ML | Gallery | Barooga makes it two victories in a row

By Daniel Webb

May 23, 2022

Under pressure: Barooga’s Callum Leighton Daly and William Brooks challenge Rumbalara’s Steve Stallion. Photo: Megan Fisher Photo by Megan Fisher

Barooga made it two Murray Football League wins in a row on Saturday afternoon, with the Hawks downing Rumbalara in convincing fashion away from home.

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The visiting side held a nine-point lead at quarter-time, before a high-scoring second quarter saw its lead stretch to 34.

From there, the game was all Barooga, with the Hawks outscoring Rumba in the second half 71 to 16 and running out 9.6 (60) to 22.17 (149) victors.

Eyes on the ball: Barooga’s William Clarke looks to take a grab. Photo: Megan Fisher Photo by Megan Fisher

Barooga coach Jackson Trengove said the side was starting to string some good form together.

“The first couple of rounds were pretty tough and now that we’re starting to get a little bit of confidence and starting to play the way we want to, it’s been exciting,” Trengove said.

“The boys were really good on Saturday, a solid hit-out, Riley Gow was probably one of our best players but it was a really good team effort.”

Contested football: Barooga's Callum Leighton Daly releases the ball under pressure from Rumbalara’s Ashtyn Atkinson. Photo: Megan Fisher Photo by Megan Fisher

Gow was named second-best on the day while ruckman William Clarke took out Barooga’s best-on gong.

Trengove said Clarke’s ruck exploits had allowed him to focus on his forward duties, with Trengove scoring eight majors on Saturday.

“Now that Clarke’s in the ruck and I can go forward; we’ve got a pretty dangerous attack now, it’s good,” Trengove said.

Head up: Barooga's Peter Francis looks for a teammate. Photo by Megan Fisher

The win continues an impressive mid-season turnaround for the Hawks, with the side going from winless to eighth spot in two rounds.

With games against Congupna and Nathalia coming up, there is potential for the side to go further.

Wrapped up: Rumbalara’s Joshua Patmore is tackled by Barooga’s Jack Charlton. Photo by Megan Fisher

“The guys haven’t dropped away from what we’re trying to do, we’re on a bit of a journey that’s going to take some time for us,” Trengove said.

“The next couple of weeks are obviously some of the teams around the same mark as we want to get to and it’s going to be interesting but we look forward to the challenge.”

For Rumbalara, Gavin Handy, Justin Terlich and Steven Stallion were the top performers on the day, with the side remaining winless after seven rounds.

Tight grip: Rumbalara's Benjamin McGowan gets tackled by Barooga’s Tomas O'Sullivan. Photo by Megan Fisher

With round seven being played over two weeks, there were only two other Murray Football League games played on Saturday.

At Lonsdale Oval, Mulwala inflicted a heavy defeat on Moama, running out 17.12 (114) to 6.8 (44) winners.

Best-on: Barooga’s Wiliam Clarke had a great day in the ruck. Photo by Megan Fisher

In the final game of the round Tongala also kept its undefeated record intact, demolishing Finley at home.

Anyone’s ball: Barooga's Peter Francis looks to find the loose ball. Photo by Megan Fisher

The 20.17 (137) to 3.5 (23) victory sets up a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash against Cobram next week, with both sides keen to build a gap at the top of the table.