Sport

Blues survive minor scare in tight B-grade battle

By Matthew Kappos

Sep 20, 2025

Tongala is celebrating back-to-back B-grade championships. Photos: Jordan Townrow.

There may have been a few moments that the Tongala faithful let a sliver of doubt enter their mind, but in the end, the Blues remained clinical to claim another B-grade premiership.

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For the fourth consecutive year, it was Tongala and Moama as the final two in the grade on Murray League grand final day, with the Mowers leading the grand final clashes 2-1 over the past three seasons.

Jazmin Clark was active around the attacking end for the Blues. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The first quarter was a bona fide arm wrestle, with neither side able to establish a lasting advantage.

It took until midway through the second for Moama to earn a slight edge, breaking centre pass ascendancy to get out 16-14.

Lisa Drysdale was wily inside the goal ring, looking for better shots. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The lead crept up to three at stages, but Tongala was back within one by the main break, the score 18-17.

The Blues immediately turned the tables after the break, scoring the first three to establish their own two-goal lead.

As the quarter wore on, Moama scrapped for every goal, while Tongala had an easier path to the post, bolstered by the height of Milly Brock.

The lofted inlet to Brock provided the escape hatch for the Blues, and while Moama did well to stay with the minor premiers, eventually the Mowers faltered.

The height of Milly Brock was a big asset for Tongala on the attacking end. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The game was within one at the final change, but Tongala quickly surged clear, getting out to lead by as many as eight, and eventually claiming the title 41-35.

“Very relieved, very happy to get the job done,” said Tongala coach Paige Wade.

“We said it was going to take four quarters, and it did, very happy with everyone’s contributions for the game.”

Georgia Richards claims it in the centre third. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Wade gave credit to Moama’s determination, giving the Blues a tough outing in the biggest game of the year.

“They’re really smart netballers,” she said.

“They’ve definitely done their homework and made it a tough contest.

“I think our strength lay with our bench, playing all our players, finding the right combination, and it worked on the day.”

Maya Kellett sets herself. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Although things were by no means out of hand, the Blues did trail by a goal at the half, but the message was to believe in the gameplan they brought into the contest.

“(I told them) to trust the process,” Wade said.

“We said all game that it was going to take four quarters, you don’t win a game in two quarters, you’ve got to keep working it out, and we knew that was going to come.