Murray Bombers claim grand final rematch to stay on top of GMWL ladder

It was against the Purples last year that Echuca finally broke through for a maiden premiership, having lost the previous three consecutive deciders, overcoming a three-quarter-time deficit to pinch the win in the final term.

There were shades of that grand final win at the weekend, as the Murray Bombers rallied in the final term to storm home and emerge victorious, winning 5.3 (33) to 4.1 (25).

It looked as though the match would be all Echuca following the first term, as the Murray Bombers had Nathalia’s defence under siege for much of the term, kicking the only goal while also thwarting the rare Purple forays forward to lead 1.2 (8) to 0 at the first break.

But Nathalia responded in the second term with two straight goals while Echuca mustered just 1.1, cutting the margin to three points at the main break and ensuring the contest remained well and truly alive.

The Purple resurgence continued after half-time, as the visitors again kicked two straight to just one from Echuca, turning a three-point deficit at the half to a three-point lead at the final change.

But just as they did in the grand final last season, Echuca was able to rally, coming from behind to claim a big win after slamming on two unanswered goals in the final term to record the eventual eight-point triumph.

Jedah Huf was Echuca’s best, accompanied by the only Murray Bomber to kick multiple goals in Kate Dixon (two goals), Sophie Douglas, Hendrika Kirchhofer (one goal), Krystelle Lloyd and Olivia Dewar.

Co-captain Paige Baksh and Lily Hillman also hit the scoreboard, each contributing a goal.

The win ensures the reigning premier remains at the top of the ladder with a 6-1 record and percentage of 712.16, ahead of Mansfield (6-1) and Nathalia (5-2).

Echuca will have the opportunity to go a game clear next weekend when it takes on Mansfield at Victoria Park on Sunday afternoon.

Goulburn Murray Girls League

Echuca United remains unbeaten atop the Goulburn Murray Girls League ladder after thumping Nathalia by 75 points at the weekend.

Making the trip out to Nathalia, the Eagle were in control of the contest from start to finish, heaping on 14.10 (94) while restricting the Purples to just 3.1 (19) to register yet another big win.

It was the usual suspects again for the undefeated Eagles, with Jerrah Caruso named best on after booting eight goals, while Shaleah Cooper, Sage Dennis (one goal), Harper Delamare (three goals), Marli Hollamby and Lily Dunham rounded out the most influential.

Matilda Fowler was also a strong contributor, hitting the scoreboard with two goals in the big win.

Echuca United (7-0) maintains its one-game lead over Shepparton United (6-1) on the ladder following the win, and will look to stay unbeaten next week when it hosts Shepparton Swans at Echuca South Recreation Reserve.

Moama suffered a tough day out against Barooga in round seven, going down by 44 points to the Hawks at Barooga Recreation Reserve.

Katie Shanon was the lone goal scorer for the Magpies in the 1.2 (8) to 7.10 (52) loss, and also joined Madeline Williams, Charlie Martin, Bree Church, Emma Steenbuck and Shaylah Olsson in the best.

The loss sees Moama slip out of the top four at the end of the round, sitting fifth with a 2-5 record, and will look for redemption against Shepparton United next weekend.