Tongala’s Grace Hammond liked what she saw against Moama on Sunday.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Mulwala and Tongala’s finals scripts are off to a dream start – and neither side has plans to let them end early.
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Murray Netball League’s post-season action kicked off with a bang at the weekend, starting with Mulwala’s 12-goal victory over Deniliquin on Saturday.
The Lions brushed aside memories of a mid-season slip against Deniliquin to carve out a 52-40 elimination final triumph on Rams territory, setting up a semi-final showdown and keeping their flag hopes very much alive.
From the first whistle, Mulwala made its intentions clear.
A fast and fearless opening quarter delivered a 16-10 advantage, with sharp passing and decisive circle work unsettling the Rams’ defence.
By half-time, the Lions had stretched the lead to 28-23, but not without some anxious moments.
“We did feel confident going in, although we did lose to them over there earlier in the season, so some of us were a bit nervous,” playing coach Steph Hammond said.
“I think our biggest focus was shutting down Bonnie (Everett) the goal shooter; we know she’s quite a big target in their attack and, if we could shut her down as best we could, they’d have to move the ball a bit more.
“Ella Harvey’s obviously a standout for them as well, so our girls had a big job on her, keeping her off the circle edge, which they did really well.
“Attacking wise, I suppose it’s always quite physical against them, so we knew we had to really use our speed and smartness in the ring to play off the bodies which I think we did really well yesterday.”
Deniliquin refused to wilt, with a determined third-quarter surge bringing the deficit back to four goals, sparking a sense of déjà vu for Mulwala after their previous encounter.
But this time, Hammond’s side responded with composure and poise.
“I just knew if our girls stayed positive, we’d just chip away,” she said.
“It did get within four goals, but the further it got into the game, the more the girls became confident and played their role in each position which got us over the line.”
Mulwala’s Tess McNamara and Ellie Lothian drove relentlessly into attack, setting up clean feeds for Hammond and Stacey Parks, while all three goalers combined to shoot at an impressive 80 per cent clip.
After missing finals last year, this victory was evidence of the bonds Mulwala has built across the season.
And after learning of their next opponent, the Lions will feel even more confident.
Hammond’s side will face Tongala, a team it bested by 13 goals in the last regular season round, following the Blues’ two-goal victory over Moama on Sunday.
Tongala overturned a deficit against the higher-ranked Magpies, rallying late to snatch a 54-52 result at the death.
The Blues will square off against Mulwala at Numurkah on Sunday in the second semi-final, following Rumbalara and Nathalia’s showdown at Echuca South on Saturday.
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