Sport
Rumbalara’s first win in five years headlines round nine Goulburn Murray Women’s and Girls’ League action
“We’re the girls from Rumbalara and we’re always on the ball”.
A slightly tweaked version of the song has been sung time and time over by Rumbalara’s men’s footy sides since the club’s inception in 1997.
But on Sunday, for the first time in 1778 days, the girls had their go.
Rumbalara’s women’s football side sang the words loud and proud following a narrow Goulburn Murray Women’s League victory, beating Tatura on its home track by a goal on Sunday.
Ayse Aykin kicked three majors, Lisa Thorpe played her first game of the season and just like that, Rumba had their first win since re-entering the competition.
Rumbalara last completed a women's football season in 2019.
Funnily enough, the club’s last win all those years ago came against Tatura.
So, was it tricky? Were there nerves on Sunday?
Rumbalara coach Shannon Atkinson had an honest answer for both.
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Rumbalara's Che Atkinson and Tatura's Maddy Andronaco go at it for the ball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 7
Tatura's Hayley Cooke scoops up a ground ball. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 7
Rumbalara's April Atkinson scans ahead before kicking forward. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 7
Tatura's Amber Halliwell braces herself before launching it long. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 7
Tatura's Dianne Poole walks the ball out from the back. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 7
Rumbalara's Lisa Thorpe spins away from Tatura's Amber Halliwell. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 7
Tatura's Charlie Ohara is brought down by Rumbalara's Christina Ponting. Photo by Rechelle Zammit“Yeah,” he said with a laugh.
“All the supporters and that were on the edge of their seats.
“After losing to Nagambie by two points the week before, I think they were pretty happy to get the win.
“They played really well. It was good to see over the last few weeks what we’ve been working on really come out in the game plan.”
Tatura kicked 2.0 to Rumba’s 1.3 in the first half, but a two-goal quarter of their own after the break had the visitors ahead by a goal with one term left.
Rumbalara survived the final charge, winning 3.7 (25) to 3.1 (19).
While it took a team effort to walk away with four points, Atkinson was quick to acknowledge the individual contributions of a select few.
“Che Atkinson’s tackling was outstanding, Chrissy Ponting played well in the back and Ayse (Aykin) kicking another three goals in a game was pretty good (too).
“Having Lisa Thorpe back in the side, the leadership and the direction that she gave the girls on the field I think is what really helped them get over the line.”
In the Friday night match, Mansfield continued its assault on the competition with a 10-goal shellacking of Nagambie, while Saturday action had Shepparton United beat Nathalia 5.7 (27) to 2.2 (14) and Echuca waltz past Barooga by 32 points.
In the Youth Girls’ division, Zahra Kelly’s four goals powered Shepparton United to a 50-point triumph over Nathalia, while Echuca United was far too good for Barooga, winning 15.5 (95) to 1.0 (6).