Deniliquin Rams kept their perfect Murray Netball League record in tact, defeating Moama 43-42 in a thriller at Hardinge Street Oval.
In the first true challenge they have faced this season, the Rams were forced to work overtime to quell a new-look Moama side desperate to claim a big scalp on the road.
But as all champion sides do, Deniliquin rose to the task, showing its class in the final minutes to remain undefeated and maintain its stranglehold on top spot.
Deniliquin Rams coach Rhiannan Maxwell said she was proud of the girls’ performance.
“I think it proved to us that we have the ability not to succumb to pressure,” Maxwell said.
Embroiled in a tight scrap for the entire four quarters, Maxwell recounted the tense final minutes as her side held off the fierce Moama charge.
“The last quarter was very intense, we had pretty much got it back even within eight to 10 minutes and it was goal- for-goal for the last five,” she said.
“It’s always good to see what we can achieve. Now we just have to work hard towards putting together a really solid four-quarter game like we have in the past.
“Bec White was definitely the standout on court. She is a part of our leadership group this year and she was the commander from down the goaling end and of course our defenders are always solid.”
While it was disappointment for Moama, which now falls to fifth on the ladder, this result proves it is without doubt a premiership contender as the season continues to hit its crescendo in the coming weeks.
Magpies coach Lisa Drysdale was full of praise for how her team went about it.
“It was an amazing game. Everyone played spectacularly right from the get-go. It was the best start we have had all season,” Drysdale told the Riverine Herald.
“We have never played as well as that against anyone. We played amazing.
“I’m so proud of the girls. It was an outstanding performance by everyone.”
Around the courts, Tongala continued its hot form in easily accounting for top-six contender Mulwala 55-33.
Caught up in the logjam that is the top rungs of the Murray league ladder, the Blues maintain their position in third place with the win.
Nathalia bounced back from a poor performance against Rumbalara last week with a dominant 44-22 victory over Congupna on its home court.
Rumbalara continued to mount pressure on Deniliquin Rams in top spot, easily accounting for Barooga 41-24 in a tight scrap at Barooga Recreation Reserve.
Echuca United continued its solid patch of form with a brutal 54-21 win over Numurkah at Echuca South Recreation Reserve.
Finley rounded out the weekend’s action with a big 51-27 win over Cobram.