Tongala is backing young coach Grace Hammond all the way.
Days after it was announced the 22-year-old would lead the A-grade side again in 2024, the Blues produced a stirring 57-44 victory over Moama to stay within reach of leader Deniliquin.
It also means Hammond has steered Tongala past its total points tally for the 2022 season with five rounds remaining and, bar a slip up, the Blues are poised to clinch a top two spot.
Leading at every change against Moama, the 13-goal win put to bed a recent flat spell for the Blues despite the wins manifesting.
“We’ve been in a rut the last few weeks, so it was really good to be able to put out a good performance from everybody to get the win,” Hammond said.
“Even though we did win by 13, it didn’t feel like that, the girls put out a really good performance on the court.
“Our defensive pressure was awesome and we were able to convert which was quite pleasing.”
A separation of four goals favoured the Blues at the first break and the advantage remained the same at half-time, scores reading 30-26.
Ever so slightly, Tongala edged away from the Magpies during the third term and extended the lead to seven, making the most of a strong fourth quarter to run out the game in style.
Moama coach Jodie Lake echoed Hammond’s sentiment, noting how tightly-fought the clash at Tongala Recreation Reserve actually was.
“I don't think the score accurately depicted how closely contested the game actually was,” Lake said.
“I feel like we matched them in most areas on the court, just unfortunately couldn't convert on the scoreboard, which isn't at all surprising considering we are essentially playing with one goal shooter.”
Blues shooter Milly Brock led the line with 42 of her side’s goals, while Moama’s Charli Boschetti and Charlotte Sheldon impressed alongside Lake.
With four points now distancing the Blues from the Rams, the final five rounds of the home and away season begin with a bye followed by top six clashes against Echuca United and Mulwala.
And Hammond can’t wait to crack on.
“We’re happy with how we’re travelling along, we’re such a close group on and off the court,” she said.
“All our byes have been quite close together the last few weeks, but we’re just training as hard as we can in those off weeks and fine tuning a few things.
“But we’re looking forward to the rest of the season and especially finals.”
Around the courts, Deniliquin notched an 18-goal win over Numurkah, while Echuca United overcame Finley 51-33.
Rumbalara’s ninth consecutive win came in the form of a 54-40 result over Nathalia, Mulwala beat Barooga by 46 goals and Cobram knocked over Tocumwal 46-39.