Echuca reversed some of the pain of its most recent contest against Nathalia with an emphatic win over the Purples to keep its unbeaten streak alive.
The Murray Bombers shot a game clear atop the Northern Country Women’s League ladder following their 10.8 (68) to 2.1 (13) win, keeping the reigning premier scoreless after quarter-time.
Paige Baksch traded ruck duties with spearhead Jodie Lake, and this time it was Baksch in the goals with a six-goal haul.
Jayda Richardson and Jacqueline James provided first use out of the midfield and the Murray Bombers’ backline ensured Nathalia failed to score beyond the first quarter.
Kiara Cooper kicked the Purples’ only two goals, but it wasn’t be enough to take out the 2021 grand final rematch.
Echuca coach Damian Dalziel said his team was not getting carried away, but remained pleased with the performance.
“At the start of the day we said the game would be won through the midfield,” Dalziel said.
“We’ve got really strong forwards and they have obviously got some really strong forwards as well.
“Nathalia are a quality unit, they’re a premiership side. We hit the board early with a few quick goals and Nathalia, to their credit, hit back with a couple of their own.”
Despite the lopsided nature of the scoreboard, the game proved to be a free-flowing affair.
“It was always end-to-end, their midfield against our midfield,” Dalziel said.
“We had a really positive game of footy.”
Nearly halfway through the 2022 season, Echuca is the only unbeaten side in the NCWL, boasting a 4-0 record.
The Murray Bombers return to action this Sunday at Victoria Park against Shepparton United from 2.30pm.
