FOR the second time in three weeks, Tooleybuc-Manangatang have been held goalless for an entire match, suffering a 109-point thrashing at the hands of a rejuvenated Cohuna Kangas at Manangatang at the weekend.
The 16.19 (115) to 0.6 (6) result follows the Saints’ goalless loss to the Mallee Eagles a fortnight ago.
Tooleybuc-Manangatang have now tumbled from the finals equation after starting the season with four wins from their first five games and as one of the form teams of the competition.
The Kangas, on the other hand, continued their good form, claiming their sixth straight win and climbing into the top five for the first time since round 2 this season.
With games against Swan Hill and NNW United to come after the bye, Cohuna will need to win both to ensure a return to finals this season.
After a tough opening quarter, Cohuna blew the game wide open after the first break, booting 9.4 for the term while simultaneously keeping the home side scoreless for 30 minutes.
Midfield stars Jack Geary and Joel Helman continued their impressive late-season form, with the onballers only overshadowed by Sam McGlone, who produced a best-on-ground performance for the visitors.
With Connor McDonald returning for Tooleybuc-Manangatang, the ruck would prove to be a key battle ground, with in form Cohuna big man Christopher Anderson more than holding his own against the Saints ruckman.
Anderson it could be said took the points against McDonald, which is no mean feat, but continues the veteran ruckman’s stellar 2024 campaign.
Also among the visitors better players were Jackson Williams and Daniel Coates, with Williams and Jacob Mitchell leading the way on the scoreboard with three goals each.
Although it would ultimately be a day to forget for the Saints, who were beaten in almost every facet of the game, they were well served by Ryan Domaille, John Wardle, Jaicob Kenny, Mitchell Grant, Zach Prentice and McDonald.
With Tooleybuc-Manangatang now finding themselves two games and percentage behind fifth, they now need to beat NNW United, Lake Boga and Balranald, as well as hope for other results to go their way, if they are to make it to September.
SCORES
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Score |
| Tooleybuc-Manangatang | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 6 |
| Cohuna | 1.4 | 10.8 | 12.12 | 16.19 | 115 |
VOTES
3 – Sam McGlone (Cohuna)
2 – Jack Geary (Cohuna)
1 – Joel Helman (Cohuna)
