THE Cohuna Kangas put on a dominant display to defeat Tooleybuc-Manangatang by 113 points, in what may have been their final Central Murray Football Netball League match at home.
The Kangas led from start to finish to win comfortably, 22.21 (153) to 6.4 (40).
Cohuna Kangas coach Tyson Findlay said it was a bittersweet day for the team, with their finals hopes likely having been dashed by other results.
“It’s very unlikely now that we’re going to make it,” Findlay said.
“It is very disappointing, knowing that we were there and we were good enough, but that’s footy sometimes.
“We brought the energy for all four quarters and played really well as a collective.”
It is still possible for Cohuna to break into the top five, although it would require other results going their way and an enormous percentage boosting win against the Mallee Eagles this Saturday might also be needed.
The Kangas got off to a strong start and never looked in danger, kicking six goals to the Saints’ two in the opening term.
Speaking to his players at quarter-time, Findlay praised their energy and teamwork and said it was their best quarter in a long time.
Cohuna then started to run away with the match in the second term and by half-time had opened up an 80-point advantage.
The gap only increased in the second half, getting out to 90 points despite the strong wind contributing to a lack of accuracy up front.
Tooleybuc-Manangatang showed glimpses of their biggest strengths throughout the day, despite being completely outclassed, with their pressure around the ball strong at every contest and their back line giving their all to prevent an even bigger blowout.
Blake Grant and Harrison Maher were among the Saints’ better players, as was Joshua Williams with four goals.
Rhys Free was unstoppable up front for the Kangas, kicking nine goals and delivering a best-on-ground performance, while Daniel Coates also stood up with four goals and some strong assists.
Tooleybuc-Manangatang will end their season this weekend aiming for get their third win of 2023 against Tyntynder.
FINAL SIREN
| Cohuna | 6.6 | 15.11 | 18.16 | 22.21 | 153 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tooleybuc Manangatang | 2.2 | 3.3 | 5.4 | 6.4 | 40 |
VOTES
3 – Rhys Free (Cohuna Kangas)
2 – Daniel Coates (Cohuna Kangas)
1 – Will Thrum (Cohuna Kangas)
