Following a heartbreaking one-goal loss against an undefeated Deniliquin Rams prior to the bye, the Magpies brought that same intensity to this clash and produced a complete team performance.
Now knocking on the door of the top four, Moama finds itself in a fantastic position to launch into the back end of the season and the finals series.
Magpies coach Lisa Drysdale was happy to see her side do what it needed to do.
“It was a steady game. It wasn’t our best game coming off an amazing performance in Deniliquin the week before, but we got the job done,” Drysdale told the Riverine Herald.
“We pulled away in the second quarter as we got some more consistency with each other after reshuffling our starting line-up.
“Mulwala are certainly a good team — they are nearly there, they just need a bit more to take that next step.”
Swinging a raft of changes for this crucial clash, the Magpies showed great synergy on the court, with their frenetic pressure and slick ball movement particularly eye-catching.
Drysdale pin-pointed a couple of girls who were particularly impressive in the victory.
“Steph Watson stood up and played a very consistent game, she shot beautifully for the day,” Drysdale said.
“Jodie Lake was also very consistent and strong in defence, they were our best players for the day.”
For Mulwala, this loss puts its place in the top six under serious threat as it sits just one win ahead of seventh-placed Congupna.
The Magpies on the other hand will be hoping to continue their momentum as they embark on a trio of winnable games against Cobram, Tongala and Congupna.
Around the courts, Tongala was no match for Deniliquin Rams, falling 61-36 in what was a disappointing showing on its home court.
Celebrating Ladies’ Day, Tongala suited up in a pink dress to raise awareness for the Breast Care Network Australia and also honour the memory of former club member Michelle Mulholland, who sadly passed away several years ago.
The Most Gutsy award bestowed upon a senior netballer, an initiative dedicated to Mulholland, also took on extra significance on the day.
“We had the ‘Most Gutsy’ award, which is about Michelle — it’s all in memory of her,” Tongala coach Paige Wade told the Riverine Herald.
“That was always her award she gave out, and that went to Grace Hammond. She’s pretty much the essence of that award.”
In terms of how the match played out, Wade said it was disappointing to see the deficit blow out in the final quarter.
“It obviously blew out a bit in the second half which we hoped wouldn’t happen,” Wade said.
“We would have liked to stick with them for a while longer.
“Our first quarter was some of our better netball, but we would have liked to sustain it. That’s something we’ll take away and build on.
“(Deni) played a really nice game of netball. They’re the top team for a reason and they were consistent for the four quarters.”
Elsewhere, Congupna kept its season alive with a gutsy 55-47 win over Echuca United.
Nathalia was far too good for Cobram, prevailing 49-12.
Barooga fought off a brave Numurkah outfit, coming away with a much-needed 43-38 win.
Rumbalara rounded the weekend’s action with a hard fought 43-32 win over Finley.
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