Sport

Bamblett-inspired Rumba back to winning ways with 12-point Tat victory

By Thomas Beattie

Jul 20, 2026

Rumbalara’s Jessica Bamblett was instrumental in her side’s victory. Photo by Megan Fisher

Rumbalara produced a dominant second half to defeat Tatura by 12 points and keep itself within striking distance of the Goulburn Murray Women’s and Girls League top four.

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With the sides separated by only one point at the main break, the home side took control after the interval and charged to a 5.2 (32) to 3.2 (20) victory at Rumbalara Recreation Reserve on Sunday.

There was little between the teams during a tightly contested opening term, with both sides registering 1.0 to enter quarter-time locked together on six points.

Rumbalara edged ahead by the narrowest of margins during the second quarter, adding 1.1 while restricting the Bulldogs to one goal to lead 2.1 (13) to 2.0 (12) at the main break.

However, the complexion of the contest changed dramatically after half-time.

Rumba piled on two unanswered goals and a behind during the third term, stretching its advantage to 4.2 (26) to 2.2 (14) at the final change.

The home side then kept Tatura at arm’s length throughout the final quarter, with both teams adding one goal as Rumbalara secured its fourth victory of the campaign.

Nartarsha Bamblett led Rumba’s attack with two goals, while Jessica Bamblett, Chelsea Hall and Maddie Miles contributed one apiece.

Meanwhile, Maddy Andronaco, Shannon Cadel and Sarah Green were the Bulldogs’ goals-kickers on the day.

The result strengthened Rumbalara’s hold on fifth position, lifting it to a 4-7 record and 16 points, as they bounced back from last week’s defeat to Shepparton United.

Rumba now sits three wins behind fourth-placed Mansfield, although it remains in the finals conversation with several rounds still to play.

Tatura remains sixth with three victories and nine defeats, level on points with Nathalia but ahead on percentage.

Around the grounds, Mansfield strengthened its place inside the top four with an 11-point victory over Cobram.

The Eagles prevailed 3.7 (25) to 2.2 (14), drawing level with the third-placed Tigers on 28 points. Mansfield has played one fewer match and trails Cobram by percentage.

Ladder-leader Shepparton United collected the four points after Nathalia forfeited Friday night’s scheduled encounter at Wanganu Oval. United remains unbeaten through 12 rounds and sits four points clear of Moama.

Moama also received a forfeit victory after the Shepparton Swans were unable to take the field on Sunday. The result kept Moama firmly in second position with an 11-1 record, while the Swans remain at the foot of the table.