PREMIUM
Sport

Moama soar, United draw in round three

author avatar
Early momentum: Charlotte Sheldon’s Moama side picked up a valuable win over Deni Rams, improving to 2-1 for the year. Photos: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

Moama improved to 2-1 for the year after defeating Deniliquin Rams 50-46 in round three of Murray Netball League action on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Echuca United battled Cobram in a tight contest, with the sides unable to be separated after four quarters, 28-28.

Moama piled the misery on the Rams, jumping out to a lead in the first quarter and not looking back.

The win is a great sign for the Magpies, who outplayed Echuca United across the court in round one before suffering a narrow loss last week to Rumbalara.

Gemma Joyce made her A-grade debut for Moama, coming off the bench in the win.

Conversely, Deniliquin is suffering an unanticipated downturn in form.

Going into the 2023 finals as reigning premiers and on a near 40-game winning streak, the Rams fell in straight sets and have now started their 2024 campaign 1-2.

Moama will travel to Finley this Saturday, with the Cats also scoring two wins in their opening three fixtures.

Echuca United continued to improve in round three, but it was unable to hold on to a narrow three-quarter time lead against Cobram as the game finished in a draw.

Deadlock: Maddison McInnes’ Echuca United couldn’t hold a two-point three-quarter time lead, managing a draw with Cobram in round three. Photo by Aidan Briggs

There was absolutely nothing between the two sides in the first half as they matched each other 8-8 in the first period and entered the half 15-15.

The Eagles snagged the advantage in the third term, taking a two-goal lead into the final quarter 23-21, but the Tigers fought back in the fourth as the two sides were forced to share the points.

After losses in their first two fixtures, the result moves the Eagles off the bottom of the ladder into 10th, with Numurkah and Barooga anchoring the table after losing each of their first three matches.

United faces a tough test in round four, with unbeaten Rumbalara visiting Echuca South Recreation Reserve on April 20.

In other Murray league results this week, Tongala defeated Numurkah 58-31, Nathalia dominated Barooga 47-10, Rumbalara handled Congupna 57-28 and Finley was too good for Mulwala 53-45.