Sport

No success for Border Raiders in trio of clashes

By Matthew Kappos

Aug 20, 2025

Phoebe Crothers uses her head in Sunday’s contest with Shepparton United. Photos: Matthew Kappos.

It was another difficult week for Border Raiders FC’s senior sides in the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League.

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Despite playing second-placed Swan Hill, the men’s side was well in the contest at Ken Harrison Reserve and was unlucky to come away without any points in League 2.

The Border Raiders made a good start to the game, and Dillion Cahill had them in the lead within 10 minutes.

The Echuca-Moama side’s advantage lasted for just over a quarter of an hour until Cooper Fox levelled the scores.

The game remained 1-1 until halftime, and neither side was able to break the deadlock through most of the second.

Erryn Flynn looks to take control. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Fox would eventually prove the hero for Swan Hill, slotting his second goal with 10 minutes to play.

The Border Raiders were quickly down to 10 men after Jack Ryan picked up a second yellow, hampering their search for an equaliser, and the game finished 2-1 in Swan Hill’s favour.

With two rounds remaining, the Border Raiders are locked into fifth position on the ladder.

The side’s penultimate fixture is a visit to Strathfieldsaye Recreation Reserve on Saturday to take on Strathfieldsaye Colts.

Women’s

Peaches Starritt makes a forward run. Photo by Matthew Kappos

The Border Raiders’ women’s side had two tough fixtures, against the league’s top two, in League 1.

On Sunday, Shepparton United visited Jack Eddy Oval and put in a classy performance.

The visitor notched three goals before the break, and though the weather deteriorated after halftime, it didn’t slow Shepp’s roll, as it found another six after the break for a 9-0 win.

Border Raiders goalkeeper Abigale Macek plays it out from the back. Photo by Matthew Kappos

On Tuesday, the Border Raiders again took to Jack Eddy Oval in a catch-up fixture against league-leader Spring Gully.

It was a similar story against quality opposition, and Spring Gully walked away 12-1 winners.

Renata Kincaid takes it away from Rebekah Lawson. Photo by Matthew Kappos

The women’s league has only one round remaining — the Border Raiders will finish the year with a visit to La Trobe University.

Any points in that game should see the side avoid bottom spot, but there will be some nervous waiting as much of the league still holds a game in hand, including bottom-placed Eaglehawk, which trails the Border Raiders by three points.