The Goulburn Murray Women’s League has become much tighter at the top.
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In a low-scoring encounter in the penultimate round 13, Echuca was downed for only the second time this season.
The long trip to Mansfield Recreation Reserve seemed to have taken its toll on the Murray Bombers early on and the table-toppers failed to get on the scoreboard in the opening half.
A pair of Eagles goals gave the home side a valuable lead going into half-time, but Echuca responded in the third quarter.
Paige Baksh and Teah Bell each stepped up with goals to tie the game at 2.2 (14) at three-quarter time, but it was Mansfield who got the better of the final period.
Both team’s defences were in control of the game and didn’t allow any major scores, but the Eagles won the behind count and took the fixture 2.4 (16) to 2.3 (15).
Echuca (11-2) had the opportunity to lock up top spot on the ladder with a win but will now head into an intriguing encounter with Nathalia (10-3) next weekend.
The Murray Bombers’ astronomical percentage will keep them above the Purples even if they are defeated, but should Mansfield (11-2-1) prevail over struggler Tatura (2-11), the Eagles will snatch the minor premiership.
Goulburn Murray Girls League
Echuca United is just one game away from an unbeaten regular season after defeating Shepparton Swans by 83 points at Princess Park on Sunday.
The Eagles put in a typically dominant performance, kicking eight goals in the opening half while keeping the Swans scoreless to open up a 50-point advantage.
Shepp got on the board in the third quarter with a pair of majors but United continued to pile on the pressure, and by the final siren the Eagles had cracked the century mark to take the game 16.6 (102) to 3.1 (19).
Ruby Mcleod kicked a game-high six goals for Echuca United, while league leader Harper Delamare added four.
The Eagles, now confirmed to top the GMGL ladder, will round out their regular season against Nathalia next Sunday.
Moama took on Shepparton United at Kialla Recreation Reserve in another of this weekend’s fixtures, with the Magpies unable to overcome the league’s second-placed side.
The Magpies managed a handful of scoring shorts in the first half but were held scoreless in the second as the Demons took the match 14.7 (91) to 2.1 (13).
Katie Shanon kicked both goals for Moama and was named among her team’s best along with Kaitlyn Davidson, Bree Church, Madeline Williams and best-on-ground Beth Morris.
Moama will hope to solidify fourth place when it hosts Barooga in the final round.