PREMIUM
Sport

Blues and Magpies set for preliminary final showdown

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Moama’s Olivia Taverna goes shoulder to shoulder with Rumbalara’s Yilanii Atkinson. Photos: Megan Fisher

After the semi-final round of the Murray Netball League, Moama and Tongala are poised for a blockbuster preliminary final clash.

A very game Moama outfit took it to the minor premiers Rumbalara in their final, earning a 14-11 first quarter lead.

Moama’s Pip Metcalfe wins the ball back for the Magpies in defence. Photo by Megan Fisher

However, the dominant Rumba who are unbeaten on the court this season, quickly re-established dominance and went into the half-time break ahead 28-22.

The Magpies clung on throughout the second half but Rumbalara proved too strong, 55-44.

In the elimination final it was a colour war between the Blues and the Purples.

Tongala and Nathalia each upset more favoured opposition in last week’s elimination contests but only one side could progress to the preliminary final.

Tonny had won both meetings this season and quickly snuck ahead, taking a three-point lead into the first break.

Rumbalara’s Emily Williams readies to launch a rocket pass forward. Photo by Megan Fisher

The lead was extended to seven at the half, and Nathalia was staring down elimination.

The Purples hung around throughout the second half but couldn’t do enough to prevent the Blues from advancing to the final three.

Moama and Tongala will face off in Barooga at 1pm on Saturday.

Moama’s Lisa Drysdale gets on the run. Photo by Megan Fisher
Rumbalara’s Sophie Atkinson and Moama’s Abby Larkin jostle for space. Photo by Megan Fisher
Rumbalara’s Tiarna Steel takes time to measure her pass. Photo by Megan Fisher
Rumbalara’s Jessie Barnes-Hill scans ahead for a free pass. Photo by Megan Fisher