Did you hear that sound? Because there was a Rumba in the jungle at Moama Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
After being robbed of an undefeated season due to a clerical error in the final round of the home-and-away fixtures, Rumbalara has moved on to bigger and better things as the Shepparton-based side took home the Murray Netball League crown.
Rumba dominated the home-and-away season and finals series to book a spot in the grand final alongside the next-best side, Moama.
A grand final against the resilient and talented Magpies was never going to be a cakewalk, and Rumba struggled through the opening stages of the match.
The haunting of grand final losses in 2016 and 2022 hung over the match during the first quarter as early nerves from Rumba gave the Magpies a five-goal lead (10-15) at the end of the opening term.
Rumbalara star and Murray Netball League A-grade best-and-fairest winner Jessie Barnes-Hill was a calming influence on her troops early.
Barnes-Hill slotted goals with ease and was vocal with support to her teammates as Rumba slowly eased themselves into the flow of the match.
Rumba wing attack Emily Williams was an energetic force for her side as Rumbalara caught up to Moama in the second quarter.
In the second half, thanks to the goal-nous and silkiness of goaler Sophie Atkinson, Rumbalara started to motor away from its Riverine rivals.
Some of Rumbalara’s passing, in particular by player-coach Jess Bamblett, was the definition of centimetre perfect.
Bamblett’s passes out of defence were well-weighted and allowed Rumba to counterattack with intensity up the court.
However, Moama wasn’t going anywhere without a fight, and the Magpies worked hard to stay in the contest as the match approached its final quarter.
With one term to play, the score sat 39-33 in Rumbalara’s favour.
Early goals to Moama tightened the margin, but Rumbalara soon regained control and pushed the lead out to 11 before the final siren blew and the celebrations began.
The final score finished 55-44.
This was Rumbalara’s second Murray Netball League A-grade premiership after first finding success in 2008.
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Rumbalara's Jessie Barnes-Hill starred for her side. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 12
Rumbalara's Emily Williams looks to attack with Moama's Emily Taverna alongside her. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 12
Moama's Abby Larkin looks to defend Rumbalara's Jessie Barnes-Hill. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 12
Rumbalara's Jess Bamblett had plenty of pinpoint passes. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 12
Moama's Pip Metcalfe plans what to do next. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 12
Rumbalara's Sophie Atkinson received best-on-court honours. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 12
Rumbalara's Sarah Thorpe ran hard all day long. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 12
Rumbalara's Sarah Thorpe searches for a teammate. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 9 of 12
Plenty of happy tears were shed by Rumbalara players after the final siren. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 10 of 12
It was time to celebrate for Rumbalara players as the club won its second A-grade premiership. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 11 of 12
Lots of hugs were shared by Rumbalara players on the court after the win. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 12 of 12
Moama's Liv Taverna and Rumbalara's Tiarna Steel go hard at the ball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitThe emotional weight that came with finally securing their next premiership 16 years later was lifted off the players’ shoulders as the large contingent of vocal Rumba supporters wrapped their netballers in a collective hug.
Speaking after the match, Bamblett said she was proud of how her teammates responded after a nervous start to the match.
“I thought Moama came out really strong and it shook us when they were seven goals up on us, which was a bit scary,” Bamblett said.
“I kept my faith in our team and we just kept sticking to our processes; we just kept chipping away, chipping away and we ended up walking away with the win.
“I’m so proud of the girls.”
Bamblett was filled with emotion after the final siren and was given long, strong hugs by friends and family.
Rumba’s leader explained why this premiership victory was especially special to her.
“It has been a hard season for me,” she said.
“I lost my mum early in the season; this is my tribute to her.
“I used her guidance and strength to get us through.
“There has been heartache, but this feeling of having won is (amazing).
“We are going to treasure this.”
Moama player-coach Liv Taverna was understandably flattened by the result but gave credit to Rumbalara’s 2024 season.
“It was disappointing because we were up at the end of the first two quarters,” Taverna said.
“It was a hard-fought game, and we knew Rumbalara would come out fighting.
“They’ve been great all season.”