Round six action in Murray Netball League had mixed results for local sides, as Moama ended its two-game skid by defeating Cobram, Tongala fell agonisingly short to Deniliquin and Numurkah ensured Echuca United’s winless start to 2026 continued.

Moama v Cobram

Moama entered its clash against Cobram off the back of consecutive defeats to Tongala and Nathalia, needing a win, with sides such as the Tigers looking to overtake it on the ladder.

The Magpies made a solid start at Moama Recreation Reserve, scoring six of the first nine goals, though Cobram stayed attached to only trail 11-8 at the first break.

The hosts upped the ante in the second period, a run of seven straight goals between the 21st and 26th minutes opening up a comfortable cushion as Moama held Cobram to five goals in the term, leading 22-13 at half-time.

The visitors started faster after the main break by scoring six of the first nine second-half goals, though Moama had a solid finish to the third period to maintain an eight-goal lead heading into the fourth.

The Magpies were in a strong position to win, but still saved by far their best quarter of the afternoon until last, as Carri Carter’s side suffocated Cobram in the fourth by holding it to only four goals while adding 13 of its own, running out a 43-26 winner.

Moama had several contributors in the goal-scoring department, led by 17 for Indiana Phillips, 12 for Jinaya Nurse and 10 for Holly Swatton.

The Magpies moved up one place on the ladder into fourth with the win, being one of four sides sitting on 12 points.

One of those other sides is Deniliquin, which Moama will face next away from home.

Tongala v Deniliquin

Tongala entered its clash against Deniliquin full of confidence, with Abby Pettifer’s side aiming for a fourth straight win at Tongala Recreation Reserve.

The Blues took the initiative early, at one stage leading 10-5 in the first quarter, though the Rams finished the period stronger by scoring six of the last eight goals to only trail 12-11 at the first break.

In a game of runs, Tonny made its own early in the second period, scoring six straight, though Deniliquin immediately responded and ended up posting its best offensive quarter in the second, scoring 14 of the last 18 goals in the half to lead 27-22 at half-time.

The sides traded goals to start the third quarter, with Tongala unable to make up the minor deficit, at one stage within three goals near the end of the period, though three quick Rams baskets gave them a 41-35 lead heading into the fourth.

The Blues had to start the final period strongly and answered the call, scoring seven of the quarter’s first 10 goals to be within two baskets with nine minutes remaining.

That margin remained all the way until the 56th minute, Deni leading 50-48 and effectively securing the win with goals in the 57th and 58th to push the lead out to four, as Tongala attempted one last push in the final two minutes, but fell short, the Rams prevailing 53-51.

Chicquita Vick was once again impressive for the hosts by contributing 37 of the 51 goals in the close defeat.

Tongala’s winning streak came to end, but it is still sitting fifth on the ladder, among the aforementioned cluster of sides with 12 points.

The Blues travel to Cobram for their next game, one that will be crucial to not only bounce back, but ensure they stay above the Tigers in the standings.

Numurkah v Echuca United

Echuca United made the trip to Numurkah for its round six fixture still without victory in 2026, while the Blues had made an inconsistent start, but were coming off a well-fought win at Deniliquin last time out.

It did not take long for the hosts to make their mark on the fixture, Numurkah racing out to a 7-1 lead in the first five minutes, going on to net 20 goals in a dominant offensive first quarter, the Eagles only mustering 12 in response.

Despite the Blues at one stage increasing their margin into double figures, Echuca United was much more competitive in the second period and finished the first half by netting 10 of the last 13 goals to only trail 33-28 at half-time.

The Eagles brought themselves to within three goals early in the third period, though a run of five straight goals for Numurkah reestablished a comfortable cushion, one it took into the fourth, leading 44-36.

Having let go of the rope in the second quarter after gaining a solid lead, the hosts wouldn’t allow Echuca United back into the contest during the final period, with a run of 10 of 13 goals between the 48th and 55th minutes making the gap unattainable for the Eagles to bridge, the visitors going down 62-45.

Eliza Pearce led all scorers for Echuca United with an impressive 33 goals, a notable positive as the Eagles were condemned to another week without victory.

Leesa Hooppell’s side sits second-bottom on the ladder, though its main focus right now would be notching a first win, which the Eagles will attempt to do against Mulwala in their next fixture.

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Saturday, 4th January 2031

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