Penola suffers shock loss

With the absence of star-shooter April Possingham, Siobhan Adams (pictured) was deployed at goal attack during the Eagles' loss to Mundulla on Saturday.

Mundulla 44 d Penola 43

A nail-biting finish resulted in the end of Penola’s four-game winning streak, as Mundulla claimed an upset one-goal win over the Eagles.

Penola hit the court for the first time in three weeks and were without star shooter, April Possingham.

That moved Ash Earl to goal shooter and Siobhan Adams to goal attack.

The Eagles were off to a great start and put in an impressive shift in defence to take a three-goal lead at quarter time.

Ash Earl worked the ball well in the circle, while Tara Millard worked hard at centre to extend the away side’s lead to four goals at the main break.

Despite the positional changes elsewhere on the court, the backline remained solid as Maddy Teakle made some great intercepts throughout the game.

Tess Porter marked her return from the State Championships with an impressive game as she defended strongly and helped create opportunities in attack.

The third quarter remained tightly contested as the Tigers reduced the deficit to three goals with one quarter to play.

The Eagles flew out of the blocks in the final quarter to extend their lead to six goals but Mundulla refused to die and brought it back to a two-goal game.

Penola’s strength looked like it would pay dividends as the reigning premiers extended their lead out to five goals with just five minutes remaining.

However, the Tigers played with nothing to lose and put the pressure on the Eagles.

Mundulla’s pressure paid off as the Eagles were hesitant on the ball and made a number of crucial turnovers late in the game.

The Tigers clawed their way back to snatch victory from the grasps of defeat just seconds from fulltime.

Penola remain in sixth on the ladder with seven rounds remaining in the season.