The Murray Bombers suffered their first loss of 2026 at Mooroopna in round five, losing touch with the Cats and Euroa at the top in the process, making a response against a plucky Demons outfit imperative.
The two sides largely traded goals in a well-fought first quarter, at one stage locked at 7-7, with Echuca eventually taking a 16-13 lead into the first break.
The even nature of the match continued into the second period, the sides again trading goals before the Murray Bombers went to another level with six minutes to go in the half, a run of seven straight goals in four minutes opening up a 29-21 lead at half-time.
Echuca maintained its near 10-goal buffer at the start of the second half before the visitors went on their own run, scoring 10 of the last 13 goals in the third quarter to only trail 39-35 entering the fourth.
The Murray Bombers would produce their second-best offensive quarter of the afternoon in the fourth while holding the Demons to an eight-goal period for a second time, the hosts going on a series of minor runs to run out 53-43 winners.
Belinda Lees and Sheridan Townrow did the heavy lifting from a goal scoring standpoint for Echuca with 24 and 22, respectively, while Rose Byrne chipped in with seven.
The win means Bronwyn Slater’s side maintained its spot in third on the ladder, crucially not losing any further ground on top two sides Euroa and Mooroopna, who won heavily elsewhere.
Echuca faces Seymour away from home next, the Lions sitting below the Murray Bombers in fifth and set to offer a stern test.
15°C