Congupna has finished the 2024 Murray Netball League season on a high.
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The Road has grown this season, putting in solid performances against top-five sides Finley, Nathalia and Deniliquin throughout the year.
On Saturday afternoon, Congupna secured its second consecutive win against 10th-placed Echuca United in round 18.
The Road skipped away in the second quarter to double the Eagles’ score at half-time, 26-13.
From there, it was smooth sailing for Congupna as it went on to win the match 49-31.
It was The Road’s fifth win of the season, which means that Congupna finishes the year in eighth with a record of 5-13, four wins behind Mulwala in seventh.
The Roaders proved to be the best of the battlers in 2024 and will hope next season they can make the leap to finals contention.
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Congupna's Rhylee Merkesteyn pressured by Echuca United's Zara Retallick. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 9
Congupna's Sarah O'Sullivan hands off to a teammate. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 9
Echuca United's Tayla Wagner searches for a fellow Eagle. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 9
Echuca United's Tanner Edwards plots and plans. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 9
Congupna's Sarah Spillman and Echuca United's Abbey Stobaus during a pause in play. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 9
Echuca United's Zara Retallick searches for a teammate. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 9
Echuca United's Abbey Stobaus goes for goal. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 9
Congupna's Sarah Spillman defends hard. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 9 of 9
Echuca United's Tanner Edwards was busy for the Eagles. Photo by Rechelle ZammitMeanwhile, Rumbalara has completed the perfect home and away season.
Rumba finished the final round with a 16-goal victory over sixth-placed Tongala.
After leading 12-8 at the first break, the Shepparton-based side burst out to a 14-goal lead at half-time (29-15).
From there, Rumba held roughly a 15-goal margin for the remainder of the match, with the final score finishing 59-43.
The victory means that Rumbalara ends the regular season with a record of 18-0 and is the heavy premiership favourite heading into the finals series.
Moama sealed second place on the ladder with a 23-goal victory over 11th-placed Numurkah.
The Magpies controlled the contest for the whole match, highlighted by their second-quarter efforts when they outscored the Blues 14-3.
The final score was 46-23.
Finley locked away third spot on the ladder with an impressive 39-26 victory over fifth-placed Nathalia.
The Cats needed the win to rule out any chance of the Purples or Deniliquin jumping over them on the ladder.
The Rams cruised to victory at home against Barooga.
Deniliquin finished the home and away season in fine touch, winning the match by 62 goals (80-18).
Meanwhile, Mulwala defeated Cobram comfortably.
The Lions raced away to a 17-6 lead in the first quarter before slowly increasing the margin as the game wore on.
Mulwala won the match 63-24.
Unfortunately, despite a strong year, the Lions still missed the finals.
They finished with a record of 9-9, two wins behind sixth-placed Tongala.
The league now turns its attention to finals, with Rumbalara and Moama getting the week off before playing each other in the qualifying final.
This weekend, Finley will take on Tongala at Lonsdale Recreation Reserve at Mulwala on Saturday.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, Deniliquin will play Nathalia at Tongala Recreation Reserve.