Tongala triumphed over Moama in a physical and entertaining A-grade netball clash on Anzac Day. Photo: Jordan Townrow
Tongala has prevailed in its Murray Netball League meeting with Moama on Anzac Day, as a strong third quarter aided the Blues to a narrow win at Moama Recreation Reserve.
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Moama entered the fixture without defeat through two games, while Tongala had put together consecutive wins after a round one loss.
Chicky Vick seeks a teammate up the court.
A tight match-up was expected and both sides followed that script early on, largely trading goals in the first period as Tongala took a slender 11-10 lead into the first interval.
The second quarter was eerily similar, until the latter stages leading into half-time, as Moama put together a run of five straight goals to edge the scoring for the period and take a 25-23 advantage into the main break.
Tash Dodos receives a pass in the goal circle.
Tongala had yet to put together a run of its own, though it was in the third term that it took control of proceedings, scoring 14 of the 17 goals netted in the game from the 35th to the 44th minute to suddenly enter the fourth with an eight-goal lead.
Needing a response in the final quarter, Moama came out firing, scoring six of the first eight goals netted in the term.
Grace Hammond looks to keep her balance.
But Tongala wrestled some control back down the stretch, slowing the Magpies down while adding enough to its tally to see off a late surge, the Blues winning 51-45.
Chicky Vick led all scorers in the match with 30 for Tongala, her physicality at times being overwhelming for the Moama defence.
Gemma Brennan collects in mid-court.
Tas Dodos and Milly Brock assisted Vick with 10 and 11, respectively, while Holly Swatton led the Magpies’ scorers with 21.
The win placed Tongala above Moama on the ladder in third, the Blues serving a bye in round five while the Magpies have a challenge away to Nathalia, which is unbeaten through its first three games.
Moama’s Tia Knight attempts to prevent the pass by Tongala’s Abby Waasdorp.