Border Raiders kick clear at the top after crucial clash

The Border Raiders held the ladder advantage by two competition points but Castlemaine was the only side to defeat the defending champions this season, doing so in the pairs’ round three meeting at Jack Eddy Oval.

On that day, the scoreline was 5-3 against the Border Raiders, but it was a different sort of encounter this time, with the pitch at Soldiers Memorial Park in Chewton not particularly conducive to free-flowing football.

“The field we played on was essentially just mud,” Border Raiders co-coach Paige Pinson said.

“The ball wasn’t really moving very well, which was something we had to adapt for, so they definitely had the home game advantage in that aspect.”

After a slow start in the first 20 minutes as the Border Raiders adjusted to the slower conditions, they built their way through the rest of the first half, although the game remained scoreless at the break.

With players missing, including league top scorer Asha Davies, Echuca Moama needed to find scoring production somewhere else, and Pinson herself stepped into the void.

“I was still in the (midfield) but I saw an opportunity so I went forward and took the chance that I had,” she said.

“I did fall over into a mud pile, but I think it made it worth it.”

In difficult conditions, the Border Raiders were able to hold out Castlemaine for a 1-0 final scoreline.

“I don’t think we've played a half where we haven’t scored in the first half,” Pinson said.

“So I think that was a big mental thing for a few of the girls who haven’t had that experience yet, but they all stayed strong and worked hard together and it was good.

“Everyone had a positive attitude and the other team was still getting around and it was good fun. It was some nice competition.”

Pinson identified captain Erika Love as a strong performer on the day, as well as recognising the efforts of centre back pairing Maya Cox and Maia Hall.

Having fought off the challenge of Castlemaine, the Border Raiders (11-1) are now five points clear at the top of the ladder heading into a general bye this weekend, followed by their own scheduled bye the following weekend.

With six rounds and five games to go, every match will be crucial if the Border Raiders are to secure the number one spot and the promotion to League 1 that comes with it.

“I know next year we’re going to lose a few players due to the girls leaving town because of Year 12 and things like that,” Pinson said.

“So, it’ll be interesting for next season anyway, but this season is looking really good as long as the girls keep turning up to training and keep doing the right thing, which they all are. So far, it’s looking positive.

“As long as the environment today is positive and welcoming and everything, I'm not too upset with however the season ends up, but obviously, I’m never going to complain about another win.”

Unfortunately, the men’s Border Raiders had to forfeit this week’s fixture against league-leader Swan Hill.

The side is in fifth place on the BASL League 2 table with three wins, four losses and a draw this season.

The Border Raiders have a game in hand on most other sides due to a previously postponed fixture with Deniliquin Wanderers, which has been rescheduled for July 27.