Tongala consolidates top-two billing after clawing Cats

But Tongala didn’t have the clash all its own way, with the 11th-placed Cats firing early to lead by a goal at quarter-time.

Blues coach Grace Hammond admitted Finley’s fast start was a surprise but credited her players for keeping their cool.

“They came out firing and took us a bit by surprise,” Hammond said.

“We kept our heads and stuck to it. We didn’t start great but we got a bit of our mojo back.

“In the last three quarters the goalers shot well. No-one played a bad game, it just wasn’t anyone’s best game either.”

The introduction of goaler Milly Brock into the game and the ascendancy of Corey Drennan in the back court helped Tongala restrict Finley in the final three quarters, running away with a 56-28 win.

“We started Milly Brock off the court to try a few combinations,” Hammond said.

“Corey Drennan was sensational in defence all day, she just kept turning the ball over for us which was really good.”

Crucially, Tongala will head into the league bye two games clear in second spot as the Blues prepare for the run home to finals.