Picola District League: Mathoura overcome Katamatite

A new born baby, a venue change, an opposition switch and border restrictions were all part of a wild 48 hours before a club beat the ladder leaders. Here’s how they did it.

Mathoura celebrated their second big win in a row.

If you were to describe Mathoura’s three-point win over Katamatite as eventful, it would still be a massive understatement.

That’s because it had it all – on and off the field.

In the 48 hours leading up to the game, the Timbercutters had to overcome a venue change, an opponent switch and border restrictions.

Then there was the arrival of senior coach’s Darcy Robinson’s baby boy on Thursday morning.

Mathoura president Tim McCormick said it was unlike anything he had seen before.

“It was certainly a big few days,” he laughed.

“Before the fixture changed we thought we were going to Rennie, so we had to get everything organised. That included catering and ensuring all our Covid-safe measures were up to date.

“Everyone from the club deserves a lot of credit for how quickly we were able to put things together.”

Despite not having played since May 15, due to a bye and the enforced break, the Timbercutters’ proved their shock win over Strathmerton in their last game was no fluke.

In a low scoring contest, Josh Flight had a massive say on the result as he booted four goals to take his season tally to 17 goals.

Travel restrictions on those from outside the border bubble meant Katamatite was without several key players while the home side had key defenders on the sideline.

“We could only beat what was in front of us,” McCormick said.

“These wins are going to do wonders for our confidence as we’re trying to keep in touch with the top eight at the moment.”

Due to the restrictions imposed by the NSW Government, the visitors were without their usually strong supporter base.

And McCormick said the Tigers deserved every bit of credit for the support they had shown his club throughout the day.

“Katamatite was fantastic with the information they put out there,” he said.

“They found themselves in a tricky situation because they were meant to have the bye this weekend before everything changed.

“It’s unfortunate their supporters couldn’t come along and watch. But it was good to see other people from around the area make the trip to come and have a look.

“Their trainer Amanda was one of the stars of the day. Because our usual person couldn’t make it, Amanda helped us throughout the day.

“That’s what community footy is all about.”

The friendly nature between the clubs started early in the day as teams shared junior players to ensure games could go ahead.

Mathoura will take on Katandra in their next game.

Big guns find their form again

A week off was a blessing in disguise for premiership fancy Berrigan after it got back to winning ways after a two-game slide.

The Saints ran out 36-point winners against fellow finals contender Katandra off the back of three goals to Will Gorman.

Marcus McMillan introduced himself to Strathmerton supporters in the best possible way as he led the Bulldogs to a 45-point win over Jerilderie.

After crossing from Yarrawonga, he booted five goals in a strong display.

Waaia overcame a scare against Deniliquin Rovers coming from behind at three-quarter-time to secure a 16-point win thanks to three goals from Charlie Burrows.

Meanwhile, Picola United won a thriller against Tocumwal as Katunga secured a 118-point thumping of Blighty.

Originally published as Picola District League: Mathoura overcome Katamatite