Sport

Fast start helps Moama defeat Eagles

By Christian Marchetti

Apr 5, 2026

Moama proved too strong for Echuca United in its Murray Netball League opener. Photos: Jordan Townrow

Moama has made a solid start to its Murray Netball League season, keeping rival Echuca United at arm’s-length in a comfortable win on Good Friday.

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The Three Jacks Trophy clash was Moama’s first of the new campaign, taking on an Eagles side that was coming off a tough loss to Deniliquin in its season opener.

Georgina Farrell receives the pass. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Carri Carter’s Magpies made a terrific start at Moama Recreation Reserve, leading 12-4 after the first period, building the early advantage with a run of 10 straight unanswered goals.

Maddy Keating catches the ball. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Echuca United improved in the second quarter, though it was unable to slow down Moama, which increased the deficit to 14 goals at half-time, leading 25-11.

Holly Swatton hits a shot over the outstretched Coby Morgan. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Both sides were evenly matched in the third, with Moama only edging it by a goal, and although Echuca United won the final term 11-8, its output would be too little, too late in staging an unlikely comeback.

Indiana Phillips contributed eight goals for Moama. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The early onslaught from the Magpies would ultimately prove the difference, as both sides largely traded goals throughout the second half, Leesa Hooppell’s young side being unable to significantly reduce the margin.

Diaz Agg restarts play from the middle. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Moama’s win was led by 19 goals from Holly Swatton, being aided by 15 from Jinaya Nurse, while Eliza Pearce and Tiah Hooppell led the way for Echuca United with 13 and 10 goals, respectively.

Along with the A-grade victory, Moama won five of the other six grades that played on the day, being key in ensuring it retained the Three Jacks Trophy for another year.

Holly Swatton keeps the ball in play under pressure from Aisha Ralton. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Up next, the Magpies face Congupna at Moama Recreation Reserve on Saturday, April 11 from 1.30pm, the latter looking to rectify a 56-goal loss to Mulwala in its season opener.