It may have been a 14-goal defeat at the hands of the unbeaten reigning premier, but Congupna A-grade coach Jodie Fleming felt like the scores didn’t reflect the contest on the court on Saturday.
The Road matched it with Deniliquin for most of the round 14 Murray Netball League encounter, with captain Sarah O’Sullivan and midcourter Morgan Zotti matching the physicality brought by the ladder leader.
Yet for all of its determination and brave fight, Deniliquin outmuscled the home side 60-46 and continued its sublime 2023 campaign.
“I don’t think the score reflected the game at all,” Fleming said.
“They are a great team and sit unbeaten for a reason, but I was really proud of our girls’ effort. We were still in the game at half-time, but they got the jump in the third quarter and were able to extend the lead from there ... we would have liked to get under 10 goals, but I was proud of the overall performance.
“Morgan was outstanding with her defensive pressure in the midcourt and Sarah was so composed, in what was a really physical match.”
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Give and go: Congupna's Jade Naylor. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 6
Caught in two minds: Congupna's Ashleigh Rae. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 6
Winding up: Deniliquin's Annie Harvey. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 6
Battle it out: Congupna's Sarah O’Sullivan and Deniliquin's Annie Harvey. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 6
Ready and waiting: Congupna's Kate Boswell. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 6
In the zone: Congupna's Morgan Zotti. Photo by Megan FisherThe loss had Congupna drop down to seventh and more importantly, outside of finals, with The Road now facing a fight to regain a top six position.
“We’ll watch what happens above us now, it’s going to come down to the last game if whether or not we can make the top six,” Fleming said.
Around the courts, Rumbalara was too strong for Numurkah (50-25), Tongala breezed past Cobram (62-27) and Echuca United got over the line by nine goals against Mulwala.
Finley picked up win number three with a 39-17 triumph over Barooga and Moama got the important win over Nathalia 55-31.
Moama coach Jodie Lake was overjoyed with her troops, who consistently manage to exceed her expectations.
“Yeah, it was a really pleasing win,” she said.
“Dreary conditions made for an even start, but the girls never cease to amaze me how they can turn around and put the effort in when it’s asked of them.”