A packed crowd at the Tocumwal Recreation Reserve was treated to one of the games of the season on Saturday, as the Bloods went down in a nail-biting finish against a determined Deniliquin Rovers outfit.
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With only eight points separating the two sides at the final siren, the match had everything – skill, pressure, momentum swings, and a grandstand finish that left both camps physically and emotionally spent.
From the outset, the contest was tight and evenly matched.
Tocumwal showed strong intent early, matching the Rovers in the clinches and moving the ball with confidence.
The lead changed hands multiple times, and with only four points the difference at half-time, the stage was set for a thrilling second half.
Leading the way for Tocumwal was Brock Close, who delivered an impressive individual performance with six majors.
His presence up forward gave the Bloods a consistent scoring threat, and his strong marking and accurate kicking kept his side within reach all afternoon.
Ricky Gittens worked hard across the ground and finished with two goals of his own, while Dane Maxwell, Blair Eddy and Ray Sutton each chipped in with crucial goals that kept the scoreboard ticking.
Across the ground, it was a whole-team effort. Dillon Kirchen was strong over the ball, winning clearances and applying strong attacking pressure.
Lachlan McDonald continued his consistent form, providing clean ball use and leadership around the contest.
Jack Tyndall and Brayden Hall were both strong in defence repelling multiple attacks.
Adam Kent was another standout, competing ferociously and driving the ball forward with intent.
The coaching staff also recognised the efforts of several other key contributors, with Josh Mosman awarded the Baldwin’s Buses Award for his tireless work in the backline.
Ray Sutton earned the IGA Award for his clean ball use and goal sense, while Charles Locke stuck to the task he was given as was acknowledged with the Farmer’s Arms Award.
Final score: Tocumwal 11.8 (74) def by Deniliquin 12.10 (82).
Despite the result not falling Tocumwal’s way, the performance was full of heart and character.
The Bloods threw everything they had at the Rovers, and while the loss may prove costly in the context of finals, it showed that Tocumwal can match it with any side in the competition when they bring their best.
With everything still to play for, the Bloods will regroup and refocus ahead of another must-win clash next week.
If they can maintain the intensity and team-first mindset shown against Deniliquin, there is no doubt this side remains in the hunt for September action.
Reserves
With late outs and a scramble for numbers Saturday morning, a few old favourites dusted off the boots to help field a side.
The Bloods were outgunned on the scoreboard but the effort and grit could not be faulted.
The boys stuck at it all day and gave it everything they had.
Final score: Tocumwal 2.4 (16) def by Deniliquin 19.14 (128).
Goals: Kane Wardlaw, Michaele Mustica.
Best: Will Law, Dylan Maxwell, Drew Eddy, Kane Wardlaw, Blake Aglinskas, Will O’Connell.
Under-17s
After a slow start and trailing by a couple of goals at halfitime, the Bloods came out firing.
They held Deni scoreless in the second half to seal a strong win.
Final score: Tocumwal 9.11 (65) def Deniliquin 3.3 (21).
Goals: Liam Sutton 4, Logan White 2, Declan Cameron 2, Chace Brunskill.
Best: Rory Shepherd, Chace Brunskill, Liam Sutton, Logan White, Cody Palmer, Archie Chellew.
Awards: Rory Shepherd, Chace Brunskill, Archie Chellew, Liam Sutton, Cody Palmer.
Under-14s
Visibility was low, but the effort was high.
We couldn’t see the players or the scoreboard until half-time, but the fourths were clearly in control.
A strong win over Deni.
Final score: Tocumwal 7.9 (51) def Deniliquin 1.2 (8).
Goals: Jack Watson 5, Archie Chellew, Brayth Koopman.
Best: Harrison Wilson, Archie Chellew, Jack Watson, Charlie Wilson, Brayth Koopman, Patrick Taylor.
Awards: Patrick Taylor, Harrison Wilson, Charlie Wilson, Brayth Koopman, Archie Chellew, Jack Watson.
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