All three local Murray Netball League sides recorded dominant victories on Saturday, as Tongala and Echuca United cruised against Cobram and Finley, respectively, while Moama was too strong for Deniliquin in a high-scoring affair.

Moama v Deniliquin

Moama held Deniliquin at arm’s-length as the two sides exchanged 124 goals in a meeting at Moama Recreation Reserve.

The Magpies gradually grew their margin of victory in each period, starting in the first, where they ended the quarter by netting seven straight goals to lead by nine at the first break.

The closest Deniliquin came to Moama after the first interval was when it trailed 26-19 in the 22nd minute, the host ensuring its opponent was unable to make significant inroads for the remainder of the match.

Moama closed the first half by scoring eight of the last 12 goals to take a 40-27 lead into half-time, then boosted the advantage further in the third quarter with a run of six straight goals from the 37th to the 39th minute.

Though leading by 19 heading into the fourth period, Moama still pushed right until the end, scoring 11 of the last 15 goals to win 74-50 and gain a solid percentage boost in the process.

Moama’s attacking duo of Jinaya Nuse and Holly Swatton was in fine form, scoring 38 and 36 goals, respectively, which culminated in the Magpies’ highest total this season.

Though she would undoubtedly be pleased with a seventh straight win, Moama coach Carri Carter may be seeking an improved defensive performance from her side in its next encounter.

The 50 goals conceded was the third-highest the Magpies have allowed in 2026.

Moama is currently third on the ladder, a game clear of fourth-placed Tongala, but still eight points behind the top two sides, Mulwala and Nathalia, though the Magpies have a game in hand.

Nathalia’s loss to Rumbalara meant Mulwala moved into first and the Lions are Moama’s next opponent, the fixture at Lonsdale Recreation Reserve arguably the pick of round 14.

Echuca United v Finley

Echuca United continues to enjoy a purple patch of form, the Eagles dominating Finley in a 30-goal win at Echuca South Recreation Reserve.

Leesa Hooppell’s side broke the game open in the second period, which it won 19-6 in a dominant stint at both ends, taking a 35-16 lead into half-time.

That followed an even first quarter where the visiting Cats largely held their own, as only six goals separated the sides at the first interval.

Leading by 19 goals entering the second half, Echuca United only bolstered its margin across the third and fourth periods.

The Eagles won the third period 14-8 and then produced an almost identical stint in the fourth, which they won 14-9, culminating in a 63-33 victory.

Eliza Pearce continued her strong season in the big win, being responsible for 45 of the hosts’ 63 goals.

Echuca United has now won three of its past four matches, and although all victories have come against sides below it on the ladder, the average margin in the wins was 23 goals.

Hooppell’s side also moved up again on the ladder, now sitting eighth, but there is a sizeable 10-point gap between the Eagles and seventh-placed Numurkah.

Echuca United is scheduled to play fifth-placed Rumbalara at Mercury Drive Shepparton in its next fixture.

Tongala v Cobram

Tongala returned to winning ways against Cobram, the Blues meeting expectations in a comfortable 32-goal victory at Tongala Recreation Reserve.

Abby Pettifer’s side hit the ground running early, doubling the visitors’ score during the opening period to take a solid 14-7 lead into the first interval.

The second quarter was more even, but Tongala still won the period 15-10 to give its margin a small boost at half-time, the Blues leading 29-17.

Cobram would end up being held to only seven goals in three of the four quarters, as Tongala’s defence, particularly in the second half, tightened the screws on the Tigers.

The third quarter was a replica of the first, as Tongala again won the period 14-7.

The Blues then seized on a percentage-boosting opportunity in the fourth, laying on 20 goals in their best attacking stint of the game, running out as 63-31 winners.

Tongala’s 63 was made up of 25 from Milly Brock and 23 for Chicquita Vick, while Natasha Dodos chipped in with 15 goals.

The Blues are still fourth on the ladder, though should they take advantage of any slip ups by third-placed Moama, Tongala would likely move above the Magpies as it holds a better percentage.

Pettifer’s side will look to notch consecutive wins for the first time since rounds eight and nine in its next game, which is an all-Blues clash against Numurkah.

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Monday, 8th February 2027

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