JUST a handful of seconds cost Penola the win against ladder leader Mundulla in round 17 of Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara football on Saturday.
The Eagles made the tough road trip to face the Tigers and after four quarters of intense football in trying conditions, it all came down to the final term.
Mundulla used the wind advantage to push out to a 13-point lead at the final change, after Penola went into half time with a two-point buffer.
But the Eagles continued to apply constant pressure and held the ball in their forward half for most of the fourth quarter.
Coach Matt Tilby said the game was played inside Penola’s forward 50 for the final three to four minutes of the game, but the winning goal remained elusive.
It was not until Scott Merrett kicked for goal moments after the siren sounded the big sticks were found, but it was deemed too late.
However, Tilby said he was impressed by the Eagles’ four-quarter effort and gave credit to the ladder leaders for “a great battle”.
“Mundulla is the best side in the competition,” he said.
“We were heading up there with the hope of knocking them off their perch and we got very close.
“They are always really tough to beat up there.
“I think last year we got them by a point or two and they got us this year by less than a goal.
“It is a good rivalry and they are a great footy club.”
While the win was elusive, there were positive signs to come from the clash as the Eagles prepare for their 2019 finals campaign.
“Obviously winning is a really good measure of how you go, but sometimes you play four good quarters and you do not quite get there,” Tilby said.
“I came away from it very satisfied with our effort and confident we can play a brand of footy that will hold up in finals.”
Simon Berkefeld was a focal point again for Penola, with his work rate through the midfield first class.
“He handled the ball really well and he just never ceases to amaze,” Tilby said.
However, he was not alone in his efforts.
“We had the guys through the middle who played well and then also the backline in its entirety held up well,” Tilby said.
“We had the likes of Alex Moore, who has had a really good year and Sam Klemm back there.
“Tom Moore had a great second half in the ruck, he threw everything at it and was fantastic, while Scotty Merrett led from the front again as he always does.”
Brad Bryant also put in another impressive performance and finished third best behind Merrett.
Tilby said it “was not a day for forwards” and that was reflected on the scoreboard, with the top score for the Eagles an equal game-high two majors from Adam Merrett.
“You just had to grind through goals as best as you could – we had a few guys pop up who may not normally kick a goal,” Tilby said.
While the loss puts the Eagles in a tight battle for ladder position, upsets down the order have guaranteed them a finals position, while a win this week against Border Districts in the final round will secure a top-three finish.
Currently in third place, Penola is level on wins with Naracoorte and Kaniva Leeor, but holds the percentage advantage over both.
“This week we play Border Districts and if we win we will finish in the top three, if we lose we will play in the elimination final,” Tilby said.
“There is a lot hanging on this week and Border Districts is a much improved line-up.
“The whole competition is just so even.
“You cannot turn up any day and think it is going to be an easy game and I certainly do not think this week will be any different.
“We look forward at getting back on our home deck and having a crack.”
