After a run of four straight defeats from rounds two to six, Moama breathed life back into its season with consecutive wins over Deniliquin and Rumbalara ahead of a meeting with Finley, which had only one win, but had been largely competitive.
The match was an open attacking affair to begin, with both sides trading multiple goals each during the first quarter, one that Moama edged with five majors to Finley’s three.
The second term would take on a life of its own, the Magpies suddenly kept scoreless for an entire period as the Cats found their groove at both ends, adding two goals to their total to take a 5.4 (34) to 5.0 (30) lead into half-time.
In a see-sawing match, Moama would be the side that came out stronger after the main break, not only breaking its scoreless spell, but doing so in style, kicking four straight goals in the third quarter to Finley’s three behinds.
The Magpies suddenly had a solid 19-point lead heading into the fourth term, needing another strong push to secure victory. But the momentum shifted again.
Finley booted the first three majors and reduced the gap to a point by the halfway mark of the final quarter.
Moama found a much-needed goal 16 minutes into the term to extend its lead to seven before the Cats clawed back again, kicking the next two majors to lead by five points entering the final stages.
The Magpies responded two minutes later, retaking the lead with five minutes to play, and with three minutes left they led by two points.
The action still wasn’t final, Finley making one last attempt to snatch victory, but missing with a behind at the death as Moama prevailed 11.5 (71) to 10.10 (70) in a classic encounter.
Three straight wins for Shannon Keam’s side has it now sitting seventh on the ladder with a 4-4 record, the same as fifth-placed Cobram and sixth-placed Tongala, but holding a much worse percentage.
Moama takes on Echuca United next in the latest edition of the Three Jacks Trophy, with the two sides entering the rivalry off the back of significant victories.
The Game
Moama: 5.0, 5.0, 9.2, 11.5 (71)
Finley: 3.1, 5.4, 5.7, 10.10 (70)
Goals
Moama: Zade Maschewski 2, Thomas Naujok 2, Henry Brown, Dane Dickinson, Rhys Drennan, Liam Edge, James Gillivan, Trent Gray, Tobias Thoolen
Finley: Jack Sexton 4, James O’Connor 2, Bailey Burke, Harry Daniel, Will Garner, Nichollas Lunn
Best
Moama: Tobias Thoolen, Fraser Verhey, Jake Ellery, James Gillivan, Thomas Naujok, Curtis Wood
Finley: Jack Sexton, Will Sexton, Sam Barnett, Will Garner, James O'Connor, Isaac Lunn
8°C