The close-fought thriller over the previously undefeated Tungamah could have gone either way, however the Swans managed to get over the line.
Played in Tungamah, the home side was in front early, holding a steady lead at the half time break, however some tactical changes from the visitors proved to be the difference.
Katunga team manager Danielle Henderson said it was a much-needed win after a couple of tough losses.
“It started pretty physical, not in a bad way, it was just a really tough first quarter and Tungamah definitely got the jump on us,” Henderson said.
“I think we knew how much the win meant so we were just a little bit erratic, threw away a couple of passes and things like that.”
After going down in the first half, the Swans made a change, bringing coach Aimee Sidebottom to the ring alongside debutant Sammy Simpson.
“It was a really topsy-turvy third quarter,” Henderson said.
“We were even at three-quarter time and I think everyone realised we just need to slow down and play our game.
“The girls in the defensive end worked really hard for the whole game, that’s Melissa Molloy, Sarah Weidemann and Grace Tyack, they were spent at the end of the game.
“The last five minutes their pressure just ramped up another whole level and they were really able to put the pressure on the Tungamah goalers which caused them to miss and we were able to get the rebounds and convert a lot of the breaks.”
On the other side of the coin, Tungamah was not too disappointed with the result, acknowledging the strength of the Katunga side.
Bears coach Jayanna Sharp said the Swans came out strongly in the fourth quarter and shot accurately.
“I think we just lacked a bit of confidence going forward,” Sharp said.
Thane Pearce had a good game in defence for the Bears, with Sharp explaining an early-season loss gave the side something to build on.
“It’s something we can look forward to improving on,” she said.
“As much as it’s disappointing at the end of the day, it’s two goals and really that’s two turnovers so it’s definitely achievable so hopefully we can work on that at training.”
The 33-31 Katunga win was the closest game of the round, with most other round eight games won in convincing fashion.
Picola United picked up an impressive 28-goal win over Tocumwal, while Waaia continued to play well, downing the Deni Rovers by 23.
Strathmerton picked up a handy 29-goal win against Jerilderie away from home, while Rennie ran away nine-goal winners against Blighty.
Katamatite was convincing 50-goal winners against Mathoura, while Katandra had a week off.
18°C