Tonny edge out Moama in B-grade thriller

By Oliver Shedden

Sep 21, 2024

Tongala’s B-grade team members celebrate their premiership win. Photos: Aidan Briggs

Tongala has come from behind to stun Moama and deny the Magpies back-to-back honours in the Murray league B-grade netball grand final.

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Nothing could separate the Blues and Magpies throughout the first quarter of the 2023 grand final rematch at Moama Recreation Reserve on Saturday, September 21.

Tonny wasn’t about to be handed its first loss of 2024 on the biggest stage without a fight, with the sides going into the first break level.

Moama’s defence looked solid in the second quarter and the intensity of the players gave rise to the side’s swift transition play.

Moama’s B-grade coach Carri Carter was locked in. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Moama coach Carri Carter facilitated the attack, which nudged the Magpies ahead by two at half-time.

The third quarter saw the rise of Moama captain Eden Drennan, who went ballistic in the circle, stringing together four goals in quick succession.

Drennan linked up well with goal attack Erin Moerenhout, manifesting slick passes to get through Tonny’s defence.

Tongala’s B-grade coach Paige Wade looks for the pass. Photo by Aidan Briggs

The Tongala side was not rolling over, keeping pace with the Magpies through the third term to trail by a pair of goals with the final frame looming.

When discussing a team’s premiership DNA, we typically refer to a side that turns it on when needed most.

Tongala did just that, coming out all guns blazing and snatching the lead off the gassed Magpies, who seemed to have used much of their energy in the third trying to mount a lead.

Erin Moerenhout was a goal machine in the grand final. Photo by Aidan Briggs

However, Moama surged to life again in a tussle fit for a grand final.

With time running out in the game, the Pies gave everything to get over the line, but it was just not quite enough.

As the clock drained away, the Blues played keep away with the ball and hung on just enough to claim the B-grade flag for 2024 and get their revenge from 2023, winning 57-55.

Tongala fans were out in force. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Tongala B-grade coach Paige Wade was glad her side got there in the end, pointing to the strength of Tongala’s netball depth as a contributing factor.

“I’m relieved and very excited to get across the line,” she said.

“They’ve won the last four in a row, and we’ve lost the last couple to them, so I’m excited to get across the line today.

“We used all 12 players, and they played their part today, which got us there.”

Moama’s Gemma Joyce links up with a teammate. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Tongala goal attack Maya Kellett was named best-on-court and coach Wade was pleased that despite some junior heartbreaks, she ultimately got to celebrate a win.

“This is her first grand final win. She’s had a lot of losses from junior grades, so she was very excited that she put a good game together and finally won,” Wade said.

While Tonny will rejoice in breaking Moama’s B-grade premiership streak of four, the Magpies will be out for revenge in 2025.