MNL | Rams prevail over Rumba in battle of Murray League heavyweights

By Zac Standish

Apr 24, 2022

Proud of the effort: Deniliquin coach Rhiannan Maxwell was full of praise after her team’s win against Rumbalara. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Deniliquin Rams made a Murray Netball League statement on Saturday afternoon, travelling to Rumbalara and defeating the perennial A-grade contender 43-33.

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Getting off to a fast start, the Rams were able to maintain a solid advantage for the entirety of proceedings, with their stringent defence making life hard for the talented Rumba shooters.

Giving it everything: Deniliquin’s Ella Harvey. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Deniliquin coach Rhiannan Maxwell said it was incredibly satisfying to come away with a tough win on the road.

“It is always a very tough game against Rumba, they have been one of the better sides in the competition for years now so it is unreal that we managed to come down here and get the win,” Maxwell said.

“It gives us lots of confidence that we can compete and beat the best teams, for us now the challenge is to sustain it through the season.”

Assessing her options: Rumbalara’s Lacey Paaka. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The Rams had a number of winners across the court on the day, as Maxwell praised the way her team played together as a unit.

“We just put together a full-court effort from start to finish,” she said.

“Our defence was very solid, we got off to a hot start offensively and I think that might have got in their heads a little bit, setting us up nicely for the win.

At the ready: Deniliquin’s Ellie Panton. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“Rachel Bull was probably our best today in goal keeper, but it was really just a team effort on the defensive end.”

A win that puts Deniliquin firmly in the conversation about premiership favourites, she said the side would not be getting ahead of itself so early in the season.

“I don’t think there should be expectations really,” she said.

Hard yards: Deniliquin’s Ellie Panton. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“I think we just need to keep moving forward and improving our plays and the wins will continue to come.”

Elsewhere, Tongala fought out a tough 55-44 win on the road against Congupna.

A tight game for much of the first three quarters, the Blues broke away in the dying stages to come away with the crucial 11-goal win to improve to a 3-1 record for the season.

Taking the game on: Rumbalara’s Akanisi Seeto. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Mulwala recorded a crucial 47-33 win over Barooga to stay in touch with the top six.

In what was a true eight-point game, the Lions produced their best at the Barooga Recreation Reserve courts in a result that will without doubt give them confidence moving forward.

Moama made it two wins on the trot with a convincing 50-35 win over Finley.

Tough battle: Deniliquin’s Chloe Way and Rumbalara’s Lacey Paaka. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Meanwhile Echuca United notched up its first win for season 2022, prevailing over fellow cellar-dweller Cobram 48-46 in a gripping contest at Echuca South Recreation Reserve.

And in the final match of the round, Nathalia travelled to Numurkah for a Sunday afternoon clash.