MANGOPLAH-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes claimed their second big scalp in as many weeks with an impressive 18-point victory over Leeton-Whitton on Saturday.
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The Goannas have enjoyed wins over last year’s grand finalists in successive weeks, this time outlasting Leeton-Whitton, 15.4 (94) to 11.10 (76) at Mangoplah Sportsground.
MCUE led throughout the day but responded when challenged by the Crows a couple of times in the second half.
The Goannas led by 20 points at half-time but Leeton-Whitton closed within two points midway through the third term, and again got within eight, early in the final quarter.
But MCUE responded in style and had too much run around the ground for the experienced Crows.
Jordan Foster was influential up forward for the Goannas, booting five goals, while Ethan Schiller, Harry Collins and Will Keogh all played big parts in the win.
MCUE coach Travis Cohalan was thrilled to get another big win on the board and continue the Goannas’ undefeated start to the year.
“I rate them as one of the teams to beat for the premiership so to get a win like that early in the year will do wonders for our confidence, for sure,” Cohalan said.
MCUE were too good on the outside for the Crows and had too much run.
Cohalan rated it as the best his team have moved the ball this year.
“I think we’ve done a lot of work on our fitness over the pre-season, snice November, we’re still building but we’ve got a good base,” he said.
“We always wanted to play our running, attacking style of footy and I think, today, that’s the best we’ve moved the ball. The best we’ve ran from the defensive half and transitioned the ball.”
Toby Conroy, Bryce O’Garey and Ben Curley had plenty of the footy for the Crows, while Daniel Muir and Jade Hodge were dangerous in attack and kicked four goals each.
The umpires were heavily involved in the contest and paid a lot of free kicks and 50 metre penalties that frustrated both teams.
MCUE were privately seething with the umpiring and president David Griffin said it was of an unacceptable level for first grade football.
“What I saw today, was poor,” Griffin said.
“I didn’t think the standard was up to scratch and an official response will go to the Riverina Umpires Association this week.
“Football’s a contact sport and at times today it felt like we were watching netball, not football.”
Both teams hope to welcome a number of players back after next week’s representative bye.
