Echuca hangs onto its 2017 finals’ dreams ECHUCA 37 def MOOROOPNA 36

A THRILLING one-goal win against Mooroopna has given Echuca’s A grade netball season a lifeline in the race for the Goulburn Valley League finals.

Trailing throughout some of the contest, the Murray Bombers dug in late to take the win 37-36 to keep within touch of the GVL top six.

The result left them still in eighth place, but just half a game outside sixth-placed Euroa.

Echuca coach Casey Frame was over the moon with the huge win keeping her side’s season alive.

‘‘I couldn’t sit down towards the end; we’ve trained so well and played so well, but lapses in concentration have hurt us,’’ she said.

‘‘To concentrate for four full quarters, to me that was the most pleasing thing.

‘‘If it had just gone the other way, it still would have been a pleasing performance. But it just feels like we’ve been rewarded, and the girls deserve it.’’

Things didn’t look good early for Echuca with Mooroopna, 7-6 heading into the contest, shutting down the Murray Bombers in the first to lead 9-6 at the break.

A tight, defensive contest throughout, the Cats still led at the half by a single goal, and at the final change the teams were locked at 25.

But with their season potentially on the line, the Murray Bombers did just enough to steal the narrowest of wins.

‘‘It was really tough and tight all through the game,’’ Frame said.

‘‘In the last quarter we came out and hit the front by four or five goals, but Mooroopna kept on coming back.’’

Trailing by one goal, Mooroopna brought the ball down the court with seconds remaining but threw the ball away shortly before time expired, Echuca hanging on for the memorable win.

‘‘It was a really physical game, last time against them we lost by three so we knew it would be a tough game,’’ Frame said.

‘‘We played extremely well defensively, but we didn’t shoot well and that’s something to focus on this week because it’s unlike us.

‘‘But the defensive pressure our attackers put on as well as our defenders was awesome, and consistent throughout the whole game.’’

Erin Hill continued brilliant form with another strong performance at centre, with many interceptions to go with her usual leadership in the midcourt.

Abby Poulton also delivered, moving from wing attack to the goal ring where she performed against a strong goal defence.

In a strong team performance, Dearnah Kent and Meg Rohde also produced strong games to help their team across the line.

With its next two games against the Shepparton Swans and the Shepparton Bears, a win from one would put the Murray Bombers in a strong position to make the finals.

‘‘We know those next two games will be tough, but we seem to rise to the occasion and play well against the Shepparton sides,’’ Frame said.

‘‘We look forward to seeing if we can pull something out of the hat again next week, it will be another good contest.’’