In a see-sawing contest that genuinely could have gone either way, Moama capitalised on momentum swings to get over the top of Mulwala in a 13-and-under overtime thriller.
Played at Moama Recreation Reserve court one, it was a midcourt rock fight to start as both sides struggled to find the net through the first quarter.
The game began to open up with the attack moving freely and Moama was able to capitalise on its chances more effectively, taking a 14-12 lead at the main break.
While the Magpies managed to stay a step ahead through the middle quarters, Mulwala refused to go away, trading blows throughout the third term.
Moama widened its lead slightly at three-quarter time to a trio of goals, with a massive final frame looming.
The Lions came out hard down the stretch, nabbing the lead on two separate occasions to put the Magpies on the back foot, but they managed to hold their nerve.
With nothing separating the two sides, Mulwala managed to put one through on the siren to draw scores level and send the game into overtime.
In the first half of overtime, the Lions and Magpies couldn’t be split, with the latter barely keeping its nose in front by a goal.
In the do-or-die moments, it was Moama that stood tallest, with its goalers looking rock solid in front of the hoop.
It was a party at their home venue as the Magpies’ faithful roared at the overtime siren, their girls taking the game by the neck in the clutch 36-34.
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