With the heroines of a decade previous, when the club won seven netball grand finals, watching on the Eagles put in a commendable defensive performance.
Ultimately, Rumba proved too strong, picking up the win 39-23 at Echuca South Recreation Reserve.
United’s defensive efforts kept the game low-scoring and the Eagles kept touch in the first period, trailing 6-10 after the opening term.
Rumba established more of a break in the second, keeping Echuca United to three scores, but the host remained resilient in response, allowing only 10.
The third period was the closest of the game, as Rumbalara could only extend its lead by one, taking the term 9-8.
Down double digits, the Eagles fought valiantly to try to close out the game strong in the fourth, but Rumba’s quality shone through on the day.
With the teams around them also suffering defeat, the Eagles remain steady in ninth position, possessing a record of 2-1-5, two games back from the finals places.
United’s next contest will be the second of the always anticipated Three Jacks Trophy clashes for the year, Moama to host the local rivalry on this occasion.