The Blues were in strong form ahead of a meeting with the Purples, having won their past three matches, though Nathalia not only beat Tongala in round one, but had a perfect record.
Tongala went toe-to-toe with Nathalia throughout the first period, the sides largely trading goals before the Purples pulled away with three unanswered to close the quarter, leading 18-13 heading into the second.
The match began to get away from the Blues when Nathalia started the second period by scoring six of the first eight goals, though the margin never entered double digits as Tongala stayed somewhat attached, trailing 36-28 at half-time.
The Blues would need to generate more defensive stops to have any chance of making up the deficit, particularly by slowing down lethal Purples goaler Jane Cook.
Although in the third quarter Tongala had a strong offensive showing with 16 goals, 17 more for Nathalia still had it in a strong position, up 53-44 entering the fourth period.
The Blues would still make the league leader sweat in the final quarter for its win.
Tongala opened the period by scoring five of the first six goals, at one stage back within five, though Nathalia responded immediately with seven straight, a run that ultimately sealed a 68-59 victory.
Nathalia’s Cook and Blues goaler Chicquita Vick put on a scoring clinic for their respective sides, the former ending up with an impressive 52 goals, while Vick continued her solid season with 38.
Defeat for Tonny — its second to Nathalia this season — means Abby Pettifer’s team slipped a spot to fourth on the ladder, with Moama moving above it.
Next up, Tongala hosts second-bottom Finley, the Blues needing a response as the jostling for finals spots continues to heat up entering the second half of the season.
