Echuca puts freeze on Eagles

FREEZING conditions greeted both teams for the clash in Mansfield in the Goulburn Valley Netball Association.

Echuca was on top early, with goalers Casey Frame and Olivia Hannon capitalising on every opportunity.

This accuracy saw Echuca take a six-goal lead into the first break.

The second quarter saw Dearnah Kent and Eve Gregor apply defensive pressure, resulting in many turnovers which contributed to Echuca’s 10-goal lead half way through the second quarter. Mansfield battled hard, piling on four consecutive goals in the last few minutes, however Echuca had all the answers, holding on to its 10-goal lead at half time.

The third quarter saw great delivery by Abby Poulton and Carri Carter.

Leah Thompson was instrumental in transferring the ball from the defensive end.

Again, Mansfield edged closer in the final minutes, but Echuca held on to a 42 to 27 lead going into the final break.

The final quarter saw the game continue with Echuca in control for most of the time.

Maddie Wines worked hard in the centre, providing great leads and direction.

Echuca eventually took victory 57-41.

Echuca’s best were Casey Frame, Olivia Hannon and Abby Poulton.

On a beautiful winter’s day, the B grade Murray Bombers took on Mansfield, wanting to redeem ourselves after a close game the last time the teams met.

Echuca had a great start with Ebony Scott reading the play well, taking many intercepts and getting many hands to balls.

This set the tone for the rest of the girls who applied great defensive pressure right across the court.

Lucy Eishold had great ball placement into the goalers and her quick drive onto the ring made it difficult for the Eagles to hold up Echuca’s attacking end.

Emmirson Rohde and Olivia Slattery shot extremely well which, combined with tight defence by Rebecca Whiltock and Tina Rankins, proved too strong for Mansfield, running out winners by 22 goals, 48-26.

Best players were Scott, Eishold and Rohde.

A patchy first quarter was quickly put to rest, with Echuca’s B reserve playing a tighter defence, led by Liv Watson, forcing many turnovers, while attack capitalised with smart passing into the ring and terrific goaling accuracy.

A steady nine-goal half time lead continued to extend, despite many positional changes.

Great leadership by Karlie Stevens who got her hands to everything and presented as a strong option all over the court.

The ever-reliable Kate Donehue was a major contribu- tor, in defence and in the goal ring.

A fantastic win overall, showcasing Echuca’s wonderful strength, versatility and teamwork.

Stevens, Watson and Donehue were Echuca’s best in the 46-24 win.

Echuca’s under 17s produced a strong performance to defeat Mansfield by 28 goals at the weekend.

The Bombers stamped their prominence early, moving the ball effortlessly down the court from defence to attack.

Despite a late first quarter surge by the Eagles, Echuca took a five-goal lead into the first break.

Strong defence from Molly Byrne and Sophie Deola in the second quarter saw Echuca strengthen its lead to 12 goals.

Bel Johnson moved into centre in the third quarter and immediately had an impact, while Marni Rickard and Claudia Mawson combined well in the offensive goal circle.

The Bombers shot 15 to four goals in the third term, their best quarter of the game.

Echuca’s versatility was demonstrated in the fourth quarter, with Tayla Stewart moving to goal keeper and Molly Byrne to goal defence, no doubt a strong team attribute heading into finals.

The final score saw Echuca win 53-25.

Best players included Rickard, Mawson and Johnson.