Going for goal: Echuca United’s Jordan Hay attempts a shot at goal. Photo: Cathlyn Herd
They say all good things come to an end, and in heartbreaking fashion, that is exactly what happened to Echuca United’s run of seven straight wins in the Murray Netball League A-Grade competition.
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The Eagles travelled to Moama Recreation Reserve with all the momentum, but were unable to overcome a spirited Magpies outfit, with the home side mounting a second-half comeback to claim the clash 45-42.
Moama coach Jodie Lake knew the Eagles would be a tougher prospect than when they met in round two, and was pleased with how her troops stood up under fire.
“Super proud of how the girls played,” Lake said.
“We knew United had come a long way and were a force to be reckoned with, which they proved by winning the first half.
Good vision: Echuca United’s Remy Day sends off a pass. Photo: Cathlyn Herd
“It was really a game of match ups I think, so the changes we made at half time really proved to be the key to taking out the victory.”
Echuca United co-coach Kate Donehue agreed the positional changes made by Moama turned the game after half-time, although was extremely happy with the progress and leadership shown by her side.
“We knew our game against Moama was always going to be tough,” she said.
“The girls combined well from the start, Tessa (Bruni) and Amy (Sherlock) gave it their all in defence, and Jess (Davidson) showed leadership through the middle.
“Moama made some positional changes at half time that worked in their favour. A credit to Moama’s young girls — Abby Larkin, Sienna Agg and Charlie Boschetti who stood up for them.”
Tough contest: The opposing centres patrol the midcourt. Photo: Lauren Davy/Vicki Laffy
“The difference between our round two clash and yesterday was 19 goals, we have come so far.”
Tessa Bruni starred in the loss for the Eagles, and debutant Aisha Railton also impressed, delivering a composed performance that did not look out of place at A-Grade level.
Moama captain Liv Taverna played a solid role at both ends for the Magpies to claim the Teasdale award for best-on-court, while Lisa Drysdale provided a calming presence despite heavy pressure underneath the goal ring.
Go in: Lisa Drysdale puts a shot up for Moama. Photo: Lauren Davy/Vicki Laffy
The win is a massive boost for the Magpies, who improve to 6-4 and open up a four-point gap between themselves in fifth and Congupna in seventh. They will look to continue their winning ways when they venture over to Tocumwal next week to take on the winless Bloods.
The end of the Eagles’ winning streak means they are two games adrift of second place, although still sit fourth with a one-game gap to Moama in fifth.
It will be a tough ask for United to get back on the winners list next week, when they take on the undefeated Deniliquin at home, before back-to-back byes.
