And now it has paid off.
The club is through to the Goulburn Murray Cricket grand final on Saturday, March 6, after overcoming local rival Moama by five wickets.
There Echuca will face Kyabram Fire Brigade, which overcame Rochester.
The minor premier has Matt Hinks and Taylor Beard to thank for its shot at a premiership after the pair once again underlined their importance to the side.
Hinks was in devastating form with the ball, taking 5-21 as Moama was bowled out for 70 after winning the toss and electing to bat.
“We continued to bowl in good areas and it just kept coming off for us,” Hinks said.
“I wouldn't say the pitch caused too much havoc, I think our bowlers just got reward for effort.
“Having cloud cover throughout the day definitely helped us to swing the ball.
“We're thrilled to get through to the final but we've still got a massive job ahead of us because no-one remembers who finishes second.”
Beard, who returned to the club at the start of the season, scored an unbeaten 45 runs off 116 balls to guide his side to victory.
His innings couldn't have come at a better time as Echuca found itself in trouble at 4-19 when Ben Fulford was dismissed.
Young gun Kobyn James proved to be the perfect foil for Beard as he scored a tough eight off 64.
“You can't undersell how important Kobyn was for us to the win game,” Hinks said.
“For a kid to come in and a pressure situation and bat through speaks a lot about his talent.
“Taylor was terrific again and that's why he has scored so many runs this season.”
Meanwhile Fire Brigade showed why it has been a regular fixture in the decider after getting the better of Rochester.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Rochy struggled to make the most of its 45 overs, reaching just 8-129.
Charlie Ryan top-scored with 34 runs from 87 balls before he was eventually run out.
In a day to forget for the home side, only four batsmen reached double figures.
Ryan and Jesse Cuttriss were the only players to pass 20 for their side.
Rob Salter and Scott Morris led the way with the ball for the Flames after taking two scalps each.
Despite reeling at 2-5 in the run chase, Fire Brigade was able to regain control of the contest through Brenton Campbell who scored 61 off 87 to book his side’s place in the grand final.
Salter was equally impressive with the bat, scoring a patient 24 off 81 as his side rebuilt its innings.
Jayden Rosin finished not out on 31.
Angus Martin and Kyle Waters finished with two wickets apiece for Rochester.
Saturday’s grand final will be played at Moama Recreation Reserve with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at noon.
16°C