Katunga continued its late-season surge up the Picola and District League A-grade netball ladder on Saturday afternoon.
The Swans secured an important 45-57 away victory over Rennie, with the result seeing the side leapfrog the Hoppers into sixth on the ladder.
It was an entertaining contest at the Rennie Recreation Reserve, with an impressive first quarter seeing Katunga go ahead.
The home side made their way back into the contest in the second and third terms, with Paula Mifka’s youthful team playing well.
However, in the end the visitors were simply too strong.
Katunga team manager Danielle Henderson said it was awesome to get the win.
“We started off really well, we probably played one of the best first quarters we’ve played in a while,” Henderson said.
“In the second and third quarter we sort of lost a bit of momentum, just sort of rushed a few things and strayed away from our game plan a little bit and Rennie probably stepped theirs up.”
Katunga’s side looked a bit different to recent weeks with Aimee Sidebottom starting in goal-shooter and Bri Armitage in goal-attack.
The side also had two under-17 players, Abbey Smith and Demi Hendy, participate in the game, while Henderson also appeared on the court in the last term.
“Coming on, playing in a must-win game can be a little bit daunting but they (Smith and Hendy) both held their own and really did a fantastic job,” Henderson said.
“There was three non-regulars on the court so to come away in that last quarter with a 13-goal win was good.
“It wasn’t an easy game, it was sort of up and down but the first quarter was sensational.”
Katunga now faces a two-week break, however with the win moving the side into sixth position on the ladder they should be in good stead for the run home.
In other round 14 action Picola United helped tighten its grip on fifth spot with a big away win over Mathoura.
United was simply too strong across the court on the day, taking out an impressive 27-67 win.
In Strathmerton the Bulldogs continued their good form, downing Tocumwal, while Katamatite moved level on points with Tungamah after defeating Katandra.
Elsewhere Waaia got it done against Jerilderie, securing a 14-goal win, while the Deni Rovers, Blighty and Tungamah all had a week off.