A fast and physical interleague match at Tocumwal Recreation Reserve finished with a 40-36 win to Murray Netball League against Bellarine Netball League on Saturday.
Murray trailed at quarter-time after being outmuscled in the early stages.
The home side edged in front in the second term to lead 28-26 at half-time, before holding its nerve in the second half to claim the interleague match.
Murray coach Casey Hudgson said her players were shocked by Bellarine’s pressure early, but matched the visitors’ pressure as the match progressed.
‘‘They were really intense and physical at the start,’’ she said.
‘‘They played really tight and the girls realised it wasn’t going to be an easy game.
‘‘But they remained patient, knuckled down and put the pressure back on them.’’
Mulwala pair Kate Lynch and Steph Beams were instrumental through the mid-court, while Tongala’s Abby Pettifer was strong in her defensive roles.
Hudgson said all nine girls contributed to the win.
‘‘We haven’t ever had a full side at training, so the girls were still learning to play together,’’ she said.
‘‘I’m really proud of their efforts. They never gave up.’’
Murray will meet Bellarine again when the two sides clash at the Netball Victoria Association Championships in Melbourne on June 23.
■Murray’s under 15 side also qualified for the Association Championships after winning the north-east zone at Shepparton yesterday.
