Taking on a team in the Murray League top three was always going to be a tough ask for Tocumwal’s seniors.
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We were under no illusion that Nathalia was gaining momentum and were in prime form, but despite this the side were prepared to make a genuine contest of the game.
Nathalia got out of the blocks fast with slick movement of the ball and accuracy with their ball delivery into the forward line.
The first quarter ended with seven majors to Nathalia and zero to Toc.
The second quarter started more evenly with Andrew Dickins competing well in the ruck to provide first use of the ball.
Centre clearances were in our favour throughout the quarter, but with limited scoreboard pressure we were again goalless despite some good attempts.
The third quarter saw both teams arm wrestle over centre clearances with strong on ball work by Drew Haebich, Kade Rowe and Mitch Collins-Bye to make every contest a challenge.
However, the firepower of Nathalia’s forwards kept them kicking away with another seven goals to Toc’s one, putting the game further out of reach.
The final address from Rowe had the message that the scoreboard was irrelevant, and they needed to continue to believe in themselves and get out of their comfort zones by continuing to apply the pressure and make Nathalia earn every kick.
It was clear from the onset that this had an effect as they lifted to a new level putting their bodies on the line and competing at every contest all the way to the final siren.
In the sheds, the coach praised the efforts of all his players for not throwing in the towel but showing pride in the jumper and respect for each other.
The incentives this week were awarded to the three U17s players who have been regularly doubling up games each week.
Congratulations also to Kane Wardlaw for playing his first senior game for the season.
Final score: Nathalia 28.10 (178) def Tocumwal 2.6 (18).
Best: Kade Rowe, Mitch Collins Bye, Brock McCabe, Andrew Dickins, Jordan Lavis, Drew Haebich.
Goals: Brock McCabe 1, Andrew Dickins.
Awards: First Incentive - Nate Grieves; second Incentive - Josh Mosman; third Incentive - Pacey Haebich.
With the foggy weather still impacting visibility, the Toc reserves began the game against Nathalia with a few men short. They were ably assisted by the U17s.
Despite the shortcomings and inability to rotate off the bench, the boys played with vigour and determination from the get-go and were competitive around the ball all day.
The midfield experience of Liam Colstan and Glyn Matters ensured that the game was not all one sided, while Al Saraikin turned back the clock to assist Pete Harrison and Corey Herezo in the ruck to win a fair share of the contested footy.
Around the ground plenty of Toc boys showed promise with Harry Johns moving down back to help the defence and playing one of his best games for the year. Jack Gowty, further up the ground, was demanding the footy and showing great courage to ensure the game was competitive.
Greg Whelan continued his string of form down back with some great intercept marking, and the U17s boys showed that the club will have a bright future with their excellent ball use and calm under pressure attitude.
A great combo effort in the last quarter from Liam Ryan and Pete Harrison to score a goal ensured that the boys could hold their heads high as they walked from the ground.
Final score: Nathalia 11.11 (77) def Tocumwal 1.0 (6).
Best: Liam Colston, Alex Saraikin, Greg Whelan, Jack Gowty, Harry John, Corey Herezo.
Goal: Peter Harrison.
Awards: Incentive award - Liam Colston; Farmers Arms Hotel award - Alex Saraikin; Baldwin’s Farms Thursday night dinner award - Greg Whelan; IGA voucher - Jack Gowty; Baldwin’s Buses Thursday night dinner - Harry John.
On a foggy and dewy morning, and after a slow start the week before, the fourths still came out firing.
They were up and about and this was evident from the very first bounce. Coming up against a top six side, the boys were confident and backed themselves, knowing they needed to put in a consistent four quarters.
A goal within the first few minutes reiterated the determination and belief they had in themselves and set the tone for the game.
Nathalia got out to a nine point lead in the last quarter, but the boys grinded their way back into the game. In an intense last couple of minutes they gained the lead and were able to hold on to it.
Final score: Tocumwal 3.14 (32) def Nathalia 0.3 (3).
Best: Joe Barker, Declan Palmer, Cody Palmer, Kane Wardlaw, Nate Grieves, Hunter Groutsch.
Goals: Charlie Locke 2, Logan White.
Awards: Ed Thompson $20 award - Jirra Letcher; Wingates $10 award - Declan Palmer; Palmer Excavations award - Joe Barker; Foreshore Café award - Cody Palmer.