Sport

Echuca United unravelled by Rumba in round 17 thriller

By Oliver Shedden

Aug 10, 2025

Anthony McMahon was one of Echuca United’s best in the loss to Rumbalara. Photo: Rechelle Zammit

While Echuca United is out of the running for the Murray Football League finals, it still put on a good show against Rumbalara in round 16.

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Despite their efforts the Eagles couldn’t hold on to a first-quarter lead against a side clamouring at the death for the last finals position.

Travelling to Mercury Drive, Shepparton, , it was Echuca United that came out a winner by the first break, with the visitor putting two through the middle with the host managing one in reply.

Nikolas Mackie fends off Rumbalara's Kydan Atkinson. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Things took a turn as Rumba found their feet, nailing four majors and holding the Eagles to two goals to snatch a five-point lead at half-time.

Echuca United continued on its steady path, adding another two goals to its collection, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap entirely, with a two-goal effort from Rumba keeping a one-goal buffer between the two sides.

Nicholas McKenner goes to guard the mark against Rumbalara's Kian Wise. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The Eagles ended the game the same way they played all the way through, with two goals and some change to end their day.

However, that wouldn’t be enough to stop Rumba, who powered through 3.2 down the stretch to emerge victorious by 11 points.

Jamie Atkinson and Ryan Stobaus have eyes on the ball. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The final score was 8.10 (58) to 10.9 (69).

Ryan Stobaus was key in front of goal with three majors, while Matthew Harris was named best-on-ground for his side.

Ryan Stobaus and Elwyn Bush take their fight to the sky. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Echuca United will look to finish the season off strongly, which will be a challenge as it will travel to Nathalia to face the Purples in round 17 before finishing the season at home against Deniliquin.