Jorden Irvine was among her side’s best as the Murray Bombers defeated Mansfield by 21 points. Photo: File
Echuca has broken clear at the top of the Goulburn Murray Women’s League.
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The Murray Bombers defeated Mansfield in a top-of-the-table clash to find themselves alone at the top on 28 points.
With both sides 6-1 heading into the contest, a close match-up was expected, and that was precisely how things played out in the opening quarter, with each side kicking a single major leaving the game tied at six apiece.
Mansfield faltered in the second, unable to hit the scoreboard, but Echuca established a valuable 12-point advantage kicking another two goals.
The Murray Bombers continued to dominate throughout the second half adding another major in each quarter and a handful of behinds to take the match 5.3 (33) to 2.0 (12).
Echuca co-captain Paige Basch established herself at the top of the goal-kicking chart, her three majors bringing her to a league-leading 33 for the year.
Basch’s captaining partner Jacquelyn James and Kim Oakley were the other goalscorers for the Murray Bombers.
Jedah Huf distinguished herself as best-on-ground for Echuca, while Sophie Perkins, Lilly Hillman, James, Jorden Irvine and Katie Walker all put in good shifts to make up the Murray Bombers best.
It was the second top-of-the-table clash in a row for the defending champion Murray Bombers, who dispatched leading contenders Nathalia last week in a grand final rematch before following up against Mansfield, who had replaced the Purples on top.
With more than half the season having now elapsed, Echuca (7-1) sits a game clear at the top, with a chasing pack of Nathalia, Mansfield and Shepparton United (all 6-2) close behind.
The Murray Bombers face Barooga (3-5) next week as they look to maintain their edge over the rest of the league.
Goulburn Murray Girls League
Echuca United appears unstoppable in the Goulburn Murray Girls League, with Shepparton Swans the latest victim of the rampant Eagles.
Sage Dennis put in a solid shift as Echuca United thrashed Shepparton Swans, being named one of her side’s best. Photo: Supplied
United executed a dominant shutout of the Swans in a 15.9 (99) to 0 triumph.
A modest first period saw the Eagles log 2.2 in the first quarter before putting the hammer down in the second, racing to 50 points by the major break.
A one-goal third period was followed up with another seven in the fourth to complete another massive win for the Eagles.
Harper Delamare shouldered the brunt of the scoring load, kicking five majors to lead her side, while Maisy Byrne, Shaleah Cooper and Ava Plattfuss each added two goals to the total.
Cooper was named her side’s best, with Marli Hollamby, Delamare, Sage Dennis, Emma Oellerman and Holly Formosa also recognised for strong performances.
The perfect Eagles (8-0) travel to Barooga (4-4) next Saturday as they look to maintain their dominance at the top of the league.
Also in round eight, Moama could not overcome a strong Shepparton United outfit, going down 0.3 (3) to 12.18 (90).
Bella Kendrick, Matilda Cooke, Emma Steenbuck, Shaylah Olsson, Madeline Williams and Mathilda Beggs were their team's best among well-beaten Magpies.
Moama (2-5) is in fifth place on the GMGL ladder ahead of a match with Shepparton Swans (3-5) at Moama Recreation Reserve on Friday.
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