Sport
MNL | Gallery | Tongala survives early scare to cruise to a big win over Echuca United
Tongala consolidated its position in the Murray Netball League top four, accounting for a spirited Echuca United 59-37 at Echuca South Recreation Reserve.
A danger game for the Blues, it appeared they may be falling victim to an upset in the early stages, with a fast start from United seeing them trail 10-3 midway through the first quarter.
But as it has all season, the young Tongala outfit rose to the challenge, getting the game back on its terms before proceeding to dominate the contest in the final three quarters.
Blues coach Paige Wade said it was a relief to come away with such a clinical victory in the finish.
“It was certainly a tighter game than what the scoreboard suggested, Echuca United started really well and caught us off guard a bit,” Wade said.
“After that slow start I thought we really banded together and got back on track quickly which was good.
“Our attack end and mid-court stood up which was pleasing, we connected really well with our ball movement and I think that’s what turned the game around and got us the win.”
One of the surprise packets of the Murray Netball League season, Tongala left Echuca United in its wake through the second half, with the likes of Grace Hammond and Milly Brock getting particularly busy in attack.
The Blues were also solid as a rock in defence, with their ability to pressure the ball carrier and cause turnovers key to their ability to get the game back on their terms.
Although the win came against the 10th-placed Eagles, Wade said the character the girls showed to fight back would put them in great stead come September.
“The way our girls were so quick to realise what was going wrong and fix it mid-game, it was super impressive,” she said.
“The teamwork to be able to stick together shows just how far we’ve come this year and gives us a lot of confidence moving forward into the finals.”
In terms of standouts, Wade highlighted a number of girls that had a big impact on the win.
“Eesha Clarke played really well in the mid-court and got our best-on,” Wade said.
“Grace Hammond played in defence and was really solid down there, while Milly Brock and Abby Nexhip combined well in the goal ring and shot well.”
Around the courts, Deniliquin Rams were far too good for Congupna, remaining unbeaten with a 61-37 victory.
Nathalia did what it had to do against Mulwala, dominating from beginning to finish to run away 43-16 victors.
Rumbalara maintained its stranglehold on second spot, annihilating a winless Numurkah, 55-23.
Moama was far too strong for Cobram, recording a powerful 59-35 win on its home court.
Finley rounded out the weekend’s action with a hard-fought 40-28 win over Barooga away from home.