C-grade starts Tongala’s grand final day with a bang

A heavily favoured Tonny gave the Rams no hope of mounting an upset, jumping to a 12-3 first-quarter advantage.

Co-coach Ashlee Watson and her defensive partner Zena Hoyling worked well around the ring, shutting down a raft of Deni attacks.

The Blues continued the assault in the second period, pushing further ahead for a 23-8 half-time lead.

The Rams started to find their scoring stride in the third, doubling their score from the first half to rest on 16, but Tonny continued to apply pressure and extend its lead.

With a big break heading into the fourth, it was only a matter of time for the Blues, who celebrated the perfect end to an undefeated season.

“The girls played amazing, which I knew they would, so pretty excited that we came through with the goods,” co-coach Tracey Hughes said.

Hughes felt her side’s experience helped them win out over a very game Deniliquin side.

“(We’re) a bunch of mums with two young ones, so a lot of experience and a little bit of youth, but I think the experience probably won in the end.

Hoyling’s impressive defensive performance as goalkeeper earned her best-on-court honours for Tongala.

“She’s an amazing defender, she’s fantastic,” Hughes said.

“She played a good game, she’s our silent assassin.”