Sport

Tongala weathers wild conditions

By Matthew Kappos

Jul 12, 2026

Riley Smith booted three first-quarter goals for Tongala. Photos: Jordan Townrow

One set of Blues moved into the top six, overtaking another, as the Murray Football League’s Tongala and Numurkah faced off in rather unique conditions.

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With one end of the field at Tongala Recreation Reserve heavily favoured, of the 136 points scored by both teams, only seven were scored at one end, with the attacking play almost exclusively played at the other.

The home side had the benefit of the favourable end in the first quarter and took full advantage, booting an unanswered 6.5 (41) in the term.

Riley Smith got off to a flyer, kicking three in the quarter.

Malfunction at the junction as Kyle Halliwell and Jack Hammond almost collide.

However, when the teams turned around so did the scoreline and the second quarter saw Numurkah dominating play, almost matching Tonny with 6.3 (39) to draw within two.

The visitor would also buck the trend in the third, scoring the game’s only goal against the play in the third term, although Tongala was still ahead by 15 at the final change.

Clancy Lester gets front position ahead of Darcy Laffy.

Numurkah had the favoured end for the final term and it was up to the host to cling on.

Tonny got a single minor score through, but Numurkah roared home, coming within a goal late, but the host showed great resilience to hang on by four points, 10.10 (70) to 10.6 (66).

Joe Guiney attempts the smother on Matthew Price.

Riley Smith didn’t add to his three first-quarter goals, but still led Tongala at the final siren, followed by his captain Kyle Fitzgerald and vice-captain Jack Hammond with two each.

The win moves Tongala back into the finals places, up to fifth on percentage and surpassing Numurkah and Moama, the Magpies dropping out of the six at least for this week.

The Blues have a trip to Echuca United this weekend and, although the Eagles are a step below them on the table, Tongala will be wary after dropping the side’s previous meeting in round three.