Sport

Experienced heads prevail as Echuca qualifies for GVL grand final

By Josh Huntly

Sep 10, 2023

Pivotal: Stephanie Vick passes the ball during Echuca’s semi-final win over Mooroopna. Photos: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

What does it mean to play in a grand final?

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For Echuca players at the final whistle of the semi-final against Mooroopna, you could see the answer written on their faces.

The Murray Bombers are grand final-bound for the first time since the 2018 A-grade premiership season courtesy of an eight-goal win over the Cats at Memorial Oval in Euroa.

But what it meant was best summarised by an emotional Belinda Lees post-game.

Sporting a bandaged leg courtesy of a corked thigh sustained in the second half, the Echuca coach finally had time to digest her tight-knit squad’s achievement.

“I’m really emotional about it. You’ve got four mums out on the court, the juniors around us too,” Lees said.

“From where we started to where we are now ... I love playing with these girls.”

Safe hands: Sheridan Townrow snatches the ball. Photo by Aidan Briggs

The 49-41 victory was Echuca’s third this season over the highly-fancied Mooroopna, with the lead hovering around four goals for most of the game.

Sheridan Townrow, a vital member of the 2018 premiership, registered a pivotal second-half performance, finishing with 30 goals.

Meanwhile, Steph Vick showed her experience with a series of intercepts to help Echuca stand tall in a pulsating late charge from the Cats.

Ash Lancaster shot 27 goals and Maddison Wong battled hard. But the result was beyond question.

Echuca is off to the decider.

Tight battle: Echuca and Mooroopna compete in the Cats’ front court. Photo by Aidan Briggs

“I thought Sheridan (Townrow) really stood up in the second half of the game,” Lees said.

“Steph Vick came through with some nice stops right when we needed them and made sure the ball stayed in our possession. I was really proud of her.

“Lily Devlin is playing above her years. This is her first finals campaign and she did an amazing job.

“I was really proud of the girls and the way they weathered the storm that was coming. They played for each other out there, especially when I got injured.

“For them to stand up and go above and beyond was great.”

With 11 wins from their past 12 games, the Murray Bombers will carry significant momentum into the decider.

Meanwhile, Mooroopna is off to a preliminary final against Euroa or Tatura.