With the season hanging by a thread and a top-six spot still in reach, Rumba delivered when it mattered, winning 10.9 (69) to 8.10 (58).
It was an arm-wrestle early, the home side taking a narrow three-point lead into quarter-time before both teams traded blows in the second term.
By half-time, Rumbalara had edged ahead by five points in a low-scoring scrap.
The third quarter proved decisive, with Rumba finding enough scoreboard separation to take a 20-point buffer into the final change.
Echuca United, desperate to notch its fifth win of the year, came hard in the last, but the hosts steadied to bank a vital four points.
The win snapped a three-game losing streak and keeps Rumbalara within touching distance of sixth-placed Numurkah, which sits four points ahead with two rounds to play.
The equation is clear — win both remaining games and hope other results fall their way.
Kydan Atkinson led the way with four majors in a best-on-ground performance, with Jake Zerbato, Kevin Maroney, Jamaron Atkinson, Kane Atkinson and Ashtyn Atkinson also among the standouts.
Rumbalara’s run home is as cut-throat as it gets, a trip to Deniliquin in round 17 before a home clash with fifth-placed Nathalia in the final round.
Two wins could have it leapfrog Numurkah and force its way into September action; one slip-up and the chase will end.
While their percentage (77.54) is a hurdle compared to their rivals, Rumba has shown across the season they can find a way when the stakes are high.
Saturday’s result proved they’re still swinging.
15°C