Judd, Commadeur and inspired band of Blues net upset of Deniliquin

That was the lead the Pies held at three-quarter time, but an inspired Lions sunk 14 goals to six in a red-hot final stanza to claim a four-goal win.

But elsewhere, the outlook of the A-grade top six became clearer, with Numurkah producing one of its best wins of the season against an in-form Deniliquin.

The Blues, playing away at the Hardinge St courts against the fourth-placed Rams, went more or less goal for goal in the first half, with the scoreboard favouring the Blues at the main break.

The third quarter proved a pivotal one as the goaling duo of Kendall Judd and Abby Commadeur got to work, helping Numurkah pile on 20 goals to the Rams’ eight.

The 15-goal margin was never headed by Deni in an eventual 58-38 win to the visitors, sending the Blues two-and-a-half games clear in the top half of the ladder.

“We were really keen for the challenge, and we've been running with a straight seven players for the last few weeks,” Numurkah coach Laura Ryan said.

“But I think that's really helped us out because we could consolidate some of the stuff we've been working on.

“It was a really tight tussle for the first half, but much like last week for us, the second half the girls just came out and really connected.

“We almost surprised ourselves with what we put on the court.”

The Blues’ front-court duo earned praise from Ryan, who reiterated that it was a full-court effort from a side that had retained its consistency for the past month.

“Everyone really played their role,” Ryan said.

“I've been really impressed by our goaling combo Kendall Judd and Abby Commadeur, they are just going strength for strength at the moment with their ability to bring each other into the game.

“And when one's being double-teamed, the other just steps up and takes the role.”

It’s a vital result for Numurkah, which faces up against Nathalia (second) and Mulwala (third) in the next two games.

“To have that little break and consolidate a six spot now, I think we've even gone equal points with fifth as well,” Ryan said.

“We’re really looking forward to the challenge and I think what helps us having that tough run ahead in the last six games is that it puts us in the mindset of what finals netball will look like.

“It’s a place that Numurkah hasn't been for a while, so I think that will give us some good experience and hopefully set us up well.”

Around the courts, Nathalia was a comfortable 58-25 winner over Cobram, as was Rumbalara in a 52-goal rout of Barooga.

Tongala, seventh, responded to its defeat to Numurkah with an important 18-goal win against Congupna.

Echuca United also kept its faint finals flicker alive with a hard-fought 64-49 triumph over Finley.