MFL - Rumba resurgence continues, Cobram is the real deal

By Tyler Maher

Jul 11, 2021

It has taken just two rounds of football for Rumbalara to turn its Murray Football League season around.

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Heading into the rescheduled round-eight clash against Nathalia on July 3, Rumba was outside the top six on percentage and facing the toughest contest in recent history in the competition.

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But after knocking off the Purples in a momentous win, Rumba doubled down with a gritty triumph over Deniliquin on Saturday to suddenly be two games clear inside the six.

The home side at Mercury Dve trailed by 18 points at halftime, but stormed back into the match to eventually record a 7.9 (51) to 6.7 (43) victory.

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Jai Uitger kicked two goals for Rumba, with Steve Stallion, Allan Norris and Justin Terlich also starring.

For the Rams it was Blair Whelan, Jake McManus and Ryan MacDonald working the hardest across the clash.

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● Moama kept its faint finals hopes alive with a 16.6 (102) to 11.8 (74) win over Numurkah in round 13.

The Magpies broke the game open in the third term with six goals to one.

“We made smarter decisions and we didn't butcher the footy, which is what we talked about all week,” Moama coach Luke Eldridge told McPherson Media Group.

“We're moving the ball a lot better than we have in previous weeks. It was just about simplifying things and enjoying our footy, which I think was the key message.”

Jack Russell bobbed up with four goals in the triumph as Callum Doyle, Justin Wilson, Jordan Ives and Sam Sheldon also impressed.

“I must admit, Sam probably played his best game for Moama so far,” Eldridge said“He really led from the front, beat his opponent and was a general in our back six.

“Jack, he played a role down forward, which is something he's not used to doing, and that paid off as well.”

Jarrod Holmes, Rhys Cason and Shane Miller stood tall for the Blues, while Tim Arnel booted three majors.

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● Mackenzie Cowley kicked six goals to steer Tongala to a 15.15 (105) to 7.8 (50) win over Barooga during the weekend.

Harley Reid, Michael Pryde and Kyle Fitzgerald also stood out for the ladder leader.

“Macca Cowley was just inspirational,” Tongala president Darren Maloney said.“He's only 17. You've got Harley Reid as well who's 16, and he also played extremely well.

“All the young kids in the side stood up on the weekend and I'm really happy with their development.”

Kris Bextream, Tomas O'Sullivan and Riley Gow impressed for the Hawks.

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● Cobram dominated Nathalia to set up a huge clash against Tongala next round.

Kyle Coates, Cadeyn Williams and Tyron Baden led the way for the Tigers in the 18.16 (124) to 8.10 (58) result.

Alex Hicks, Bailey Bell and Jarrod Maskell caught the eye for the Purples.

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● Finley celebrated a big win over Echuca United as Mat Wilson slotted four majors.

The Cats triumphed 16.11 (107) to 8.9 (57), with Angus Robertson, Jake MaConachie and Nick Robertson starring.

Lachie Carmody and Brad Anderson battled hard for the Eagles.

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● A 10-point win over Congupna has all-but secured Mulwala's spot in the finals this season.