Echuca-Moama Border Raiders women celebrated a second straight win to start their 2026 season against Castlemaine Goldfields last weekend. Photos: Matthew Kappos
Echuca-Moama Border Raiders women have started their season with back-to-back wins after a comfortable victory over Castlemaine Goldfields last weekend.
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The Border Raiders were in good spirits entering their first home game of the year, having defeated Spring Gully United 5-0 in round two, while Castlemaine was also victorious in a 5-1 result away to Golden City.
Charley Schwenke challenges for possession.
Echuca-Moama started the better in the round three clash at Jack Eddy Oval, taking control of proceedings in the first half with more possession and shots on goal, but it had to wait until the 41st minute for the breakthrough, as Maya Cox opened the scoring.
The side entered half-time 1-0 up, still needing to put Castlemaine away in the second period, and again the goals would arrive late in the half.
Phoebe Crothers takes the throw-in.
A two-goal buffer was created in the 71st minute when Jessica Pemberton found the net, before a 80th minute own goal effectively secured the win.
But the Border Raiders weren’t finished, as Roche Du Toit added a fourth in the 87th to crown a dominant 4-0 display.
Roche Du Toit brings the ball under her control.
A second straight win means Echuca-Moama currently sits top of Football Victoria Bendigo League 2, being one of three sides to have a perfect record, though its impressive +9 goal difference makes the side a standout in the competition.
Jessica Pemberton takes on her marker.
“We've been really impressed, we've had a lot of young girls come up and they've had their opportunity to play in the women's team because we've had some low numbers,” Border Raiders co-coach Paige Pinson said.
“However, they've done a brilliant job, they've fit right into the team.
“We're really connecting as a team this year and it is our building season, so it's nice that we're starting to get some nice passes and we're starting to play a bit more technically.”
Kaylah Lochhead is dispossessed by Anna Howard.
Echuca-Moama’s next opportunity to showcase its improving playing style will come on Sunday away to La Trobe University, with kick-off at 12.30pm.
In an inverse of the Border Raiders’ start, La Trobe is without a win two games into its season.
Dian Forsythe dribbles with the ball down the wing.
“We're aiming for it to be a tough game, we know that there's been a lot of turnover and things in La Trobe, so we're not sure what team they're going to present on the field that day,” Pinson said.
“So we're going and assuming it's going to be a really tough game, we're going to go out there, give it our all and put our best level on the field that we can and then settle in from there.”
Jessica Pemberton passes under pressure.
Meanwhile, the Border Raiders men served a bye in round three, but will also be in action this weekend, taking on Swan Hill at Ken Harrison Reserve on Saturday, with the match starting at 2.30pm.
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