Rumbalara extended its winning streak to five in a row on Saturday while Deniliquin confirmed its status as the premiership favourite following a key win against Tongala.
A strong fourth quarter helped Rumba pull away from Moama and win 36-26, an important result that solidifies its spot in the Murray Netball League’s top six.
Rumbalara coach Jess Bamblett said the match was far tighter than the 10-goal margin.
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On the ball: Rumbalara’s Herta Tischer looks for a pass. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 5
Eyes up: Charlotte Sheldon in action for Moama. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 5
On the attack: Rumbalara goaler Natasha Atkinson-Brown. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 5
Midcourt: Moama’s Charli Boschetti shields the ball from Rumbalara’s Tallara Saunders. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 5
Magpie: Moama’s Olivia Taverna. Photo by Rechelle Zammit“It was a hard-fought game,’’ Bamblett said.
"I don’t think the score reflects the actual closeness of the game.
“Moama was a tough, competitive team, it was just that we were able to put the foot down in that last quarter and run away with the win.”
Bamblett said it was one of the youngest players on the court who was one of the top performers.
“It was a good team effort, but we had L’val Turner come up from under-15s who had a blinder,” she said.
“She played a really good game on wing defence and I was very impressed with how she played.
“Nakiah Bamblett was really restrained in how she played too, I think Nakia and L’val both stepped up.”
Rumba has moved ahead of the Magpies and up into fifth spot following its fifth win on the trot, but Bamblett said those wins, and her side’s ladder position, are not what she is concentrating on most.
“It is a good feeling, but it is not what we are worried about,’’ she said.
“Every game we are just taking it as it comes, and if we get the win, that’s just a bonus.
“As long as we are learning as a team and doing better than the round before and keep progressing, that is all I am focusing on.
“We want to implement what we learn at training into our game plan.
“That is all I can hope for from the whole team.
“Our team is playing simple, four-quarter netball and that is what our aim is.”
Elsewhere, in a clash of the league’s two unbeaten sides, it was Deniliquin that claimed a statement seven-goal win at Tongala.
The Rams entered the contest having not lost in more than 690 days and they extended their winning streak to 29 games thanks to Saturday’s triumph over the Blues.
It was just the second time Deniliquin’s winning margin has been limited to single digits, but the Rams were able to keep their foe at arm’s length as they opened up a four-point lead over Tongala on top of the ladder.
In other results, Congupna got itself back on the winner’s list as the Road defeated Finley 52-30.
Mulwala defeated Numurkah 56-43, Nathalia bested Barooga 44-15 and Echuca United was too good for Tocumwal 46-33.