Travelling to Numurkah Showgrounds to face the Blues, who had earlier this season handed the Tigers an opening-round seven-point loss, Cobram delivered a supreme four-quarter performance to claim a huge 17.14 (116) to 7.4 (46) victory.
Having suffered consecutive losses of six points or less to Tongala and Echuca United either side of the bye, the Tigers more than made up for it on Saturday with a comprehensive triumph over the high-flying Blues.
In a statement of intent, the Tigers booted the first five goals of the game in quick succession to race out to a 31-point lead midway through the opening term, and while they looked to be in command, Numurkah fought back with three goals late to cut the Tigers’ advantage to 13 points at the first break.
The Blues would cut it to two straight kicks with the opening point of the second term, however they wouldn’t score again before half-time, as Cobram well and truly put the foot down.
With 4.4 for the term and keeping the home side to the solitary point, the margin quickly ballooned out to 40 points, Cobram leading 60 to 20, and the Blues were left praying for the half-time siren to sound.
It didn’t matter much anyway, as the Tigers picked up right where they left off in the third term with another four-goal-to-one quarter, extending the lead beyond 10 goals heading into the final change. And while Numurkah lifted somewhat in the fourth term, the Tigers still had their number, extending the margin yet again to win by an eventual 70 points.
Vice-captain Tyron Baden led the way in a best-on-ground performance, closely followed by Luca Allen, the pair each booting five goals, while Bailey Roberts and Perry Lewis-Smith (two goals) weren’t far behind.
Harry Beasley and Corey Pearse rounded out the most influential, while Bodey Webb and Koby Withers each added two goals, and Hugh Hyde one, to round out the goal kickers.
The win ensures Cobram remains well-positioned inside the top six at the halfway point of the season, moving to fourth following the win, with a 5-4 record, level with both Mulwala and Moama in fifth and sixth, respectively, and a game behind the second and third-placed sides in Nathalia and Numurkah.
It’s a date with the second-placed Purples that awaits Cobram this Saturday at Scott Oval, as they eye off a move further up the ladder, as the season enters its second half and counts down towards finals.
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