MNL | Gallery | ‘I was in tears’: Moama secures 13-and-under title

By Daniel Webb

Sep 18, 2022

Winners are grinners: Moama’s 13-and-under netball side celebrates victory. Photo: Steve Huntley Photo by Steve Huntley

A strong team performance saw Moama take out the Murray Netball League’s 13-and-under grand final on Saturday.

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Overcoming a gallant Mulwala 32-22, the Magpies started with speed, building a five-goal lead before conceding a goal.

They built their lead to 8-1 and the contest looked to be headed for a blowout before the Lions stood up.

Led by captain Maisee Pell in defence, Mulwala hit the scoreboard to reduce the deficit to three goals, before Moama grew the margin back to five at half-time.

Playing the ball: Moama’s Addi Power starts an attack. Photo by Bransen Gibson

In the third quarter it was one-way traffic, with the Lions unable to stop the quick-moving Magpies.

An impressive last quarter proved too little, too late for Mulwala, with Moama winning by 10 goals.

Magpies coach Carri Carter said she was “speechless” after the win.

“I was in tears the last 30 seconds, I just can’t be any prouder of them,” Carter said.

“I knew they could do it if they just kept composure and to get all 12 girls on was massive because that’s a lot of rotations, but everyone that got on the court did exactly what I wanted them to do.”

Under pressure: Moama’s Mia Wickham looks to release the ball. Photo by Bransen Gibson

Carter made a strong effort to ensure every member of the team had time on the court, making substitutes at the end of the game to give every player game time.

”They understood that maybe not everyone would get on and they were so good,“ she said.

“They knew they were part of the team either way and to be able to get them on was great.”

Moama captain Diaz Agg picked up the best-on-court gong for her efforts in both the attacking and defensive rings, with the talent holding her opponent well.