Facing off with the defending champion is never an easy task.
So it proved for Tongala in round four of Murray Netball League, the Blues putting in a good performance, but ultimately suffering defeat at the hands of Rumbalara.
Rumba earned a valuable advantage in the first quarter, getting out to a five-goal lead, which they then extended to nine by the main break.
The Blues found themselves 17 goals behind after a tough third period, but regrouped to win the final term 11-8.
Rumbalara prevailed 54-40.
Tonny technically defeated Rumba last season and denied it an unbeaten year, awarded their final round game after the champions were pulled up on a player eligibility misstep, but on the court the 2024 champion now possesses a 24-match winning streak.
Sliding to 1-3, the Blues currently hold eighth position on the ladder.
Their next contest is against last year's preliminary final opposition Moama, which has rebounded from a 0-2 start to level the ledger at 2-2 heading into the game on Tonny’s home court.