Eagles downed by rampant Nathalia

By Alexander Dabb

May 12, 2024

Solid effort: Jordan Frew (pictured in round four against Rumbalara) was among the best for the Eagles on a tough day out. Photo: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

Echuca United at the weekend faced a Nathalia outfit expected to contend in September and was comprehensively beaten, with the young Eagles side no match for the seasoned Purples.

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Fielding an inexperienced side this season, the Eagles fell 1.9 (15) to 24.13 (157) at Echuca South Recreation Reserve to remain without a win through six rounds.

The visitors got off to a reasonable start in the first term, booting six goals, but United stayed in touch, with Justin Cantwell kicking the side’s only major for the term to head into the quarter-time huddle 31 points in arrears.

Nathalia put the foot down in the second term, adding another 6.2 to the scoreboard, and while the Eagles generated two scoring shots, they both resulted in behinds, as the Purples opened up a 67-point lead at the half.

The Purples ran away with the contest after half-time, as Echuca United managed just six behinds in the second half, with the visitors going on to claim the eventual 142-point win.

Ryan Stobaus proved once again to be a shining light for the Eagles in what has been a tough start to the season, with the young defender named as his side’s best player, while Bailey Sawyer, Reece Sidebottom, Jordan Frew, Cantwell and Alex Wagner rounded out the more influential Eagles players.

United will once again play at home next Saturday when it takes on Barooga, another side who is without a win in 2024, which shapes as a solid test for the young side.

MNL

Echuca United was unable to overcome Nathalia on the court at the weekend, with the Purples claiming the Murray Netball League contest by 23 goals.

The Eagles found themselves trailing 7-16 at the quarter-time break, but rallied to match Nathalia in the second quarter to ensure the margin remained manageable at just nine goals at half-time.

But the Purples extended their lead in the third with a strong term, leaving United facing a deficit of 14 goals at the final change, which blew out to the eventual 23 goals in the final term.

Echuca United will face last-placed Barooga next week, with the Eagles a strong chance to put win number one for 2024 on the board.