Sport
2 May, 2025
Pumas secure their second win for the season
A successful northern raid saw Maryborough score its second victory of the AFL Masters Victoria Country football season, against Macorna on Sunday.
The Pumas outpaced their north central Victorian opponents with five goals to one after quarter time, defeating the Tigers 6.7 (43) to 3.5 (23), at the Macorna Recreation Reserve.
The home team scored the only goal of the final term, however, to reduce the margin to 20 points.
Maryborough coach Terry Hillier said the Pumas had placed an emphasis on improved performances on the road this season and it was pleasing to travel with a strong side.
“We never have much problem being very competitive at ‘the Fortress’ (Princes Park, Maryborough) but in past years we have struggled in some away games,” Hillier said.
“This was a really good reward for those players who committed to going up to Macorna.
“One of the things we worked hard at during the summer was to recruit some new players and I think a game like that would be very encouraging for them.”
The Maryborough squad was boosted by the inclusion of two Macorna locals in what was a sporting gesture by the home team.
However, it was Pumas’ stalwart Chris Cudia who dominated the scoring with four goals on what was a damp oval. Lauchlan Williams and Scott Hurley also goaled for the visitors.
“Masters footy is, first and foremost, about footy for fun and playing the game in the right spirit, and Macorna nailed that on the weekend. The game was played in really great spirit,” Hillier said.
Jibb Iglesias was outstanding for Maryborough, with Ricky Burrows, Nick Weaver, Paul Cicchini, Jake Meyer and Euan Tait also among the Pumas’ best.
Maryborough is celebrating its 10th season in AFL Masters Country Victoria competition this year. The Pumas will next host the Goulburn Valley Giants at Princes Park this Sunday, May 4.
Training for AFL Masters football is 6 pm on Wednesday evenings at Princes Park.