Echuca-Moama started strongly at Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park, with Hugo Beggs giving the Border Raiders an early lead, running onto a pass in behind and finishing well, though the number 10 endured an unfortunate quad injury in the process of scoring.
Adrian Richardson’s team took that advantage into half-time and looked set to snatch three important points from a tough opening away trip during the second half, before late frustration set in.
Castlemaine would equalise towards the end through a penalty earned via a handball, with Border Raiders goalkeeper Christopher Knight initially saving the spot-kick, but a retake was required as he moved off his line before the ball was kicked.
Lachlan Horn converted the second attempt, his effort trickling through Knight’s legs to ensure the spoils were shared, which given the length of travel involved is a solid point for the Border Raiders, but could have been much more.
“Our defence was very strong and we had most of the play, any time they tried to attack we were able to shut them down beforehand,” coach Richardson said.
“The whole game was probably played pretty much in our half, they had a couple of shots, but nothing like we had, we had so many shots, it was ridiculous, that we just couldn't put in the back of the net.”
Richardson admitted his side needed a focal point in attack to finish its chances.
But the overall performance was solid, particularly as the Border Raiders’ match day squad had only two substitutes, which went down to one with Beggs’ injury, the side likely fatiguing as the second half wore on.
Echuca-Moama does have 18 in its squad, needing to use its depth for a scheduled match against Deniliquin on Saturday, with a few players expected to be away, including both goalkeepers, an outfield player likely needing to take the gloves.
