Nathalia's is heading into finals on a high.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Although there were no stakes on the line for Rumbalara, it made Nathalia earn its ticket to fifth on the Murray Football League ladder ahead of the competition’s finals series.
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A loss to the Purples would mean a tougher fixture in its elimination final against Moama, but a victorious result sets up an enthralling clash against fellow 12-6 record side Cobram.
Rumbalara hit the scoreboard twice early though to place Nathalia on the back foot, but the Purples would respond to establish an eight-point quarter-time lead.
A standout defensive term from Rumba restricted Nathalia to a return of just one goal, while Rumba scored three of its own to claim an advantage of five points at the main break.
A half time rev up cut through to the Nathalia playing group though, and while Rumbalara slotted the first major of the third term, Nathalia then made its response.
The Purples rallied goal after goal on Rumba’s previously defensive dam wall, kicking seven of the next eight.
A late Rumba major reduced the margin slightly by three-quarter-time, but Nathalia had grasped a firm grip on the contest and led by 19 with one term to play.
With just 30 minutes left in their season, Rumba gave it one last roll of the dice to end the season on a high, firing off three goals in the first five minutes to bring the margin to back within a point.
But Nathalia demonstrated why it is built for September with a composed next 20 minutes of play, holding off another peppering at the goals by Rumba while scoring two more goals to their tally to secure a thrilling 14.5 (89) to 12.8 (80) victory.
Nathalia’s Liam Evans was untouchable up forward with five majors on the day, while Alex Hicks followed suit with four.
Nathalia's Ned Nihill lines up on Rumbalara's Elwyn Bush.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Rumbalara's Levy Tejones roosts one of his four majors.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Nathalia's Harry McDonald chases Rumbalara's Joe Lindrea.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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Rumbalara's Levy Tejones engages his set shot routine.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Rumbalara's Kane Atkinson stands the mark.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Rumbalara's Kydan Atkinson takes a breather.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Rumbalara's Valo Valoia sprints to the contest.
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Rechelle Zammit
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Nathalia's Ned Nihill shapes a kick on the run.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Elsewhere were more final round nail-biters, as Congupna recorded a narrow five-point victory against a spirited Cobram outfit.
Featuring Werribee Tiger Louis Pinnuck, Cobram provided Congupna with one of the greatest scares to its perfect record, but The Road’s flawless year remains in tact as the home and away season draws to a close.
Numurkah stunned Moama in a one-point victory, 11.11 (77) to 11.10 (76), setting up a cut-throat elimination final as the Magpies relinquished their double chance in the top two.
A goal in the 28th minute secured the Blues the lead in the dying stages and sends the club into September with confidence it can match the competition’s best.
The Moama loss means Mulwala has ascended into second after its 63-point win over Tongala, while Finley has condemned Barooga to a winless season following its 53-point victory.
Echuca United closed out its season on a high with a 45-point win over Deniliquin.
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