Congupna keeps its season’s heartbeat going with a critical round 11 Murray Netball League victory.
It was a do-or-die match for The Road on Saturday afternoon when they made the trip north to play Echuca United away from home.
Congupna (eighth on the ladder) went into the match as favourite over Echuca United (11th), and across the first three quarters The Road was in control.
Holding a nine-goal lead in the last quarter, Congupna slowed down, with United believing in a late comeback.
The Eagles cut the lead to three goals before the final siren blew, with The Road claiming an important win away from home.
Congupna faces a tough ask if it is to reach finals, as it sits four wins outside of the top six with seven matches remaining.
With Rumbalara as its next opponent, Congupna co-coach Sophie Sidebottom knows her side is facing an uphill battle to feature in September this season.
“You always strive for finals, but once again, the comp is very strong, so we will just hope to do the best that we can do,” she said.
“Not just Rumba, but the whole comp itself is really strong this year.
“Giving our best for four quarters is what we expect of the girls; as long as we can do that, we are happy.
“Putting up a good fight is what we are there to do.”
The Eagles may sit down at the bottom end of the ladder with one win, but Sidebottom was still proud of her side’s efforts even if the match turned out to be closer than expected.
“We did get an injury, so we had to use a couple of B-graders,” she said.
“(Our performance) was really good as we just played as a really strong team.
“Our third quarter was really good, but it would have been good to see four strong quarters of netball, but we just lapsed in the fourth.
“We were nine goals up and then only got the three-goal win, but at the end of the day, a win is a win, and we were very happy to get the four points.”
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Echuca United’s Amy Sherlock passes to a teammate. Photo by Aidan BriggsImage 2 of 4
Echuca United’s Madison Egglestone scans the court. Photo by Aidan BriggsImage 3 of 4
Congupna’s Sophie Sidebottom in the open. Photo by Aidan BriggsImage 4 of 4
Echuca United’s Tanner Edwards on the attack. Photo by Aidan BriggsIn other round 11 matches, Nathalia made a strong statement with its 20-goal win over Finley.
The Purples and the Cats now sit sixth and fourth on the ladder, respectively.
Rumbalara keeps its tag as a premiership favourite after blitzing Barooga away from home, 12-81.
Rumba are the only side in the league undefeated.
Deniliquin secured a tight victory over fellow contender Tongala.
The Rams won the match by two goals (49-47).
Mulwala has continued its charge towards the top six with a 25-goal victory over Cobram.
The Lions now sit in seventh place on the ladder, one win behind Nathalia and Deniliquin.
Moama has flexed its muscles with a 36-goal victory over Numurkah away from home.
The final score finished 37-73 in the Magpies’ favour.