Firstly, the Blues kept their nerve against a potential banana skin in Finley.
Secondly, they kept their Murray Netball League season alive, holding court in sixth with the composure of a side built for September.
A win was expected against bottom-ranked Finley, but to do it by 20 goals and with all cylinders firing?
That was the real kicker for playing coach Laura Ryan.
“Yesterday’s performance, for us, was a real team effort,” Ryan said.
“We’ve been waiting for this moment; everyone had really good court time, everyone played really well and it felt like all the things we’ve been working on came to fruition.
“I think that was reflected on the scoreline at the end as well.”
Numurkah was largely matched by the Cats in the first quarter and edged ahead 13-9 by the first break, but as that buffer grew to eight goals at the half, the host was in the driver’s seat with hands at 10 and two.
Eight became 12 by three-quarter time and, as Numurkah accelerated to the finish, Finley was on damage control duty as the Blues sprinted to a 60-40 result.
Though a suite of Numurkah stars played out of their skin, Ryan identified two names as being central to the victory.
“Our awards could’ve gone to anyone, really, but our standout performances were Amy Brooks, she had a really great game in wing defence and put heaps of pressure out the front that enabled our ring defenders to find ball,” she said.
“And Michelle Ryan had a really strong game at shooter as well, combining well with our goal attacks and doing work to open everyone up, but also make herself a strong option as well.”
Regarding finals placings, Numurkah has a two-point safety net with one round to play.
With fifth-placed Moama up next in the regular season’s curtain call, Ryan has fingers crossed for a result, but is more impressed by the Blues’ trajectory when looking back on the campaign.
“This time last year when I took on coaching, secretly the goal has always been to try and find a finals spot,” she said.
“But I think if we reflect on Numurkah’s netball environment in the last few years and the progress we’ve made, our B-grade is looking at securing a finals spot as well, we couldn’t be more happy with the growth that’s happened this year.
“We’re really excited to go into round 18 and see if things go our way and work out. But regardless, it’s a really huge step in the right direction for the club as a whole.”
Around the courts, Rumbalara kept its unblemished record intact with a 65-36 triumph over Deniliquin, while Nathalia guards second place after defeating Echuca United 56-39.
Finally, Mulwala cruised past Cobram 56-27, Tongala outmuscled Congupna 66-43, while Moama trumped Barooga by 51 goals.
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