COHUNA’S finals hopes are hanging by a thread following the Kangas’ 22-point loss to the Mallee Eagles in wet conditions at Lalbert on Saturday.
Despite a scoreless first quarter, the home side worked its way back into the contest before half-time, with the persistent rain in the second half playing into the Eagles’ hands late in the game.
It was the Mallee team’s second win of the season and sees them climb to sixth on the ladder.
The 9.9 (63) to 5.11 (41) result severely dented Cohuna’s finals chances, with the Kangas now languishing in eighth with a one-win, four-loss start to the season.
It was a gratifying win for Eagles co-coach Harry Allen, especially after a sluggish start from the home side.
“Cohuna certainly started well and we had our opportunities, but we just couldn’t score in the first quarter,” Allen said.
“After half-time it turned into a real wet weather game and I thought our pressure and our inside work came to the forefront, which was pleasing, but in those sort of conditions, it brings everyone back to a level playing.
“It was a good win and one we needed, but while we weren’t going to be defined by the result, winning it certainly helps.
“The main thing is that we continue to show good signs week in, week out. If we can keep doing that, we know our structure and our systems will stand up against the good sides.”
With the rain setting in after the main break, the match descended into a contested battle, with neither midfield able to truly break the game open.
Darcy McGregor was influential in the middle for the home side, as was Brent Macleod, but it was youngster Harry McGregor who had the biggest impact, with his speed and ability to break the lines off half-back helping the Eagles kick six second-half goals.
Cohuna coach Jack Geary threatened to tear the game apart in the first quarter, with the Eagles forced to send Wes Bennett to play as a defensive forward on the Kangas’ star half-back.
Bennett was able to curb Geary’s influence after quarter time, although the Kangas coach still had a considerable impact on the game, along with Joel Helman, Jack Donat and Jarrod Findlay.
“Our contested work was strong after half-time, but I felt we were probably a bit cleaner with the ball and our pressure forced them into a few errors,” Allen said.
“The first half they (Cohuna) had their hard running and kicking game going that they are really good at, especially in the first quarter.
“Sending Wes (Bennett) to Geary after quarter time changed things for us a bit and helped to dry up their run and carry, but it was good to get the ball going our way in the second half and give ourselves a bit of breathing room on the scoreboard.
“In those sort of conditions it’s always an inside game and all about gaining territory, but the whole midfield battle was a pretty even one between both sides.”
While the conditions weren’t ideal for key forwards, Darcy Hourigan still managed to lead the way with three goals for the Eagles, with he and Cohuna defender Will Lee having an entertaining duel all afternoon.
At the other end of the ground, Joe Halloran was tasked with curbing Kangas forward Dylan Johnstone, with the Eagles full back taking the points after keeping him to just one goal.
The Eagles will face off against reigning premiers Kerang, but will have to do so without Toby Sheahan and Clinton Cummins, after both players suffered game-ending hamstring injuries.
Cohuna will host Swan Hill in yet another crucial game.
FINAL SIREN
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final Score |
| MALLEE EAGLES | 0.0 | 3.3 | 6.5 | 9.9 | 63 |
| COHUNA KANGAS | 2.3 | 4.8 | 4.10 | 5.11 | 41 |
VOTES
3 – Harry McGregor (Mallee Eagles)
2 – Jack Geary (Cohuna)
1 – Darcy McGregor (Mallee Eagles)
