James Murphy
MUNDULLA 24.12 (156) d PENOLA 6.10 (46)
IT was far from the ideal start to Penola’s 2024 A Grade football season.
The Eagles hosted reigning minor premier Mundulla for Round 1 on Saturday and at the final siren had their wings clipped to the tune of 110 points.
Conceding 50 points in the opening quarter is never desirable, but unfortunately that was the reality for the hosts.
A 42-point deficit was carried into the second term and while things improved from there, the damage had well and truly been done.
At half time the margin was 47 points, but another big output from Mundulla in the third quarter put the game beyond doubt.
The Tigers piled on another nine-goals-three to push their total out to 127 points heading into the last.
Penola snagged two goals of its own during this time, but little could be done to prevent a blowout from there.
Another four Mundulla goals passed through during the final stanza, while the Eagles added one to finish 110 points behind their rival.
Jordan Galpin was a highlight for Penola and earned the best-on-ground honours for his relentless pressure, while Brodie Foster was the only multiple goal scorer with two majors.
Jak Ryan impressed in his debut for the Eagles and was named second best, joined by fellow recruit Harrison Evans.
Brad Bryant, Lochlan Neale and Sam Gartner rounded out the best players, on a day Penola will be eager to put behind it.
Mundulla was best served by Nick Mosey, while James Hinge top scored with five goals.
Four goals each to Darcy King, William Nankivell and Nathan Studham, plus three to Jake McGrice rounded out a dangerous attack.
Looking forward and Penola will travel to Naracoorte next round, which the Eagles will hope presents a chance for redemption.
