MFL | Moama earns crucial four points against Deni

By Bransen Gibson

Jun 26, 2022

High five: Moama players celebrate after scoring a goal. Photo: Josh Huntly

Moama has claimed a key win in the race for the Murray league finals with a 22-point triumph over the Deniliquin Rams on Saturday.

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The Magpies claimed their first win over a current top-six side with a 9.5 (59) to 5.7 (37) victory over the Rams, a crucial result that keeps them in the hunt for a top-two finish.

The victory, paired with Tongala’s win over Mulwala, means the Magpies are now just one win behind the second-placed Lions, with Moama and Mulwala set to face off next round.

Moama coach Sam Sheldon said it was good for his team to get the four points against a tough opponent.

“It was nice to knock off Deni in Deni, it’s always a hard win,” Sheldon said.

“In the context of the season, it is a good win.

“We battled the day out well. They challenged us a few times and it was a pleasing result. The boys hung in there and we got the job done.”

Just one point separated the two sides at quarter-time, but a strong second term saw Moama kick four goals to one to seize control of the game.

Holding a 17-point lead at half-time, Moama held the Rams at bay in the second half to win by a handy 22 points.

Playing away from home, Sheldon said he thought the large ground actually helped his side.

“The big ground probably helped us, to be honest,” he said.

“We were too quick for them around the ground and once we got out into space and got in front, we were able to get the job done.”

Nicholas Pavlou starred for the Pies once again, booting four goals in another great performance.

“Nick had a really great game, he is an exceptional player,” Sheldon said.

“He’s hard to tackle, he has really good skills and he runs hard. He is a tough match-up every week for the opposition.”

Jordan Ives and Mitchell Lake were two of the other top performers for Moama, while Lachlan Hogan looked good in his first full senior game for the side.

Fresh off three goals and a strong performance for GWS at the NAB under-16 national championships, Hogan did well for the Magpies, according to his coach.

“Lachie went really well. It was a good effort, he played a good game,” Sheldon said.

Moama will get a chance to rest and recover this weekend thanks to the bye, before a crucial three games.

Following the bye, the Pies (third) will face Mulwala (second), Cobram (first) and Tongala (fourth) in clashes that will no doubt shape the top six.