THE MALLEE Eagles stamped its claim as a Central Murray Football Netball League premiership contender on Saturday, inflicting Kerang’s first loss in 357 days.
The Eagles’ three-point win against the five-time premiers at Lalbert was the Blues’ first loss of the season, with the side last defeat coming against Koondrook/Barham one year ago this Sunday.
The result was also the first time since round 18 last season – when Woorinen drew with the Blues at Riverside Park – that Kerang has not claimed maximum points in a match.
Caine Hillier’s second goal of the match helped secure the win after the visitors – who were missing Troy Coates and Travis Matheson – claimed the lead in the final minutes of the match.
The result leaves the Blues, Woorinen and Eagles on six wins from the first eight rounds of the season, with the Lalbert-based side to take a 21-day break due to the round nine bye and split round.
Meanwhile, Koondrook/Barham is locked in a three-way battle with the Cohuna Kangas and Tyntynder for fourth spot on the ladder following a 12-point win against the Kangas.
Dean Limbach kicked four goals for the victors in his return to the side after missing the Raiders’ loss against Swan Hill on May 27, whilst the loss was the Kangas’ third in a row after winning their first four matches of the season.
