Captain Lily Dunham reacts after sliding a goal attempt wide during Echuca United’s one-point loss to Castlemaine. Photos: Matthew Kappos.
Echuca United spirits were shattered on Sunday afternoon, a Castlemaine goal in the dying seconds dooming the Eagles to a one-point loss.
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Round five of the Central Victoria Football League under-18 girls season saw the Eagles at home to the Magpies at Echuca South Recreation Reserve.
Jada Dennis kicked all four of the Eagles’ first-half goals.
In charge of the game from the opening ball-up, United had a three-goal buffer heading into the final term, but as is often the case, a desire to defend the lead opened the door for the Magpies to make a late surge.
The Eagles knocked through a point early in the term, but otherwise the game was played in their defensive 50, Castlemaine finding three late majors and two behinds, the third goal putting the Magpies ahead with less than 30 seconds remaining.
Charlie Martin hunts the loose ball for United.
Earlier, Jada Dennis looked like she had carried United to the win, kicking all four of her side’s first-half goals.
Three of those came in the first quarter, the Eagles leading 21-6 at the first break, and 27-16 at half time.
The Eagles celebrate Jemma Lewis’ (centre) goal late in the third.
Lily Dunham and Jemma Lewis hit the target after half time to give Echuca United its three-goal cushion, the host eventually coming seconds short of holding on until the final siren.
Agonisingly close to securing their second win of the year, the Eagles instead drop to 1-4, sitting seventh on the 10-team league table.
United’s next action is a Friday evening fixture, visiting Sandhurst, another side with only a single win this campaign.
Jaiden Lowrie bombs it inside 50.
The game
Echuca United: 3.3, 4.3, 6.5, 6.6 (42)
Castlemaine: 1.0, 2.4, 3.5, 6.7 (43)
Goals
Echuca United: Jada Dennis 4, Lily Dunham, Jemma Lewis
16°C