Rumbalara has notched a key result in Murray Netball League, picking up its first win of the season after topping Congupna on Saturday.
Rumba and The Road battled it out in their annual Unity Cup clash, with the women in blue keeping the trophy for another year after prevailing by 23 goals.
Rumbalara made a fast start at Mercury Drive, opening up a commanding lead after a first-quarter blitz.
The home side never looked back after that, powering away to a 53-30 result.
The Unity Cup, held each year when Congupna and Rumbalara meet, celebrates the role of women in sport and the community.
Prior to the A-grade match, the men at Mercury Drive formed a guard of honour for the netballers and all other women in attendance to walk through, before a special lunch in the club rooms.
Saturday was the first time Congupna A-grade coach Jodie Fleming had participated in the Unity Cup celebrations, and she said it was a memorable experience.
“I thought it was excellent,” Fleming said.
“The event was really special. There were a lot of people there, the turnout was fantastic – by both men and women.
“I really enjoyed the fact that we all came together. The whole thing is about social inclusion and it really felt that everyone belonged. Everyone was having a great time together and it was really nice to be in that environment.”
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On the court: Congupna's Morgan Zotti with the ball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 5
Taking aim: Rumbalara's Natasha Atkinson-Brown lines up a shot at goal. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 5
Good hands: Morgan Zotti snags the ball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 5
On the attack: Congupna's Kate Boswell looks to work the ball closer to goal. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 5
Photo by Rechelle ZammitOn the court, Fleming said her side was put behind the eight-ball early.
“We were a bit slow to start and that hurt us quite a lot,” she said.
“Rumba put a lot of goals on in the first quarter. But after that, we improved in every quarter and matched them in the last. We just need to get that start quicker.”
But despite that, Fleming said her side’s perseverance was a big positive it could take away from Saturday’s clash
“I was very impressed in how my team handled themselves. They kept fighting and they improved every quarter, that is very hard to do when you get flogged in the first quarter,” she said.
“Rumba are a great side. They are athletic, they are really hard competitors and they are hard at the ball. Our girls stood up to that, which I was pleased with.
“I don’t think the end scoreline reflected what the game looked like. You learn a lot more from losing rather than winning and I think the girls took a lot out of it.”
Rumbalara now has a 1-1 win-loss record with a bye after three rounds, while Congupna is 1-2.
Elsewhere, Cobram celebrated back-to-back wins after topping Tocumwal 40-32.
Mulwala was far too strong for Barooga as it won 56-14, while reigning premier Deniliquin bested Numurkah 52-32.
Tongala defeated Moama 53-42 and Nathalia powered past Finley 51-27.