BARNAWARTHA consigned reigning premier Tallangatta to consecutive defeats with a thrilling four-point win over the Hoppers on Saturday.
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The Tigers led by five goals at half-time at Barnawartha but could only manage two more after the long break as Mitch Maddock, Jacob Wood and Tyson Smith got the Hoppers back into the contest.
After losing to Mitta United the previous week, Tallangatta was desperate to return to the winner’s list but, despite getting within a kick in the final term, it couldn’t overcome the work of 100-gamer Matt McNamara, Tigers coach Mitch Exton and prime mover Cameron McNeil.
Sam Kunkel restricted Tallangatta spearhead James Breen to three goals in a superb defensive effort for the Tigers, who were hurt by the late withdrawals of Josh Spence and Paul Diretto before the match.
“It was certainly a bit of a nerve-wracking last quarter, that’s for sure,” Exton said.
“We knew they were going to throw everything at us in the third quarter, which we were able to weather, but then they kept coming at us in the fourth. Thankfully we managed to hold on.”
It was certainly a bit of a nerve-wracking last quarter, that’s for sure
- Barnawartha coach Mitch Exton
The victory sees the second-placed Tigers remain level on wins with Mitta United ahead of their top-of-the-table showdown at Barnawartha on Saturday.
Tallangatta dropped to fifth with the loss and faces another huge challenge against Kiewa-Sandy Creek next week.
With little separating the top six sides, Exton said the win over the Hoppers could prove crucial in the wash-up.
“You’ve got to turn up every week, you can’t afford to drop off and that’s why this game was so valuable to us,” he said.
“If we drop one like that it puts us right back.
“We just need to keep getting the wins on the board and not worry about anyone else.”
Yackandandah paid the price for a slow start against Kiewa-Sandy Creek, going down by 26 points.
Guy Telford kicked five goals for the Hawks, who were best served by Jacob Barber and Jason Bartel.
Lachlan Maslen and Michael Rose played well for the Roos, who kicked seven goals to six after quarter-time.
Thurgoona moved above Tallangatta on the ladder with a 69-point win over Wahgunyah.
Jayden Kotzur (four goals) continued his strong season for the Bulldogs while Todd Miller led all scorers with six majors.
Chiltern coach Mark Doolan kicked 14 goals in the Swans’ 125-point hiding of Wodonga Saints.
Beechworth scored its fourth win of the season with an 81-point victory against Dederang-Mount Beauty.
Xavier Mardling
Xavier started at The Border Mail in Albury-Wodonga in 2001, covering sport and general news before moving to the subs' desk. He was editor of his hometown masthead from 2016 to 2020 before swapping the Murray for Merewether. He returned to The Border Mail as editor in 2023.
Xavier started at The Border Mail in Albury-Wodonga in 2001, covering sport and general news before moving to the subs' desk. He was editor of his hometown masthead from 2016 to 2020 before swapping the Murray for Merewether. He returned to The Border Mail as editor in 2023.
