Echuca steamroller squashes Barooga

By Matthew Kappos

Jun 11, 2024

Olivia Dewar was one of Echuca’s best against Barooga. Photo: File Photo by Alexander Dabb

Echuca continues to dominate in the Goulburn Murray Women’s League, with Barooga the latest to feel the force of the league’s top side.

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The Murray Bombers travelled to Barooga Recreation Reserve on Saturday with only a single blemish on their 2024 record, namely a six-point loss to Shepparton United in round six.

There were no hints of a slip-up this week, as the Green and Whites put together one of their signature comprehensive performances, defeating the Hawks 5.4 (34) to 0.2 (2).

Barooga never got out of the blocks, with the Murray Bombers holding the Hawks scoreless in the opening term to snatch an early lead.

Echuca added to its score in the second, securing a second major to lead 2.1 (13) to 0.1 (1) at the half.

Two more goals in the third term and another in the fourth sealed the game for the Murray Bombers, while the Hawks remained goalless.

Echuca co-captain Paige Baksh continued to lead from the front, kicking two goals and solidifying her place at the top of the league goal-kicking standings.

Meaghan Demasi also chipped in two majors, while Lily Hillman was responsible for the remaining goal.

Jedah Huf was best-on-ground for the Murray Bombers for the third week running, while Jorden Irvine featured among the best for an equal team-high, with Kate Dixon, sixth time.

Baksh, Sophie Perkins, Olivia Dewar and Teah Bell also distinguished themselves with strong performances.

Echuca remains on top of the GMWL standings with a record of 8-1, and a percentage of 675 per cent, although that number does fall a little short of the Murray Bombers 2023 mark, a mind-boggling 1394 per cent.

Its next task will be on June 16 against strugglers Nagambie (2-7) round 10 of 14 on this season’s GMWL schedule.

Goulburn Murray Girls League

Echuca United continues to appear far too good for the rest of the Goulburn Murray Girls League, after dispatching of Barooga 15.5 (95) to 1.0 (6).

A solitary major in the third period was the only resistance the Hawks could muster, as the Eagles piled on the goals throughout the contest.

Harper Delamare led the goal-kicking once again with four, and drew level with teammate Jerrah Caruso at the top of the league scoring standings.

Caruso added two goals of her own, as did Lily Dunham, and Ruby Mcleod, while Ella Plattfuss contributed a trio of majors.

Plattfuss was recognised as best-on-ground along with Delamare, Caruso, Mcleod, Sage Dennis and Shaleah Cooper.

United will have a third meeting with local rivals Moama next Sunday, with the Magpies having previously come closer than anyone to the Eagles so far this year.

The Mowers were awarded the four points this week after Shepparton Swans forfeited their fixture.