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Gallery | Rumbalara rumble rival Finley in top-of-the-table Murray Netball League clash
How long can Rumbalara’s streak go on for?
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The Shepparton-based side is undefeated from 13 matches this season and has five games remaining before finals.
A perfect home and away season is well and truly on the cards for Rumba.
On Saturday afternoon, Rumbalara hosted third-placed Finley in a high-quality Murray Netball League clash.
The match was hotly contested in the opening period, with both sides exchanging blows as the scores finished 19-15 in Rumba’s favour at the first break.
Rumbalara soon assumed control of the match and consistently grew its lead over the next three quarters.
Finley remained defiant and fought hard throughout the contest; however, the home side proved it remained the team to beat in 2024, eventually winning the match 67-49.
Finley coach Milly Op’t Hoog said her side was missing a few key players through injury heading into the match.
The player-coach was proud of how her young side fought against its top-class opponents.
“We knew coming in (Rumba) were going to be super tough, considering they haven’t lost a game yet,” she said.
“We were keen, but weren’t our full strength — we had three players out.
“We weren’t sure how it was going to go, but we had some B-grade girls step up, and honestly, we were super happy with the team we put on and the way we went about it because we thought it might have been a bit of a blood bath, but it wasn’t at all.
“We are keen for finals and what our team can be like when at full strength.”
With a few soldiers down, Op’t Hoog said it was exciting to see the depth the Cats have on their list.
“We had four girls step up from B-grade; Sarah Taylor she was our goal keeper all day and she did so well,” she said.
“The girls in attack for Rumba are very skilled and tall and Sarah stepped up on to them really well.
“Our wing defence, Clare O’Sullivan, has just gotten back from a knee injury, so considering she hasn’t played any games in B-grade and has come up to A, she has absolutely killed it and didn’t let her player outrun her.
“To have a few B-grade girls out there, they all stepped up and did their job really well.
The question on everyone’s lips is, can anyone topple the might of Rumbalara?
Op’t Hoog believes that, at full strength, her Cats can get the job done.
“If we do come up against them again, I think it will be in the grand final because I don’t think they will drop any games at this stage,” she said.
“We know where their strengths are — in their attack end, they are just so skilled.
“They are definitely a beatable team if we are at our full strength and it will be a really great challenge.”
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Rumbalara’s Medika Bonney looks to pass cross-court to a teammate. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 11
Rumbalara’s Emily Williams searches for a teammate. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 11
Rumbalara’s Sophie Atkinson was busy in attack. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 11
Finley’s Jordan Gray receives a pass. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 11
Finley’s Clare O'Sullivan calls for the ball. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 11
Rumbalara’s Sarah Thorpe defends hard. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 11
Rumbalara’s Jessie Barnes-Hill goes for goal. Photo by Megan FisherImage 8 of 11
Rumbalara’s Sarah Thorpe bides her time. Photo by Megan FisherImage 9 of 11
Rumbalara’s Jessie Barnes-Hill and Finley’s Sarah Taylor try to find space in congestion. Photo by Megan FisherImage 10 of 11
Rumbalara’s football side provided strong support for the netballers. Photo by Megan FisherImage 11 of 11
Rumbalara’s Jessie Barnes-Hill was in fine form. Photo by Megan FisherIn other games, Cobram and Congupna have played out a thriller at Scott Reserve.
The Tigers claimed a one-goal win over The Road after trailing by two at the end of the third term.
Deniliquin has secured a 10-goal victory over Nathalia at home.
The loss means the Purples are vulnerable to losing their position in the finals to Mulwala, which sits in seventh, one win behind Nathalia.
Mulwala defeated Numurkah in convincing fashion, with the Lions winning 62-26 at home.
Moama cemented its spot in second place on the ladder after a dominant 62-26 victory over Barooga, while Tongala moved into third position after an 18-goal win over Echuca United.