Yet to win a game in 2026, VFL-listed star forward Levy Tejones stood up when it mattered most as Rumba stunned top-six side Tongala at Mercury Drive.
Two first-quarter goals from the Coburg signing, alongside majors to Darrnell Edwards and Elwyn Bush, had the Blues shellshocked and trailing by three goals midway through the opening term, but Tongala steadied itself and replied through Riley Smith and twice through Darcy Laffy.
Tejones and Edwards converted yet again before the quarter-time siren, as would Laffy, with each club’s premier forwards going blow for blow – but Rumba would hold the ascendancy at the first break, 6.3 (39) to 5.2 (32).
Tongala aimed to ensure it would not be caught napping again in the second term and tightened the screws defensively after a high-scoring opening period of play.
Plenty of behinds were booted, punched and rushed through in the second quarter, but when the middle of the sticks were found by foot, it was all the Blues.
The Blues kicked the first four goals of the second term to retake the lead, but a late red-time major from Edwards reduced the margin to a gettable 11.
However, after half-time, it seemed Edwards’ effort would be in vain as the finals aspirants took control against the current last placed Rumbalara.
The Blues controlled territory and scored the first five shots of the half, but would only convert once, leaving Rumba with a sniff of an all-time upset.
Bush’s next major would cut the lead to 15, before the clubs traded goals again – but Rumbalara’s Ashleigh Miller would find back-to-back goals in his efforts to reduce the margin to nine at three-quarter time.
Rumba’s William Sanders scored immediately in the fourth, forcing Tongala to play on the front foot again, but it did so effectively.
Consecutive Blues goals produced a 16-point advantage halfway through the final term and Rumbalara looked dead and buried.
But the same pair of forwards that had been dangerous rose from the grave and proved the game isn’t over until the final siren sounds.
Bush landed the first blow in the 13th minute of the final term, before Tejones booted a late double in red time to put Rumba in front by two points at the final siren.
A loud home crowd roared as the final siren sounded, Rumbalara securing its first win of the season, 14.9 (93) to 13.13 (91).
Brogan McGee and Anthony Walker were named as Rumbalara’s best as Tejones, Bush and Edwards combined for 11 of Rumba’s 14 goals.
Laffy’s six majors for Tongala earned the forward a nomination in the best for the Blues, alongside Tristan Watson, Bailey Waasdorp and Cameron Ilett.
The Blues will look to regroup against Nathalia this weekend, while Rumbalara will aim for its winning ways to continue after the bye in round 10.
Elsewhere, Finley was left heartbroken yet again, losing by a point for the second straight week against Moama.
Meanwhile Congupna was challenged by Nathalia, overcoming a sluggish first half to defeat the Purples by 17 points, while Echuca United recorded an upset win over Cobram, 9.10 (64) to 6.14 (50).
Mulwala, Numurkah and Deniliquin had the bye in round nine.
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