Rumba pinched victory against the Mowers by a single goal in its round 20 Murray Netball League A-grade clash to nab its 12th win of the season, and fourth spot on the ladder.
The reigning premier led by double digits mid way through the second quarter, but the Mowers would not let up, in an early preview of finals-like intensity.
Scrambling back into the fight in the third term, Moama chipped away at Rumba’s lead - an eight-goal half-time lead turned to one at the final change of ends.
The contest was back-and-forth in the final term, but a late goal for Rumba put it up by two goals in the final minute, with a last ditch goal by Moama’s Holly Swatton merely a consolation in the final seconds of a 51-50 full time result.
The Mowers and Rumba will take plenty of learnings out of the weekend’s clash though and be sure to analyse the match thoroughly, with the pair pitted against one another again next Saturday for an elimination final.
With the minor premiership already secured, Nathalia made short work of Cobram 75-31, with a double chance qualifying final to be played against Mulwala in a fortnight, which beat Echuca United 71-50.
Tongala finished the season in third after beating Finley 69-43 at Finley Recreation Reserve, while Deniliquin’s 11-goal win over Congupna was not enought to climb over bye-holders Numurkah for sixth-place on the ladder.
Next week, the first elimination final on Saturday will be held at Moama Recreation Reserve between Tongala and Numurkah, before Rumbalara play Moama at Tongala Recreation Reserve on Sunday.
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