Echuca United always knew its meeting with Congupna would be challenging, with the Road coming out on top in round 11.
The Eagles were slow to start but still managed to nab a goal and behind in the first quarter.
However, Congupna was busy down the other end. It bagged five unanswered goals to open the game, finishing the term with 8.3 to lead by 44 points at quarter-time.
Echuca United found some form in the second term, collecting a couple of goals to take its total to 21 at the half while holding Congupna to 1.4. Still, the Road led by 40 points at half-time.
Congupna got a hold of the game in the third term, kicking 4.3 to Echuca United’s two goals, increasing its lead to 55 heading into the final period.
Echuca United shone in the fourth quarter, doubling its goals to end the match with 10 majors, its highest return for the season.
Congupna added five more goals to its total, along with five behinds.
The final score was 10.4 (64) to 18.15 (123), with Congupna too strong for a winless Eagles side.
Echuca United has a lot of positives to take away from this game. It knows it can gain momentum throughout a match and kick accurately.
The Eagles will attempt to build on this momentum, knowing they can contend with the best in the Murray league.
Brady Simpson, Ryan Stobaus, Bailey Sawyer, Shaun Haffenden, Riley Godfrey and Nash Ramage were all named in Echuca United’s best.
Jack Tenace was also effective in front of goal for the Eagles, kicking three majors for his side.
Echuca United will travel to Numurkah to face the eighth-placed Blues in an attempt to notch its first win of 2024.
The Game
Scores
Echuca United: 1.1, 3.3, 5.3, 10.4 (64)
Congupna: 8.3, 9.7, 13.10, 18.15 (123)
Goals
Echuca United: Jack Tenace 3, Shaun Haffenden 2, Sam Simpson 2, Jordan Frew, Riley Godfrey, Reece Sidebottom
Congupna: Daniel Campbell 4, James Boyer 3, Kyle Mueller 3, Daniel Schaper 2, Charles Boyer, Samuel Buxton, Rylen Damianopoulos, Tate Mifka, Jack Norman, Jak Trewin
Best
Echuca United: Brady Simpson, Ryan Stobaus, Bailey Sawyer, Shaun Haffenden, Riley Godfrey, Nash Ramage
Congupna: Tate Mifka, Charles Boyer, Billy Cooper, James Boyer, Jack Norman, Joshua Chapman