Familiar face stars in club return as Mathoura notches win number two

By Josh Huntly

Jun 11, 2023

On the move: Mathoura's Lachlan Carmody played a pivotal role in victory over Berrigan. Photo: Steve Huntley Photo by Steve Huntley

Mathoura is back in the winners’ circle for the first time since round six, leap-frogging Berrigan on the Picola District Football League ladder after a 35-point win over the Saints in round 11.

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And in notching their second victory of the season, the Timbercutters also eclipsed their win tally from last year when the final siren sounded at Mathoura Recreation Reserve.

The Cutters jumped out to an early three-goal lead, converting that into a 26-point buffer at half-time.

A determined Berrigan stayed within 21 points at three-quarter-time but could only muster one behind to Mathoura’s two goals in the final term.

Izaac Johnson and Nick Ferrari booted four goals each in the 12.12 (84) to 7.7 (49) win, while Damian Cupido kicked four at the other end for the Saints.

Lachlan Carmody starred once again for the Cutters, while a familiar face found himself among the best players in his first game for Mathoura since 2021.

After 22 games with Heathcote League club Elmore, Sam McHale has made his way back to Mathoura in a welcome mid-season boost for the Timbercutters.

“Sam played for us a couple of years ago and he came back on the weekend, he was great,” Mathoura co-coach Tim McCormick said.

“It was fantastic to have him back in the red and blue that’s for sure.

“Lachlan was excellent all day, Aiden Mackenzie and Clint McNabb were great down back, and Noah Milner was fantastic in the middle.”

McCormick said a focus on consistent footy was a focus after letting Deniliquin run away with the game last week.

“We were trying to concentrate on our attack of the footy, our consistency, our intensity, and they delivered that for all bar 10 minutes of the game,” he said.

“It was the most consistent effort we’ve had all year. Our attack on the footy was good against Deni but we didn’t get our reward for it.

“It was probably the most consistent effort we’ve had all year against a side that’s probably at the same level as us.”

Mathoura will host PDFL high-flyer Strathmerton in round 12, with the Bulldogs sitting in second spot on the ladder.