball Club for giving me the job and the privilege to coach these young men,“ he said.

Cobram’s Riley Thompson chases a loose ball. Photo by Aidan Briggs

“To the young men, you're a fantastic group. I was looking back through, and I think they gave away one 50m penalty for the year, so it speaks volumes. They're a fantastic bunch.”

The Game

Scores

Mulwala: 1.1, 2.2, 3.3, 4.4 (28)

Cobram: 1.1, 1.3, 2.5, 2.6 (18)

Goals

Mulwala: Henry Donovan, Ben Ferguson, Levi Purtle, Alex Richardson

Cobram: Eamon Hyde, Riley Thompson

Best

Mulwala: Fletcher Woodhead, Tyce Woodhead, Axel Saunders, Wally Hammon, Hayden Stephens, Alex Richardson

Cobram: Eamon Hyde, Riley Thompson, Oliver Benson, Archie Peters, Zac Trist, Samuel DeVincentis

Best on ground: Axel Saunders (Mulwala)

Cobram’s Eamon Hyde. Photo by Aidan Briggs
Cobram’s Oliver Benson. Photo by Aidan Briggs