MNL | Moama falls to Deni in a heartbreaker

By Bransen Gibson

Jun 26, 2022

Great game: Moama A-grade coach Lisa Drysdale in action earlier this season. Dyrsdale said her side’s performance against Deni was its best game so far this season. Photo: Josh Huntly

Moama has come agonisingly close to ending Deniliquin’s unbeaten season, losing to the Rams by just one goal in a thrilling encounter.

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Travelling to Deni hoping to cause an upset, the Magpies got off to a good start and led by seven midway through the game, but some costly late turnovers saw the Rams trim the margin and eventually hit the front, holding on to win 43-42.

Moama coach Lisa Drysdale said she was incredibly impressed with her side’s performance and the way it took it up to the Murray league’s top side.

“It was an amazing game. Everyone played spectacularly right from the get-go, it was the best start we have had all season,” Drysdale said.

“We have never played as well as that against anyone. We played amazing.”

“I’m so proud of the girls. It was an outstanding performance by everyone.

Drysdale said she had no doubt that it was her side’s best performance of the season.

“One-hundred per cent it was,” she said.

“To match it with the top team, it’s so exciting to see what we will be able to do as a team.

“I am not disappointed in any way with anything that happened. I could not be more proud of how the girls played.”

Defensive stalwart Jodie Lake was the top player for Moama on Saturday, while new recruit Charlotte Groves played well in her first game for the Magpies.

“Jodie Lake was the standout. You could not have got a better performance out of anyone, she was just outstanding,” Drysdale said.

“Charlotte played like she had been with us since the start of the year, she was unreal. She blended in completely and gelled with the girls right from the first whistle.”

While it could not quite hold on and cause an upset, Moama certainly gave Deni its toughest game of the season so far.

The Rams had won their past 10 games by double digits, including four wins by 40 points or more.

Despite the loss, Moama (8-4) still sits comfortably inside the top six, but its hopes of a top-two finish are all but gone.

For Deni, the win means the Rams (12-0) keep their spot on top of the ladder, one win ahead of Rumbalara (11-1).

Both sides will get a chance to rest this weekend with the league-wide bye. Moama will take on Mulwala in round 13, while Deni will face off against Tongala.