Tongala has survived a hard-fought elimination final with Moama to move into the final four in Murray Netball League A-grade.

The Blues and Magpies have made a habit of tight contests in the past few years and the game at Congupna Recreation Reserve on Sunday was no different.

Tongala had a lead in the middle portion of the game before Moama was able to get things in its favour.

Tongala roared back in the last quarter to sneak ahead and eventually prevail 54-52.

Two was the same margin that separated the teams in the 2024 preliminary final, where Moama was successful and in their last regular season meeting, when Tongala came out on top.

“We went in knowing that it was going to be a goal or two regardless, that’s just always how it is going into Moama,” Tongala coach Grace Hammond said.

“One team can get up a couple and (the other) will manage to chip back and it’s always a close margin.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy job and it’s just about that four-quarter effort.

“Five down minutes are not going to define a 60-minute game of netball, we have to put in the work and play till that final siren to get the win.

“We were very fortunate that we showed up to play and it paid off.”

Hammond gave credit to a deep squad, which allows her to find the right combinations for the right opponents.

The Tongala boss has tweaked her starting line-ups throughout the year, her 10-woman squad rotating on or off the bench as needed.

“I’ve always preached how versatile we are as a side and it actually makes my job a little bit difficult as coach,” Hammond said.

“It’s a blessing, but I also have so many options and someone’s going to end up on the bench, and it’s just a matter of who we’re playing against and the match-ups, but it’s something I’m very lucky to have as a coach is that versatility.”

In particular, Hammond praised Emmalea Wishart’s physical play in the goal circle, as well as Gemma Brennan and Corey Drennan’s industry in defence.

The Blues move on to face Mulwala, which ended Deniliquin’s season in the other elimination semi.

The Lions defeated Tongala by 13 goals in the final regular season round.

Hammond was particularly complimentary of her opposing coach and namesake, Steph Hammond, headed into the clash.

“I think we’ve just got to have a huge focus on playing our game and not getting stuck into what they’re doing too much,” Hammond said.

“Obviously Steph Hammond for them, she’s a gun netballer, she’s smart, and she’s so versatile in the way she plays, so I think in the two times we’ve played in this season, we’ve probably gone in being worried about Steph.

“She’s a game changer and a game winner, so you’ve got to have her on your mind, but I think we just need to shift our focus to playing our brand of netball and we’ll let the rest take care of itself.”

The game is set for Numurkah Showgrounds on Sunday.

Netball

In 17-and-under, Tongala surged to down the higher finishing Cobram 41-31.

The Blues will take on Deniliquin, which got the best of Finley in the other eliminator.

It was Tongala that survived a tense encounter in 15-and-under, eliminating Echuca United 26-23.

The Blues face up to Rumbalara this weekend after Rumba scored a confident win over Nathalia.

Echuca United and Tongala picked up wins in 13-and-under.

The Eagles easily handled Barooga 35-9, while the Blues got by Cobram 27-18.

The two sides will now face off in another do-or-die contest.

A host of local sides will join the finals race this weekend after finishing in the top two.

Tongala’s B, C, and C-reserve sides will seek a grand final place this weekend.

Football

Tongala crashed out of the reserves after a heavy defeat to title contender Cobram.

The Tigers piled on points early and continued to build a lead throughout the game, running away with the contest 9.7 (61) to 1.5 (11).

The Blues’ season also ended in under-17s, this time at the hands of Deniliquin.

Tonny had a narrow lead after the first quarter, but Deni found its form and kicked away for a 6.10 (46) to 4.5 (29) win.

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Monday, 20th February 2023

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