Moama made a statement of intent for the Murray league netball crown, defeating defending champion Tongala in round 12.
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After having been defeated by the Blues in the sides’ previous meeting, Moama was leaving no room for slip-ups early, establishing an advantage quickly in the first quarter.
Trailing by six at the first change, Tongala regrouped and stayed with the Magpies the rest of the way, but the important damage had mostly been done.
The Blues cut the lead to four at the half but Moama turned things around once more and was ahead by nine at three-quarter time.
Tongala again attempted to close the gap but couldn’t do enough to prevent a Moama win, 50-43.
What was once a clear cut top group several weeks ago has become a lot more clouded after recent games.
Tongala (8-4) has lost four of its past seven matches and has slipped back into a tie for fourth with a resurgent Deni Rams and Nathalia.
Undefeated Rumbalara still leads the way but Moama (10-2) and Finley (9-3) have emerged as the most likely contenders.
There is a lot still to play for over the last six rounds and those six teams seem set to jockey for position as we approach the run home.
United back on the winners’ list
Echuca United scored its first win since round seven when it took down Numurkah in dominant fashion, 53-31.
After coming close last week in a three-point loss to Congupna, the Eagles looked to establish themselves early, jumping out to a 14-7 lead at the first break.
United improved its lead slightly in the second to lead by 10 at the half before definitively putting its mark on the game in the third, resulting in a 41-22 three-quarter time scoreline.
The Eagles closed things out with a 12-9 final quarter to score their second win of the season.