Blast from the past: Moama’s premiership glory

The Magpies stamped their mark all over season 1992 in the Northern and Echuca Football League, starting strongly, and overcoming a mid-season slump to earn the mantle as supreme senior side in the league.

It was, in fact, double joy for the New South Welshmen — their reserves line-up cast aside the hitherto unbeaten Lockington-Bamawm to make it a well-earned pair for the black-and-white.

Celebrations went long into the night, as Moama, led by veteran coach Bob Allison in his first year with the club, partied hard as only a winning side can.

The grand final itself was an unspectacular affair, with no aura of intensity or highly skilled play, however Moama held the upper hand for most of the day, finally emerging victors by 26 points.

Moama's forwards shone earlier on, despite only kicking 2.3 for the first quarter. Magpie coach Bob Allison switched backman Gary Symons onto a half forward flank, where in partnership with David Rhode he continued to thread the ball upfield.

However several wasted opportunities, and some desperation by Cohuna's backline, cost Moama a healthy lead at the first change — instead they led by only two points.

Allison criticised his players for having most of the play, and not making full use of their possessions.

The second quarter was a lacklustre affair, both sides battling dourly to salvage their premiership attempts — however the Magpies came out of the second term better, holding a nine-point advantage at the last change.

It was the third stanza which effectively sunk Cohuna's hopes.

Moama's forward line began to find the target, with John Jones, Phil Scala and Brett Gordon all registering good goals.

When Craig Beck snapped a freakish goal from the boundary late in the term, it seemed to signal something special was in the air for Moama.

The Bloods were faced with a five-goal deficit going into the last term, but couldn't muster a worthy challenge against Moama's strong defence.

Geoff Ogden, who had waited so long for a black-and-white premiership, and fellow defender Gary Bennett were repelling everything the Cohuna forwards could throw at them.

Two early majors to the Bloods might have sparked something of a revival, but the challenge was quickly snuffed out by the Magpies, who by now could smell a premiership in the air.

The final siren brought with it a downpour — but the rain failed to dampen the spirits of the loyal Moama players, clubmen and supporters, who literally danced in the rain.

The rain, in fact, hid tears of joy on the faces of many devout Magpies.

Nick Quirk was named by the umpires as best-on ground, in a match where no player really shone for either side.

Quirk, together with teammates Craig Beck, Brett Gordon, Gary Symons, David Rhode and Jon Power were instrumental in pushing the ball forward for Moama, while Brett Sheldon, Damon Armstrong and Jonathon Barber were also contributors around the centre and half-forward zones.

Gary Bennett at half-back was superb all day, while Geoff Ogden, who many thought wouldn't play in this match, played a major part in the premiership he wanted so much.

For Cohuna, there is only consolation in the fact that they stand where Moama stood this time in 1991 — a beaten side in a grand final.

And the Magpies have shown what a teacher the agony of defeat can be.

Moama – 1992 NEFL Premiers

They came, they saw, they conquered — and this week, they celebrated.

The Moama Football Club, number one side in the Northern and Echuca Football League for 1992 in both senior and reserve grades, partied on through the weekend and into this week.

The win has all but erased sour memories of last year's humiliating grand final upset at the hands of Leitchville, has signalled a new era in local football, and cast a warning to old Northern District League sides such as Koondrook, Cohuna and Leitchville that Echuca-Moama teams can match it with the best of them.

It is the first win by a former Echuca League side in the combined NEFL, and Moama's eighth flag and first since 1981.

The Magpies went into the match favourites, but intentionally kept their preparation low key to avoid complacency and overconfidence — factors which must surely have cost them dearly in the 1991 disaster against Leitchville.

Just three weeks ago, football supporters had written them off after a dispiriting loss at the hands of Cohuna. Even the players had lost hope — their preparation on the Thursday prior to the first semi-final against Leitchville was a 'beer-and-pizza night'.

And yet with so much lost hope, the Magpies found new life against their 'old' foes, ruthlessly tossing Leitchville out of the finals race with the determination and desperation missing from the 1991 grand final loss.

Next, Koondrook — a side Moama had failed to defeat all year, and the Magpies' biggest obstacle of all in the march towards a flag. Again, determination, stamina and sheer desire for victory paved the way for a thrilling victory over the hitherto unstoppable Tigers.

Through to the grand final, and the rest is history. Not only did their seniors win a war of attrition over the young Cohuna team, but the Magpies' reserves joined the party too, holding a powerful LBU side to an embarrassing 3.22 for the match.

They celebrated, cried, cheered, sung the team song over and over — even as you read this some Magpie will still be celebrating. And why not — they have every right.

Moama Football Club wins double premiership

Moama Football Club scored the daily double on Saturday taking out both senior and reserves premierships in the Northern and Echuca Football League.

In the footy netball old Echuca League teams (LBU and South) took senior and reserve flags for the first time too since merging with the Northern District League three seasons ago.

Moama became a ghost town and half of Echuca seemed to be at Leitchville to cheer the Magpies to victory.

Perhaps they responded to local football legend Jim Clark's call in The Riv for Murray Bomber fans to support their northern neighbours.

Moama reserves beat an undefeated LBU side and it was a sweet victory for the Magpie seniors who were whipped by Leitchville last September after going into the final hot favourites.

The club lured super coach Bob Allison out of retirement for one last season, hoping to turn Moama's fortunes around – and that he did.

It was the former Echuca East Primary School teacher's first flag since leading Echuca to glory in 1977 and 79 — and a fine finish to a great coaching career.

After holding off all day, the heavens opened as fans stormed onto the ground to claim victory and to celebrate with the troops.

As it pelted down elated club officials, supporters and players were feeling ‘no pain — no rain’.

They launched into the Magpie theme song, "Down by the Murray, nestled in among the gums ... ” which is a black and white version of the Echuca Football Club's song. It seemed appropriate. Our two towns are more and more working, playing and celebrating as one these days.

Jim Clark must have been pleased.

Shire president Cr Geoff Wild (The Mayor of Moama) summed it up: "Echuca has got the Premier City, but we've got the Premiership!"