Griffith continued their sensational start to the Riverina League season by ending a seven-year drought at Mangoplah Sportsground on Saturday.
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The Swans proved they are just as capable in wet conditions by outlasting the Goannas in a low-scoring slog, 5.8 (38) to 1.8 (14).
It was Griffith’s first win at Mangoplah Sportsground since 2011 and the Goannas’ first loss at the ground in three years.
It also gave the Swans a seventh straight victory to start the season.
Griffith kicked the only two goals of the first quarter to gain the ascendancy and as the conditions got worse that lead became more important.
MCUE kicked their only goal of the game in the second term to go into half-time 13 points down.
Griffith virtually sealed the win by kicking the only two goals of the third quarter to stretch the margin to 25 points before both teams played out a goalless final term.
Griffith coach Will Griggs was pleased to see his team end the Mangoplah drought.
“Absolutely, I think most people knew we hadn’t won over here in about seven years,” Griggs said.
“As you can see, it wasn’t a great day for footy but the boys dug in there. It wasn’t so much about the quality of football today as it was about grinding it out, grinding it out, making sure we’re in a position to win in that second half because we know our second halves are really good.”
Griggs said Griffith’s pressure laid the foundation for their win.
“We hit 102 tackles today, which is the most we’ve hit in a long time,” he said.
“You know if you get that many tackles in a game that your pressure’s on and it goes a long way to winning the game, especially in these conditions.”
It was an even performance across the board from the Swans.
Heath Northey continued his fine season with another strong game in the midfield, while young ruckman Riley Irvin also impressed.
Daniel Peruzzi and Reece Matheson also enjoyed fine games.
For MCUE, Tom Keogh and Jack Carey were strong on a dirty day for the Goannas.
Griffith now only have Wagga Tigers remaining to complete a clean sweep of the first half of the season.
Griggs could not be happier with how the Swans are placed.
“We’ve got another big road trip next week to Wagga, and then we’ve got Narrandera away again and then we’re lucky enough to have a few home games in a row to finish the season so I couldn’t be happier at this stage,” he said.
MCUE have the bye next week so will turn the half-way point in third position with six wins and two losses.
