Upsets aplenty in round six of Murray Netball League

By Liam Nash

May 12, 2024

Scanning ahead: Finley’s Sienna Burke gets on the spin during a Murray Netball League A-grade encounter with Congupna. Photo by Holly Daniel

Get it under: Congupna’s Sarah Spillman. Photo by Holly Daniel

Upsets came thick and fast in the weekend’s round of Murray Netball League action.

Up and over: Finley’s Daisy Daniel. Photo by Holly Daniel

Rumbalara kicked off the spoils with a statement-making, foot-stomping 29-goal victory over reigning premier Tongala on the Blues’ home court.

Swing it forward: Congupna’s Morgan Zotti. Photo by Holly Daniel

Prior to Saturday, Tongala had not lost a game in 287 days — but Rumbalara went in fearless and walked away with a 73-44 victory to go top of the MNL ladder.

Murray Netball League A-grade round sixCongupna v Finley @ Congupna Memorial OvalGA Photo by Holly Daniel

Anticipating: Congupna’s Kate Boswell. Photo by Holly Daniel

Composure: Congupna’s Monica Kelly. Photo by Holly Daniel

Jostling for possession: Congupna’s Rhylee Merkesteyn. Photo by Holly Daniel

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Get it under: Congupna’s Sarah Spillman. Photo by Holly Daniel

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Up and over: Finley’s Daisy Daniel. Photo by Holly Daniel

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Swing it forward: Congupna’s Morgan Zotti. Photo by Holly Daniel

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Murray Netball League A-grade round sixCongupna v Finley @ Congupna Memorial OvalGA Photo by Holly Daniel

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Anticipating: Congupna’s Kate Boswell. Photo by Holly Daniel

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Composure: Congupna’s Monica Kelly. Photo by Holly Daniel

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Jostling for possession: Congupna’s Rhylee Merkesteyn. Photo by Holly Daniel

Rumba leads the way after six unbeaten rounds, and the Tongala dismantling points to Jess Bamblett’s side as being the best under the shooting ring (389 goals) and holding the second-tightest defence, second only to Nathalia.

Numurkah was another to send a shot across the bows, earning its first win against 2023 grand finalist Mulwala.

The road has been rocky at times for Numurkah in the first third of the season, but everything fell into place for the Blues as they held off a spirited charge from the Lions to notch a 39-35 win.

Numurkah held a nine-goal advantage at three-quarter time but Mulwala pulled out all the stops to spook the hosts. Yet it wasn’t to be for the Lions as they came up agonisingly short at the hooter.

There was no upset at Barooga Recreation Reserve, however.

The winless Hawks were dealt a thrashing by finals favourite Moama to the tune of 47 goals, while Nathalia elevated itself into third after reigning supreme over Echuca United 46-23.

Deniliquin Rams dealt Cobram a heavy defeat, walking away 60-24 victors, while Finley cemented its place in the finals bracket by beating Congupna 55-37.