Sport
3 August, 2023
Pumas give their all, but outclassed by Murray Crays at home
Maryborough has tasted defeat at home for the first time this year in AFL Masters Country Victoria football. The Pumas were outclassed by a slick Murray Crays outfit, defeated 15.7 (97) to 5.3 (33) at Barker Oval Princes Park on Sunday. With several...

Maryborough has tasted defeat at home for the first time this year in AFL Masters Country Victoria football.
The Pumas were outclassed by a slick Murray Crays outfit, defeated 15.7 (97) to 5.3 (33) at Barker Oval Princes Park on Sunday.
With several former Ovens & Murray League players dominating around the ground, the Crays proved too strong for the first three quarters.
However, the Pumas delivered their best football for the match in the final term to add some respectability to the scoreboard.
Maryborough playing coach Terry Hillier said the Pumas were unable to prevent the Albury-Wodonga based team’s big guns from conquering the home team’s fortress.
“You could tell they were very skilled from the opening bounce. They have a number of players who still play regular senior footy and it showed,” he said.
“I think that put a bit of pressure on and a few of our blokes made some mistakes. Once our guys settled they played a lot better. Disappointing to lose at home but we played some better footy after half time.”
Nick Weaver kicked Mary-borough’s only goal of the first three quarters, as the Crays ran amuck.
However more polished play late in the game resulted in goals to Travis Cain, Trev Chapman and debutant Scott Quinlan.
Scott Newitt, Ash Stewart, Travis Cain, Chris Cudia, Brett Forti and Andrew Hughes were among Maryborough’s best.
The Pumas will play against Echuca-Moama in Echuca on the weekend of August 12/13.