Congupna has stepped up its challenge to break into the Murray Netball League’s top six after a key win over Numurkah, while Tongala and Deniliquin emerged victorious in their respective top-four clashes.
The Road prevailed over the Blues 39-30 on Saturday afternoon at a windy Congupna Recreation Reserve, an important result heading towards the final third of the season.
The nine-goal victory means seventh-placed Congupna has not only now moved two games clear of Numurkah in eighth, but importantly remains just one win back of three top-six sides in Rumbalara, Moama and Echuca United.
Following on from a loss to a strong Mulwala side the round before, Congupna coach Jodie Fleming said it was great to see her side put in another top showing against the Blues.
“It was really good to see that the girls lead from the front and they were leading all day,’’ Fleming said.
“They made sure they finished that game off to make sure they brought those four points home.
“I was really happy that what the team produced last week against Mulwala, they did again against Numurkah, which was really good.
“It shows that the improvement is sticking, so we can now build on that even further.”
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Arms out: Congupna’s Jade Naylor. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 6
Fire it off: Numurkah’s Demi Malcolm. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 6
In the zone: Congupna’s Ashleigh Rae. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 6
On the move: Numurkah’s Tamara Skinner. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 6
Focused: Congupna’s Morgan Zotti. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 6
Who wants it? Numurkah’s Michelle Ryan. Photo by Rechelle ZammitFleming said Congupna’s defensive trio of Jade Naylor, Taylah Durden and Morgan Zotti were stellar against the Blues.
“The defensive combination we had lined up yesterday were just fantastic,” she said.
“They shut down one of Numurkah’s main players that creates the play for them, which was fantastic.
“Jade, Taylah and Morgan did not stop and they were pulling in turnovers left right and centre just made it really really hard for Numurkah to get the ball into the circle, let alone having a go at goal.
“They did a really good job with it for four quarters.”
In other results, Deniliquin continued its unbeated streak with a six-goal win over then fourth-placed Echuca United.
Tongala is close behind the Rams in outright second following a 51-37 win over third-placed Mulwala.