Turn and burn: Echuca’s Hayley Galea goes on the run. Photos: Alexander Dabb
Photo by
Alexander Dabb
Reigning premier Echuca kicked off its premiership defence in the best way possible on Sunday, recording a 4.6 (30) to 3.4 (22) win over Shepparton United.
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Unfurling the 2023 Northern Country Women’s League flag at Victoria Park, Echuca made a bright start to its season in what is now known as the Goulburn Murray Women’s League to take a handy lead into quarter-time.
The Murray Bombers showed no signs of being impacted by the loss of a number of last year’s premiership squad, as they dominated the territory battle in the opening term, scoring 2.2 (14) while keeping the Demons scoreless.
Fourteen points would be the margin at half-time also as Shepparton United levelled things up around the ground after the first break, with both sides recording a score of 1.1 in the second quarter.
Echuca would kick away again in the third quarter, adding 1.3 to United’s one straight to extend the margin to a game-high 17 points at the final change.
Shrugging tackles: Echuca’s Paige Baksh attempts to break away from Shepparton United's Jorja Ayton.
Photo by
Alexander Dabb
The Demons weren’t done with yet, however, keeping Echuca scoreless in the final term while booting 1.3 themselves, ultimately falling just short as the Murray Bombers clung on to record the eight-point victory.
Vice-captain Jorden Irvine was Echuca’s best, bagging a major while providing a constant threat up forward, while Kate Dixon also walked away with a goal and a spot among the most influential.
Co-skippers Jacquelyn James and Paige Baksh also led by example, with James among the best for her tireless work through the middle, while Baksh ended the day with a team-high two goals.
Sophie Douglas, Amy Lee Tatt and Rhiannon Severino rounded out Echuca’s best players in the win.
The Murray Bombers will head to Rumbalara Recreation Reserve next weekend to take on Rumbalara, who entered the competition for its inaugural season this year.
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