In a clash between undefeated sides Rumbalara and reigning premier Tongala, it was known that, barring a draw, one team would face defeat for the first time all year.
However, it is doubtful many could have anticipated such a one-sided scoreline between two very strong netball sides.
Rumbalara took the contest not by a handful of goals but by 29, 73-44, making a statement at the expense of the defending champion.
Having rarely been troubled this year, Rumba now looks the undisputed team to beat in the Murray Netball League as it improves to 6-0.
For Tongala, work will need to be done to regroup and refocus, with a match against eighth-placed Cobram next Saturday likely a good opportunity to return to winning ways.
The Blues will not have a chance to avenge this defeat until the final round of the regular season when they face Rumba again on August 24, in what could be the prelude to a qualifying final if both teams maintain their positions until then.
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