In a season short on wins for both sides, the clash between Barooga and Rumbalara promised one club a rare taste of glory.
On what was a glorious afternoon at Barooga Recreation Reserve, it was the visitors who started the Murray League round-11 clash hot.
A three-goal-to-one opening term saw Rumbalara get the jump on the Hawks, leading 3.4.22 to 1.1.7 at the first change.
It was just the wake-up call Barooga needed, the Hawks booting five goals in the second term while holding Rumbalara scoreless.
The margin was 19 points, and a second win of the season was tantalisingly within Barooga’s reach.
After a nine-goal first half, the shackles were broken in the third term, with Rumbalara kicking six goals to Barooga’s four, and trimming the margin to only seven points at the final change.
But it was a lead Barooga would not surrender, three final-term majors enough to clinch a 21-point victory, 13.11.89 to 10.8.68.
Barooga best players: Jayden Geisler, Riley Gow, Lachlan Sykes, Lachlan Harris, Charlie Ingham, Kris Bextream.
Barooga goalkickers: Riley Gow 5, Lachlan Sykes 4, Kris Bextream, Charlie Ingham, Samuel Trembath, Samuel Macheda.
Barooga plays host to Deniliquin this Saturday.
• In the reserves, Barooga stalwart Dylan Brooks retired in style, playing his part in a 68-point victory in what was his 300th game.
Barooga 13.11.89 defeated Rumbalara 3.3.21 — the Hawks securing their fourth win of the season.