Currently sitting second on the Murray Netball League ladder with an impressive record of 13-1, Rumba’s only blemish came in a round four clash against the Rams.
Since then, Deniliquin has continued its dominance, winning all 14 of its games to be sitting as the clear top seed leading into the finals.
A match billed as a potential grand final preview, Rumbalara coach Jess Bamblett said she was both nervous and excited for Saturday’s clash on the Hardinge Street Oval netball courts.
“You have to feel a little bit nervous about this game, it is a top-of-the-table clash and after losing to them by 10 earlier in the year we are a bit apprehensive about it,” Bamblett said.
“We’ve been winning all our games since then, so it’s exciting to test ourselves, and if we stick to our game plan and what we’ve been doing, that will give us the best chance of winning.”
Having had three months to stew on that loss to the Rams, Bamblett said her team understood what it would take to claim victory this time around.
“We just learnt don’t underestimate Deni and their defence, and we just need to work out some new combinations that we are going to put into effect this weekend,” she said.
“It will certainly be an interesting game that should be close for the whole four quarters, and we just need to be switched on from the start and make the most of our centre passes.”
As for the importance this game has on Rumba’s season, Bamblett said evening up the ledger with Deniliquin to one-all leading into the finals was critical.
“This is a very big game for us and all the girls are aware of that,” she said.
“If we win, it will stamp our authority on the league, being the only team to beat Deni.
“That would make it one-all before we hopefully meet again in the finals.”
As for team news, Bamblett confirmed Rumba would be at full strength for this top-of-the-table clash, with a victory set to catapult the side into top spot due to its healthy percentage.
Around the courts, Moama will be hoping to make its move into the top four as it travels to Tongala to face the Blues, who after a shaky start last week against Echuca United will be hoping for a more consistent performance.
Holding on to its spot in the top six by the skin of its teeth, Mulwala will be searching for a much-needed win as Barooga comes to town.
Sitting in seventh and ninth on the ladder, both Finley and Congupna need to win to keep their seasons alive as they do battle north of the border.
Nathalia will be eyeing off a big win as it welcomes Numurkah.
Cobram and Echuca United round out the weekend’s action with an intriguing clash at Scott Oval.
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