Moama Echuca’s senior women’s side is through to the next round of the finals in the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League after an emphatic 5-1 win over Castlemaine on Sunday.
The two sides had played out a pair of 1-1 draws during the home-and-away season, making Castlemaine the only side the Border Raiders hadn’t beaten during the regular season.
But the Raiders were able to get one over when it mattered most, putting in a fantastic performance to claim a resounding four-goal victory.
Thany Williams was one of the stars for Moama Echuca, netting a first-half hat-trick that had her side in a commanding position.
Tatura got a goal back just before half-time through Eve Merton to trim the margin, but the Raiders continued their strong showing in the second half. Asha Davies found the back of the net — her 24th goal of the season — while Williams netted her fourth of the game.
The win sees the Border Raiders move on to the preliminary final where they will face Tatura for the spot in the grand final against Kyneton District.
Kyneton advanced directly to the decider after its 3-0 win over Tatura in the qualifying final on Sunday.
Moama Echuca and Tatura have met twice this season, with both sides boasting a win.
The Border Raiders were 3-1 victors back in round two, while Tatura won 5-1 in their most recent meeting in June.
The two sides will meet at 10am on Sunday at Howley Oval in Tatura.
Elsewhere, the season came to an end for Moama Echuca’s senior men’s side following its elimination final loss to Deniliquin on Sunday.
Hoping to cause an upset, the Raiders got off to a great start, taking the lead through a goal from Samuel Wanesiofa.
But Deniliquin was soon tied again. Josh Perizzolo brought the Wanderers level, with the two sides heading into the break with the scores at 1-1.
The Border Raiders made a great start in the second half, but found themselves behind when Deni snagged a goal against the run of play.
Moama Echuca put in a valiant effort in search of an equaliser, but was soon undone by injuries.
With a number of players hurt, Deniliquin took full advantage, scoring a further four goals to eventually claim a 6-1 win.
The result sees the Raiders’ season come to a close. Deniliquin will now face Shepparton Jaguars for a spot in the grand final against Swan Hill.