The Mulwala Lions seniors produced a determined comeback under the Anzac Day lights in Finley, overturning an early deficit with a dominant second half and a powerful final-quarter surge to secure a memorable victory.

Finley started strongly, kicking four unanswered goals while Mulwala managed four behinds. The home side controlled early play, forcing Mulwala to respond.

Mulwala began to regain momentum in the second quarter, increasing pressure and disrupting Finley’s rhythm. A key moment came just before halftime when Jackson Meade was injured, prompting a reshuffle. The move of Matthew Holgate forward proved pivotal, immediately challenging Finley’s defence.

After halftime, Mulwala lifted their intensity significantly. The midfield gained control, limiting Finley’s strengths and driving the ball forward with purpose.

The Lions kicked three goals to Finley’s two behinds in the third quarter, reducing the margin to 11 points at the final change.

In the final term, Mulwala found another level. Their pressure and ball movement broke Finley’s structure, with the forward line capitalising.

Sean Robinson led the way with five goals, while William Cookson was influential through the midfield.

Mulwala dominated the final quarter, kicking five goals to two behinds to secure a strong come-from-behind victory.

Key contributors included Owen Conway, Will Robinson, Kyal Tyson, and debutant Tige Sanderson, who capped his first game with a goal.

The important win reinforced the team’s belief and demonstrated their resilience under pressure.

The Lions now sit second on the Murray League ladder equal with 12 points to ladder leaders Congupna.

Reserves

Finley 2.0, 4.3, 5.6, 10.6 (66) def Mulwala 2.1, 5.3, 6.4, 8.4 (52)

Goals: D. Flanagan 2, J. Eder 2, D. Payne 1, R. Mitchell 1, P. Templeton 1, L. Dwyer 1.

Awards: Sweet & Sour Sisters: Isaac Pitches, Jaycees Cafe: Peter Templeton, Sweet & Sour Sisters: Harley Cooper,

Brennan Electrical: Lockie Dwyer, BSM Weld: Brock Johnsonm, Cod Classic: Jake Mackinnon.

Mulwala Reserves approached their match against Finley with confidence and determination but were ultimately undone by a difficult final quarter.

They started strongly, holding a narrow lead early and remaining competitive through the first three quarters. At the final change, the score stood at 40–36, with the game evenly poised.

In the final term, Finley lifted, adding 30 points while Mulwala managed just two goals, shifting the game decisively.

Up forward, Dylan Flanagan and Josh Eder each kicked two goals, while Riley Mitchell, Peter Templeton, Lockie Dwyer, and Damian Payne contributed one each.

Best players included Isaac Pitches, Brock Johnson, Jake Mackinnon, Lockie Dwyer, Harley Cooper, and Peter Templeton, who all worked hard throughout the match.

Mulwala went down 66–52 in a game that was within reach for much of the day.

Thirds

Finley 0.2, 1.2, 2.4, 2.5 (17) def by Mulwala 5.1, 7.4, 9.6, 13.9 (87)

Goals: S O'Bryan 5, N. Saunders 2, A. Richardson 2, B. Dodd 1, M Smith 1, L Purtle 1, A Kirchen 1.

Awards: McNamara O’Bryan: Makio Leith, Paradise Kreeck: Sonny O’Bryan, Beechworth Armour Motor Inn: Archer Kirchen, Mulwala Canteen Award: Tige Sanderson, Charlie Chicken: Mitchell Smith, Papalia’s Pizza: Harley Cooper.

Mulwala approached the game with a dominant mindset from the opening bounce, controlling possession and converting forward entries effectively while restricting Finley to just two points in the first quarter.

The defence was disciplined and connected well with the midfield, which in turn provided strong opportunities for the forwards. This set the tone for the match.

With conditions warming later in the day, the team’s strong preseason preparation was evident as they maintained their intensity and finished strongly, building a comfortable winning margin.

The performance was a well-structured and confident team effort across all areas of the ground.

Fourths

Finley 2.1, 8.3, 11.3, 14.11 (95) def Mulwala 0.1, 2.2, 3.2, 3.2 (20)

Goals: B. Ferguson 2, B. Watson 1.

Awards: Country Buddies Socks: Jack Sage, Hustle Hat: Ryder Leith, Commercial Glazing: Mitchell Purtle,

Purtles Electrical: Benji Watson, Charliee’s Chicken: Jacob Richardson, Coaches Award: Zeke Small.

After a strong week on the track, the boys came out prepared and ready to take on Finley.

Finley started strongly and controlled the early stages, putting the backline under immediate pressure.

Sage, Reed, Benji, and Harrison stood up in defence as the team worked hard to bring the game back onto their terms. Through the midfield and forward areas, Lachlan, Finn, Nash, and Bennie showed persistence, lifting their pressure as the game progressed.

Finley’s size and run ultimately proved too strong, and they ran out the game comfortably.

Despite the result, the team’s determination and willingness to compete until the final siren was a highlight and pleased the coaches.

Attention now turns to training ahead of another tough match against Cobram.

Netball

A Grade

Finley 8, 18, 25, 33, (33) def by Mulwala 16, 29, 48, 68, (68)

Awards: MFNC Incentive: Jedda Nolan, MFNC Incentive: Stephanie Hammond, MFNC Incentive: Grace Thomson.

The A Grade Lions side started slowly, not playing their usual style in the first quarter.

Finley applied pressure and forced errors that were not typical of Mulwala’s game. Positively, the defensive end rebounded strongly, providing opportunities to build the score and establish a six-goal lead at quarter time.

After a stern address, the Lions responded in the second quarter. Although the scoreboard did not fully reflect the improvement, they added a similar six-goal margin by halftime.

In the second half, the Lions took full control, dominating play and building the lead comfortably to secure a 35-goal victory. They recovered well from a disappointing first half, creating numerous defensive turnovers, producing excellent passages of play, and shooting accurately through Steph Hammond and Steph Ferguson.

Jedda Nolan was outstanding in defence, creating numerous turnovers in a stellar four-quarter performance. Steph Hammond and Steph Ferguson dominated in attack, while Grace Thomson played her best game since returning from the birth of her daughter and was rewarded for her efforts.

B Grade

Finley 10, 22, 30, 36, (36) def by Mulwala 11, 22, 36, 46, (46)

No report submitted.

C Grade

Finley 5, 12, 16, 20, (20) def by Mulwala 13, 26, 46, 62, (62)

No report submitted.

C Reserve

Finley 11, 27, 44, 57, (57) def Mulwala 13, 24, 28, 37, (37)

No report submitted.

Under 17s

Finley 8, 17, 31, 40, (40) def Mulwala 9, 19, 28, 36, (36)

Mulwala Under 17s were narrowly defeated in a hard-fought and physical contest against Finley, with the margin remaining close throughout.

The match was an arm wrestle from start to finish, with both sides competing strongly for every possession. Mulwala showed composure across the court, rotating players effectively.

The attacking end was highlighted by accurate shooting, while strong rebounding in defence limited Finley’s second opportunities.

Despite the result, it was an impressive performance that showcased resilience, teamwork, and competitiveness.

Under 15s

Finley 4, 8, 12, 15, (15) def by Mulwala 7, 15, 20, 31, (31)

Awards: $10 Canteen: Paige Varndell, Thursday Night Dinner: Layla Dunlop, Papalia’s: Claire Pearce.

A strong Anzac Day performance saw the girls claim a confident 31–15 win over Finley. They were solid across the whole court, with the midcourt working hard to drive play, deliver strong passes, and reward each other’s efforts.

Sitting on top of the ladder, the girls now face Cobram — a real test and a great chance to show just how far they have come while continuing to build momentum.

Under 13s

Finley 7 def by Mulwala 40

Awards: Papalia’s: Maddie Witton, $10 Canteen: Jade McInerney, Thursday Night Dinner: Tully Ewert.

The girls took to the court in their Anzac Day clash against Finley and delivered a dominant four-quarter performance.

From the opening whistle, they came out strong and maintained that intensity throughout the game, setting the tone early and never letting up.

The defensive players were outstanding, applying relentless pressure to keep Finley to just three goals in the first quarter, two in the second, and two in the third, before the mercy rule came into effect in the final term.

While the goalers were reliable and effective in the circle, it was the centre court that stood out this week, collecting all the awards.

Maddie Witton produced her best game yet with a standout performance, Jade McInerney battled hard all day and never gave up leading to the ball and creating intercepts, and Tully Ewert showed incredible versatility, rotating seamlessly through three positions and excelling in each.

A fantastic team effort and a well-deserved result.

Under 11s

Awards: Papalia’s: Lola Hammond, MFNC Dinner: Poppy Robinson.

The Mulwala Red Lions faced a tough outing in the heat against Finley.

Finley started strongly, requiring the girls to maintain composure, control possession, and minimise errors.

All eight players gave full effort, working hard to create turnovers through strong defensive pressure and providing opportunities for the goalers to score.

The team should be proud of their four-quarter effort and their ability to adapt across multiple positions.

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Friday, 7th June 2030

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