Rain and gloomy skies kept conditions uninviting during round 12 of Murray Football League.
In poor weather, the disparity between higher and lower-ranked football sides decreases, leaving the door wide open for upsets.
During Numurkah’s match at home against Echuca United, it seemed a shock loss for the Blues might have been on the cards at half-time.
Heading into the game Numurkah had won five of its 11 matches this season and was sitting on the edge of the top six, while Echuca United had struggled across the first 11 rounds, going 0-11 and sitting at the bottom of the ladder.
However, at the main break, the Eagles were well and truly in the match against the Blues, with the scores sitting 44-37 in the home side’s favour.
But after half-time, Numurkah flicked the switch and burst away from its opponents.
The Blues kicked 5.3 to the Eagles’ one goal in the third term, extending their lead to 32 points at the final break.
Numurkah’s Josh Hoffmann booted a game-high five goals, while forward Nathan Hicks finished with four.
For Echuca United, Sam Goodluck and Mitch Lourey both finished with a team-high two goals.
Despite the Eagles’ valiant first-half effort, the Blues were too strong in trying conditions, winning the match by 51 points.
After a disappointing start to the match, Numurkah coach Sean Harrap was pleased with his side’s ability to change and adapt its game style on the fly.
“It rained for most of our game ... it was pretty constant without being heavy,” Harrap said.
“Initially, they probably adapted quicker than what we did, particularly in the first quarter; I think they kicked three goals to two.
“We were just trying to be dry weather footy; we hadn’t changed modes and midway through that second (quarter) and at half-time, we spoke about how we just have to get it forward.
“It wasn’t a game for handball receives and short 45 (degree) kicks; just get it forward at all costs.
“Full credit to them (Echuca United); they haven’t won a game, but they don’t play like that as they had a crack and put good pressure on.”
On a tough day to be clean and effective with the football, Harrap was impressed by Hoffmann’s performance up forward.
“He (Hoffmann) missed the first month being overseas, then he had a bit of injury and then we have also played him a bit off half-back (getting him to) pinch hit up forward,” he said.
“We just played him as a full-time forward and he kicked five goals, which is a great return for him.
“Tommy Scott was really good in the middle; it was probably a day for a bigger, stronger body.
“He got the ball into dangerous spots in our forward line.”
In other round 12 matches, Nathalia failed to adjust to the poor conditions in its match against Cobram.
The Purples could only manage five scoring shots for the day in a dour affair.
Nathalia’s Bailey Bell was the side’s lone goal-scorer, while Cobram’s Jackson Trengove finished the match with five goals.
The Tigers won the match comfortably, with the score finishing 1.4 (10) to 9.12 (66).
Ladder leader Congupna made light work of Rumbalara away from home.
After a tight opening term — The Road led 22-14 at the break — Congupna took control of the match and delivered an onslaught to Rumba’s defence.
Congupna went on to win the game by 81 points, with Roaders Jak Trewin and Kyle Mueller both booting five goals.
Mulwala and Finley played out a wet weather thriller at the Cats’ home ground.
The contest was tight and low-scoring, with the Lions taking home the bragging rights after they won by four points, 5.8 (38) to 6.6 (42).
Moama has defied a brave Tongala, with the Magpies holding on for a 12-point win despite a second-half charge from Tonny, who kicked five goals to one after half-time.
Meanwhile, Deniliquin is two points outside the top six after it defeated Barooga by 36 points away from home.
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