A-grade heavyweights Nathalia and Rumbalara have not been headed in season 2025, but that looks set to change in round six when they meet on the Purples’ home court – barring a draw, of course.
It will also answer the question of what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object with Rumba, the league’s leading attacking presence with 316 goals, looking to test the Purples top-ranked back court, which has allowed only 132.
That should come as no surprise on the back of a pre-season promise from the Purples that their brand would be defensive-minded and, to date, they have delivered that in spades.
But Rumbalara coach Jess Bamblett is only concerned with her own team’s backyard, which remains spotless at 5-0.
The not-so-secret ingredient? Week by week improvement, according to the Rumba mentor.
“We don’t really know what to expect (of Nathalia) as we haven’t played them yet,” Bamblett said.
“We’re trying to challenge ourselves, make sure we keep our high expectations and that every game is better than the next – that’s our mindset anyway.
“I think it’s just a really great team effort so far and I think everyone’s playing their part, which has been great for all of us.
“I think we’re playing good team netball and that’s the standard we want.”
In other words, don’t mess with a winning formula.
And who’s to argue against that when it comes to Rumbalara, which has enjoyed winning margins of 38, 14, 19, 27, and 32 goals to kick-start the year.
However, the Purples have enjoyed similar fortunes, setting up what will be an enthralling encounter between the two clubs when push comes to shove at Nathalia Recreation Reserve this Saturday at 1.30pm.
That clash is one of only three taking place this weekend as the Murray league split round takes effect.
Moama will be gunning to consolidate fifth spot when it hosts 10th-placed Barooga, while Mulwala (third) will be tipped to topple Finley in the clash at Lonsdale Reserve.
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