Sport
Gallery | Nathalia makes its case for an early favourites shout in Good Friday Murray Netball League action
Is Nathalia the Murray Netball League’s new ‘it team’ to look out for?
After three rounds, that appears to be the case.
The Purples, supercharged with a suite of former Goulburn Valley League stars and MNL staples, took down Tongala on Good Friday to remain unbeaten and join the competition’s top dogs.
Nathalia, hosting the Blues, stole an immediate jump out from the gate, streaking to a 13-8 quarter time lead after the early sparring.
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Nathalia's Abbey Bell looks for an open pass amid traffic. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 7
Tongala's Jazmin Clark waits for the whistle with Nathalia's Tegan Sutton for company. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 7
Tongala's Corey Drennan goes through the motions with the ball under control. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 7
Nathalia's Tegan Sutton and Tongala's Emmalea Wishart both dart for a loose ball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 7
Tongala's Chelsey Wright has a think about the next play. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 7
Tongala's Laura Domaille gets the hands ready to receive. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 7
Tongala's Gemma Brennan gets play started from the base line. Photo by Rechelle ZammitUp by six at the main break, the Purples continued its crusade with ex-Shepparton United star Laura Cole running the midcourt and former Katunga goaler Aimee Sidebottom dropping them in with aplomb.
A strong second half eventually landed Nathalia a 45-29 victory to relegate Tongala to a mid-table log jam and promote the Purples to a spot in the top two.
Looking at the stats, it’s clear to see why.
After three games, the Purples boast the league’s best defensive record, conceding just 87 goals at an average of 29 per game with Tegan Sutton and Ash Cann marking their territory as a premier duo in defence.
When it comes to making the net rustle at the other end, however, there’s no going past Rumbalara.
The reigning premier was in the mood against Numurkah, completing a 61-42 win to take it’s goal tally to 195 and keep a slight percentage advantage over Nathalia and third-ranked Mulwala.
Meanwhile, the Lions scored a narrow 44-38 triumph over Congupna while Deniliquin Rams netted a 24-goal victory against Finley to lock in fourth spot.
In the round’s cross-town derbies, Barooga had the better of Cobram 35-25 to ensure bragging rights while Moama emerged 46-31 victors over Echuca United to wrap both hands around the Three Jacks Trophy.