MARRAR have facilitated Temora’s fall from grace and accelerated to a coveted top five position on the Farrer League ladder, winning 8.9 (57) to 6.8 (44) at Marrar on Saturday.
Marrar coach Nic Casey had a sense accomplishment at full time.
“We’ve had a saying all day today, five at five o’clock tonight, hopefully we’re back in the five, that’s been our aim,” Casey said.
“We’ve got our season starting again from this point on now.”
Saturday’s game sparked Casey’s first hint of optimism since the team was down to eight injured players two weeks ago, and after the nightmare one-point loss to the Northern Jets last week.
Temora led Marrar narrowly for most of the first half.
Josh Hagar tipped the score in Marrar’s favour, kicking a long goal five minutes before half time.
The game, described aptly by Temora coach Christin Macri as an arm wrestle, was awarded to the team with the most determination according to Casey.
“The difference was our endeavour for the footy,” Casey said.
“The 21 blokes who ran out were there for their mate next to them.”
Marrar back Bryce Graetz kept Temora’s handy forward Matt Wallis under control for most of the game.
In the final quarter, any forward movement from Temora was relegated to the outside pockets, and attempts on goal were rare.
Casey, who’s been on the hunt for new recruits, hinted that he’s been successful.
“We’ve still got three days till deadline, so you never know, we may have some surprises up our sleeves,” Casey said.
It’s crunch time for Marrar according to Casey.
“The season we’ve had to date, we can’t afford to lose any,” Casey said.
“We’ve got seven games to go; we’re going out to win all seven.”
Two weeks ago Temora was sitting in fourth spot on the Farrer League ladder, last week’s loss to East Wagga-Kooringal dropped them down a rung to fifth and this week they have slid out of the top five, into sixth position.
Full time
Marrar
2.1, 5.4, 6.6, 8.9 (57)
Temora Kangaroos
2.2, 3.5, 5.6, 6.8 (44)
Goals: (Marrar) Mitchell O'Brien 3, Tyler Cunningham 2, Josh Hagar, Callum Gardner, Matthew Molkentin; (Temora) Matthew Wallis 2, Matt Harpley 2, Damien Ponting, Zac Wiencke
Best: (Marrar) Matthew Molkentin, Bryce Graetz, Josh Hagar, Clinton Taylor, Callum Gardner, Tyler Cunningham; (Temora) Charles Vallance, Daniel Reid, Chris McAuley, Robert Drummond, Zac Wiencke, Liam Pattison
