Eagles fall victim to Nathalia ‘Purple’ patch

By Matthew Kappos

May 25, 2025

Olivia Tilyard and Bridie Hill both get hands to it. Photos: Jordan Townrow

Echuca United continued a tough run of fixtures, falling to one of the league leaders in Nathalia in round seven of Murray Netball League.

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The Eagles were competitive for much of the game, but the Purples were able to make a handful of crucial surges to secure their sixth win in seven, 46-30 at Echuca South Recreation Reserve.

Echuca United's Madison Egglestone and Nathalia's Helen Williams fight for possession. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The opening term proved crucial as Nathalia broke away from United in the early going, opening up a nine-goal lead by the first break.

Determined not to go away, the Eagles rebounded in the second, winning the quarter 10-8 to narrow the lead to seven by half-time.

The odd quarters continued to prove favourable for Nathalia, the Purples goalers draining another 15 goals in the third, while Echuca United could only respond with six.

Tiah Hooppell goes for goal. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

A change of ends again proved favourable for the Eagles and the host matched Nathalia shot for shot over the home stretch, but unfortunately the damage had been done.

Echuca United’s (2-1-4) past five games have had it take on four of the league’s current top six, and that difficult run is set to continue as the Eagles host 2024 champion and undefeated ladder leader Rumbalara this weekend.

Tegan Sutton tries to deny Diaz Agg the ball. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

That will be followed by a second Three Jacks Trophy clash with Moama (4th) and a match-up with Mulwala (3rd).

An unfavourable draw in the short term will turn to the Eagles’ benefit later in the year, with consecutive matches against bottom-three sides Barooga and Finley to signal the end of a difficult run.