Tongala bounced back into winning form in Murray Netball League by thrashing Finley. Photos: Jordan Townrow
Tongala returned to winning ways in Murray Netball League in devastating fashion, cruising to a 43-goal win over Finley at Tongala Recreation Reserve.
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The Blues lost a tight encounter to Nathalia last time out, but were expected to respond against a Cats side that sat with one win to its name after nine matches.
Tongala’s Chicquita Vick looks for a teammate.
The hosts made a solid start, taking a 19-11 lead into the first interval. But their best quarter would come in the second, Tongala tightening the screws on Finley at both ends.
The Blues netted 22 goals for the period while holding the Cats to eight at the other end, leading comfortably, 41-19, at half-time.
Abby Waasdorp looks up the court.
It was unlikely that Finley would overturn a margin more than double its score, but Tongala only ran up the score further across the third and fourth periods.
The Blues netted 34 goals in the second half, though their defensive effort was arguably more impressive, Abby Pettifer’s team allowing only 13 more from the Cats as it ran out a huge 75-32 winner.
Alyce Bower contests a shot from Finley’s Paige Gray.
Milly Brock was in fine form for the home side, netting 36 of the 75 goals, while Natasha Dodos and Chicquita Vick were Tonny’s other two scorers with 25 and 14, respectively.
Tongala remained in fourth despite being back in the winner’s circle, being a win off third-placed Moama ahead of a test away to Mulwala next.
Hayley Denny with possession under pressure from Hollie Reid.
Moama v Numurkah
Moama entered a clash with Numurkah having won five straight matches, though the Blues were also in good form, without a loss since round four.
The match-up between two finals contenders went as expected early on, trading blows during the first 11 minutes before the Magpies started to seize the initiative, ending the first period by netting eight of the last 11 goals.
Gemma Brennan catches the ball mid-air.
The Blues struck back with the first four goals of the second period, before Moama netted the next three in a row. The two sides then engaged in a back and forth for the remainder of the first half as the Magpies held a solid 34-26 half-time lead.
Moama’s advantage would be reduced at the start of the third quarter, Numurkah scoring seven of the half’s first nine goals to suddenly be within three.
But the Magpies re-established a nice cushion by scoring nine of the last 14 goals in the period to lead 45-38 heading into the fourth.
Paige Gray catches the pass in the goal circle ahead of Alyce Bower.
The two sides would go toe-to-toe with each other during the final period, largely trading goals despite a couple of minor runs from Numurkah, which was enough for Moama to hold on for a 55-48 win.
The Magpies’ total was split between two players, with Indiana Phillips and Jinaya Nurse scoring 28 and 27 goals, respectively.
Despite a sixth straight victory for Carri Carter’s side, it still remains third on the ladder, as first-placed Nathalia and second-placed Mulwala won again.
Milly Brock takes the shot.
Moama has the bye next and won’t be in action before it welcomes Deniliquin to Moama Recreation Reserve on June 27.
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