Sport
22 June, 2023
Undermanned Pumas lose for the first time in 2023
The Maryborough Pumas’ scorching run to start 2023 has ended, as they suffered their first loss of the season on Sunday at Meredith against the Moorabool Valley Crocs. A hot start from the undermanned Pumas, playing with 16 players, was followed...
The Maryborough Pumas’ scorching run to start 2023 has ended, as they suffered their first loss of the season on Sunday at Meredith against the Moorabool Valley Crocs.
A hot start from the undermanned Pumas, playing with 16 players, was followed by a quarter of struggle, which saw them eventually lose by 21 points, kicking 9.8 (62) to 12.11 (83).
It was an encouraging start by the Pumas, kicking five goals straight in the first term, while Moorabool added two goals from six scoring shots, to hold a 14-point lead at the first change.
But the Crocs soon took over the game, kicking five goals of their own in the second term to hit the front, while at the same time, the Pumas were unable to hit the scoreboard, kicking just one behind. That meant that it was now an 18-point deficit at the main break.
The third quarter was a struggle for both teams as they fought for ascendancy. The Pumas continued to ask questions, but were only able to kick two goals from seven scoring shots, with their inaccuracy costing them a chance to claw their way back into the match. At the other end, Moorabool were able to kick three goals from five shots on goal to maintain a 21-point lead at the final break.
The final quarter was even across the board, with both teams kicking two goals. But Moorabool had all the answers, maintaining their 21-point gap to end the Pumas’ winning ways.
Despite the Pumas being undermanned, they still gave a great fight, and Andrew Hughes, Scott Newitt, Chris Cudia, Travis Cain and Lachie Williams were among the better players, while Cudia and Chris Gunn kicked two goals apiece to lead the way.
The Pumas will now rest up for their match against Kerang at Princes Park on Sunday, July 16.