As the Goulburn Valley League netball finals approach Echuca is in a battle with Euroa for the top spot and knew it could ill-afford a loss of momentum against a game Seymour outfit.
It was by no-means easy going for the hopeful champions, as the Lions took it to the Murray Bombers throughout, particularly in the first half.
A neck-and-neck first quarter saw neither team lead by more than two goals, but it was the Lions that emerged with a one-goal advantage at quarter-time, 9-8.
It was more of the same in the second, with parity quickly restored, and there was nothing between the teams at the main break, locked at 18 apiece.
It looked like Seymour had benefited most from the break as the Lions scored the first four goals after the interval, but Bronwyn Slater’s half-time team talk eventually had its desired effect and Echuca turned on the afterburners to reel off 14 unanswered goals and seize control of the tie.
Up nine with a quarter to play the Murray Bombers kept the Lions at arm’s length in the fourth, going on to record a 44-34 win.
Having gone top on percentage the previous weekend, Echuca kicked further clear of Euroa, at least for this week as the Magpies sat out the first half of the split round.
After a break Echuca returns to the court on August 15, where it will visit finals dark horse Shepparton United.
The Demons will be motivated after scoring a win at the weekend, their finals hope reignited.
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