Rumbalara has kept its Murray Football League season alive, holding off Echuca United by 11 points in a must-win clash at Mercury Drive, Shepparton.
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).
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Rumbalara's Elwyn Bush hunts down the ball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 7
Echuca United's Ryan Stobaus and Rumbalara's Elwyn Bush battle it out in the ruck. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 7
Rumbalara's Kian Wise settles after taking a mark. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 7
Echuca United's Anthony McMahon celebrates. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 7
Echuca United's Nikolas Mackie and Rumbalara's Kydan Atkinson battle. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 7
Rumbalara's Brogan Mcgee lines them up. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 7
Echuca United's Anthony McMahon finds his next target. Photo by Rechelle ZammitIt 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.