Gripping contest: Nathalia's Olivia McDonald shoots for another goal under heavy pressure from Rumbalara’s Leah Seeto.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
Rumbalara will get an opportunity to break its 14-year A-grade premiership drought this weekend after winning its way into the 2022 Murray Netball League grand final with a thrilling two-goal win over Nathalia on Saturday.
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A preliminary final that pitted the two pre-season premiership favourites against each other, it was non-stop drama at the Hardinge Street Oval, Deniliquin, netball courts, with both sides bringing their absolute best to produce a see-sawing contest for the ages.
Airborne: Nathalia's Lisa Kellow clears the ball out of defence.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
And after being overrun by undefeated Deniliquin in the previous weekend’s second semi-final, the Rumba girls were able to turn the tide and deliver a last-quarter comeback of their own, wrestling back a seven-goal deficit late in the third term to clinch the 30-28 triumph.
Finding himself among the band of Rumbalara supporters that made the trip to Deniliquin to cheer the girls home, club president Josh Atkinson said it was a thrill to see the A-grade side secure a grand final berth.
Toe-to-toe: Rumbalara's Leah Seeto and Nathalia's Tamara Skinner have eyes only for the ball.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
“We are ecstatic to have our A-grade girls along with the C-reserve team into the grand final,” Atkinson said.
“We had a massive turn out, our supporters did a great job in travelling to the furtherest point possible and it’s really fantastic to see, but even better to come away with the win.”
Falling agonisingly short against the Rams, Rumbalara would have been desperate to make an early statement as proceedings began.
Zoned in: Nathalia's Tamara Skinner eyes the goal ring.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
But to the surprise of the packed crowd, it was the Purples that struck first producing a blistering opening term to be on the front foot early.
Under extreme pressure, Rumba would kick into gear through the second and the early stages of the third term to get the game back in their control as they looked to build a lead.
Firing off a pass: Nathalia's Stacey Ross looks to pass to a teammate.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
Before once again the Purples fired, producing a stunning burst late in that third quarter to build a formidable seven-goal lead.
Facing the real possibility of a straight sets exit, Rumbalara would muster up one last charge.
And unlike the previous week, they finished full of running to overwhelm the brave Purples and secure that prized position in this weekend’s grand final.
“It was an absolute thriller from start to finish,” Atkinson said.
“Nathalia threw everything at us, they started super fast and then in the third quarter really had us on the ropes after going seven goals up.
“So for the girls to overcome that hurdle, it was incredible, the competition was fierce and in great spirits and it was just a great day out.
“To be in a grand final is massive for the club and to have the C-reserve there as well for the first time in their history makes it even bigger, so everyone is so pumped and cannot wait to get into it next week.”
A fourth clash against Deniliquin this season now awaits Rumbalara on grand final day at Moama Recreation Reserve, as it looks to make up for a trio of hard-fought defeats with the ultimate success.
