THE two Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League heavyweight sides battled at McCorquindale Park in Round 9 on Saturday and the contest certainly lived up to expectations.
Just two goals was the difference at the final siren, with Kaniva Leeor United claiming the bragging rights over Penola.
The two sides now sit equal on points, while just 3.58pc separates them on the ladder.
The Cougars hold onto top position for now, but the Eagles will hope to put a halt to its two-game losing streak when they tackle Mundulla – who sits in third – in Round 10.
Kaniva Leeor United recruited well in the off-season and its fly-in players had a big influence on the end result.
Penola, which has taken pride in putting a local side forward, was suffering from injury on Saturday and coach Matthew Tilby was unable to put his best 21 on the field.
The Eagles’ full back, Brad Maney – who has been playing some of his best football – was absent from the team due to hamstring soreness, while Alex Moore was forced to leave the game early.
Scott Merrett was also dealing with a sore hamstring and Jordan Galpin an injury to his hand.
However, despite the niggling injuries, the two onballers still suited up for the top-of-the-table match.
The contest was an arm wrestle from the opening bounce as both sides fought hard to gain ascendancy.
The Cougars held the advantage at the first break, by a slim three points, but the lead at long break swung back into the hands of the Eagles.
At half time, Penola was ahead by three points and Tilby knew the Eagles had a battle on their hands.
Missing both Maney and Moore left a big hole in Penola’s backline, which opened up opportunities for Kaniva Leeor United coach Nick Murphy to cause headaches up forward.
Spencer Jackman was doing his best to limit Murphy’s supply, but the quick transition from the midfield to the forward 50 was proving difficult to stop.
Tilby moved Brodie Foster from half forward to the backline to stop the Cougars’ dominance.
Foster did have an impact, but Kaniva Leeor United still held a 25-point lead – which was the largest margin of the game – heading into the final break.
Penola was never out of the contest and came into the fourth quarter with a clear goal.
It came out firing and Adam Merrett proved influential in the forward line.
The Eagles kicked their way back into the contest to win the quarter, but the Cougars led by a slim two goals at the final siren.
Tilby said it was an unfortunate ending to what was a stellar contest, with some crucial mistakes and tough calls influencing the end result.
“We had a pretty good start to the game, but you could tell from the start they were going to be a competitive outfit,” he said.
“We had a little bit of turnover footy that we did not need to have and that hindered us a little bit.
“Kaniva started to kick away in the third, but to the boys’ credit they really stuck it out.
“We were a little bit unlucky at times with some calls that did not go our way, but that is part of football and unfortunately you have to wear that.
“At the end of the day if you are good enough you will still be able to cover that.”
The Cougars moved the ball quickly from their centre clearances into attack and Tilby said the Eagles’ undermanned defensive line struggled to put a stop to the delivery into Murphy.
“To Kaniva’s credit they moved the ball really fast and their skill level is really high,” he said.
“Their top-end players or ‘travellers’ a really good footballers.
“A lot have played league footy and there are a couple who have even played AFL, so they really do have a strong side.”
Tilby said the absence of both Maney and Moore was a tough pill to swallow in such a tight contest.
“Having Brad and Alex out really stretched us,” he said.
“Brad did not play at all and then Alex was off fairly early in the game.
“Those guys have been fantastic for us this season and to have neither of them out there was a big challenge.
“We ended up moving Brodie Foster down back, but that soon knocked around our forward line.
“It was a challenge, but sometimes these things that happen.”
While Tilby admits his side made mistakes throughout the game, there were a number of stand out individual performances.
Simon Berkefeld was again at his best, while Adam Merrett returned to his dangerous form up forward, booting eight goals in the tight contest.
“Adam Merrett was sensational up forward on the weekend, as he always is,” Tilby said.
“He is such a presence up there, it is not only the goals he kicks, but it is the ones he assists as well.
“He had a fantastic game.”
Tilby was also impressed with the influence Scott Merrett had on the contest, despite his injury.
“Scotty was fantastic and went about his usual game even though he is under a little bit of an injury cloud,” he said.
Matthew Berkefeld was a strong contributor, while Dylan Walker’s tough in and under football was a highlight in the midfield.
Penola now sits second on the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League A Grade ladder, with two losses to its name, but Tilby remains optimistic about the second half of the season.
“I am really happy,” he said.
“Even though we did not get the result this weekend, I felt even with a few minutes to go we were still in the contest.
“That is a good feeling to have against some quality opposition, so we cannot be too disappointed, but we have to learn from it as well and move forward.”
The majority of the Eagles – with the exception of those who have been selected to represent the football league at the South East Zone Carnival at Robe – will enjoy a week of rest before their clash with Mundulla on the road in Round 10.
