Moama’s A-grade netball side is ready to face off against table-toppers Rumbalara on Saturday. Photo: Supplied
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Everyone loves an underdog story, and in an injury-hampered season for the A-grade Magpies, they’re just that against a seemingly unstoppable Rumba outfit.
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Finishing second on that table with a record of 15-3, Moama isn’t your traditional underdogs, still dominating throughout much of its Murray netball league season.
Yet, Rumbalara’s unparalleled dominance in the 2024 season has meant that the Magpies can create a significant upset and claim the flag that was within reach last season.
Moama has been the consistent number two side since the midway point of the season, and the Magpies have led Rumba at the first break in all three of their encounters this season.
The minor premier has rebounded on each occasion but if Moama can maintain its first period level across the four quarters, the side has a good shot at providing the upset.
The Pies’ only other loss this year came against defending champion Tongala, a defeat Moama avenged both in the return fixture in round 12, and again in the preliminary final last weekend.
Player-coach Olivia Taverna said there is a feeling of excitement throughout the team, mainly because the side was plagued with injuries early on.
“There’s a lot of excitement throughout the team; we’ve been hit pretty hard with injuries throughout the year, so to be in the grand final is incredible,” she said.
“We are all just taking it in because we understand grand finals are hard to come by, so we are just enjoying the process.
“The core group we’ve had since halfway through the season are all fit and ready to go.”
Taverna and the coaching staff wanted to make sure that their preparation in the lead-up to finals was consistent with what they have been doing all season, as that is what has brought them to the big dance.
Moama coach Olivia Taverna says her side is fit and ready to take on Rumbalara in the A-grade grand final. Photo: Aidan Briggs
She emphasised the challenge the Magpies would face against Rumbalara but remained confident that her side could pull it off.
It’s just a matter of who blinks first.
“Training has been good; we have just stuck to our usual routine; we didn’t want to mix anything up because our consistency is what got us here,” Taverna said.
“Rumba has had a successful year, but we are excited to take them on. Anything can happen on grand final day, so we’ll see how we go.
“It’ll come down to who wants it more and can handle the pressure, so it’s anyone’s contest.”
The Murray League A-grade grand final will be held on Saturday, September 21, at Moama Recreation Reserve. Centre pass is scheduled for 1.30pm.
Moama will need accuracy from goaler Hannah Richards if it is to topple the dominant Rumba. Photo: Rechelle Zammit
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