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Gallery | Moama and Tongala clash in tight Murray Netball League prelim
Last year’s Murray Netball League premier has been eliminated after a scintillating A-grade final.
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Moama and Tongala went head-to-head during Saturday’s preliminary final at Barooga Recreation Reserve.
Tongala’s journey to the match against Moama was filled with nail-biting encounters, having defeated Deniliquin by one goal in the first elimination final.
Tonny then edged past Nathalia by four goals in the semi-final to advance to Saturday’s prelim.
For Moama, the Magpies fought hard against the imposing Rumbalara in the qualifying final but lost 55-44.
Saturday’s do-or-die clash started with both sides going back and forth for most of the first quarter before Tongala began to assume control.
Tonny player-coach Grace Hammond and wing attack Chelsey Wright were both zippy and dynamic across the court throughout the first term.
In the second quarter, the Blues led by four goals (12-16) before the Magpies began to gain some ascendancy.
After halftime, Moama trailed by two goals but soon claimed the lead.
The Magpies’ pressure and intensity was clear with each restart after a goal, with Tonny’s players immediately swarmed, leading to countless turnovers.
Moama grew its lead to six goals by the end of the third.
Not willing to die wondering, Tongala burst out of the gate for the final term, closing the gap to two goals on multiple occasions.
However, Moama remained firm and won the match 54-56 in a thrilling clash to advance to next weekend’s grand final.
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Tongala's Grace Hammond was busy through the midcourt. Photo by Aidan BriggsImage 2 of 8
Moama's Emily Taverna reaches out in hope. Photo by Aidan BriggsImage 3 of 8
Tongala's Chelsey Wright was flying around the court. Photo by Aidan BriggsImage 4 of 8
Moama's Hannah Richards flies high to catch the ball. Photo by Aidan BriggsImage 5 of 8
Tongala's Halle Gray takes a strong intercept. Photo by Aidan BriggsImage 6 of 8
Moama's Liv Taverna searches for a teammate. Photo by Aidan BriggsImage 7 of 8
Tongala's Milly Brock was hard to defend. Photo by Aidan BriggsImage 8 of 8
Moama's Abby Larkin worked hard in defence. Photo by Aidan BriggsAfter the match, Magpies player-coach Liv Taverna said she was ecstatic with how her side performed.
“(It is) an amazing reward for all the hard work throughout the year,” Taverna said.
“We have had a lot of injuries and stuff like that, so to get to a grand final is great.”
Leading 45-39 at the end of the third quarter, Taverna said she trusted her troops to stave off Tongala’s oncoming attack.
“I think we just played to our experience,” she said.
“We talked about it during the week, about how they are quite a young team and bring a lot of energy, but we were probably a bit smarter in keeping possession and playing through the game.
“My bench kept telling me how much time was left, so I was able to play a bit more relaxed because I knew we had the time to keep the lead.
“We weren’t under the pump with the clock either.”
The match - played in windy and cold conditions - was hard fought by both sides.
Taverna said that a couple of Magpies had standout games in the tense clash.
“Hannah Richards was great and is one of our youngest - it was her 18th birthday (on Friday),” she said.
“We got the win for her.
“Pip (Metcalfe) as well; she played on their hardest player, Milly Brock.
“(Metcalfe) killed it too.”
Next weekend, Moama will face juggernaut Rumbalara in the grand final on Saturday.
Working in the Magpies’ favour is the fact that the grand final will be played at Moama Recreation Reserve.
Cadet Sports Journalist