Mathoura bested in Hoppers duel

The Grasshoppers responded with a strong second term, kicking six goals to two to surge into the lead by 16 points at half-time.

With neither side accustomed to winning, the game was wide open for either squad to step up in the championship quarter, and Mathoura narrowly won it to close the gap to 13 at the final change.

The Timbercutters had the majority of the chances and probably feel they should have come home with the win in the fourth, but after Mathoura kicked 3.7 in the final term, Rennie was able to hold on with 3.2 of its own to win 13.9 (87) to 11.13 (79).

Jordy Priestley and Kai Shiels were responsible for most of the Mathoura scoring, kicking four and three goals respectively.

The result earned Rennie its first win of the year and with Blighty also getting off the mark it leaves Mathoura in a four-team group at the base of the table, all on four points.

The Timbercutters sit third from bottom, ahead of Katunga on percentage.

Barooga is the next assignment for Mathoura as it returns to home turf to battle the Hawks this Saturday.