Tongala fought off a the challenge of a plucky Echuca United to claim the C-reserve title in extra time. Photos: Aidan Briggs
It took more than the allocated 60 minutes, but Tongala was eventually crowned champions in the Murray Netball League’s C-reserve.
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The Blues had dropped just one game all year and headed into the decider at Moama Recreation Reserve on Saturday, September 21, as strong favourites.
Echuca United was the improbable opponent for Tonny, and the Eagles were out to make their championship fairy tale come true against what had been a dominant minor premier.
Mikaela Pyke scored some critical goals for Tongala down the stretch.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
United matched the Blues at every turn in the opening stanza and Tonny led by just one at the first break.
The margin was non-existent at half-time as the Eagles had drawn level for a 19-all scoreline.
Echuca United had the valuable opening centre pass to kick off the third and, while both sides forced a number of turnovers, neither was able to break away.
Ebony Wagner and fellow goaler Nerolie Olsson almost brought the flag to Echuca United, scoring four straight in the final minutes of regulation.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
The Eagles inched ahead by one time after time, only to be reeled in by the Blues.
Tongala earned the crucial break at 25-24 and converted it to a three-goal lead by the final break.
Tonny converted off the opening centre pass in the fourth, consolidating the lead.
The teams traded goals for much of the quarter before United restored parity at 30-all.
Natalie Parkinson was a key link-up piece for a victorious Tonny side.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
The minor premier regrouped and broke free again a few minutes later and, as the clock began to win down, the Blues had the title in reach with a 36-33 advantage.
Echuca United was not going away and the side almost pulled off the upset, reclaiming momentum with a pair of key steals and surging into the lead, 37-36, with less than a minute remaining.
In the championship seconds, United’s Molly McLeod broke down a Blues move to the delight of the Eagles supporter.
Rhiannan Brennan dishes it forward.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
However, Tonny was able to force a turnover and levelled the scores as time ran down.
With scores locked at 37-all, an extra time period was required to determine who would go home with the C-reserve flag.
Having given everything at the end of regulation, the Echuca United players were unable to maintain their level in the additional minutes and Tongala quickly surged ahead, eventually securing the title 50-42.
It was relief for Tonny at the final siren.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Coaches Jenn and Jazmin Clark were thrilled to have won the premiership in their first season at Tongala.
“We’re very excited, we were very nervous at the end,” Jenn said.
“We started a bit rough, let them get into our heads, but then they showed up,” Jazmin said.
Connie Blake was best on court in the C-reserve grand final.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
A varied team composition of youth and experience was key to the Blues side’s success.
“We’ve got a real mixture of young and older girls and they’ve just all gelled,” Jenn said.
“It’s a true team, everyone’s got each other's backs and their commitment level this year has just been amazing.
“If you play as a team, you win as a team.”
Connie Blake’s work rate in defense was key to Tongala’s win.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Key defender Connie Blake grabbed best-on-court honours for Tonny, her defensive contributions crucial to the Blues efforts.
“She’s phenomenal,” Jenn said.
“How she can read the play and her defensive pressure is just the best. Her confidence really is an asset to the team.”
2024 C-reserve champions Tongala
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
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