Murray Bombers ready for a second challenge

ECHUCA’S A grade netball side has really only had the one serious challenge so far in the Goulburn Valley League this year.

But you could expect sixth-placed Shepparton Swans to be the second one for the season.

And that's what Echuca will want, not to clash with the lower sides every week, but to play a team with some skill to see where it can improve.

The Murray Bombers said as much last week — what do you really learn from a 55-goal win?

Not a lot.

Your close contests and losses are where the learnings come from, so a real battle with the Swans will be good for the team going forward.

While we expect Echuca to win, it's unlikely it will be a cakewalk.

■ ECHUCA UNITED traditionally hasn't done well against the top five Murray Netball League sides this season.

Going down by 36, 32 and 24 goals respectively to Deniliquin, Tongala and Moama, the Eagles will head into its round seven clash against thirdplaced Rumbalara definite underdogs.

But what better way for a young Eagles side to prove itself to the rest of the competition than fully embracing the challenge top teams often present.

If they can maintain their pressure for a full four quarters and make this a competitive showing, anything under 15 goals is a win in our books.

■ MATHOURA may be 0-5 but are halfway to getting their first win this season. With a defensive unit firing, it just comes down to the Timbercutters’ assault up forward.

Once the Timbercutters get this purring, the fate of their Picola and District Netball League season could easily change.

And while their first win may not come this week against Strathmerton who rank fifth, it still stands to reason the Timbercutters have the tools to match it with the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs aren't the gold standard team when it comes to attack, ranking seventh in the competition with 184 goals, compared to 137 from Mathoura. If the Timbercutters’ defence continues to work well together, and their attack takes further steps forward, a tight contest is on the cards.

■ LBU was dealt a rough loss to pacesetters Elmore before its bye in the Heathcote District Netball League, so the rest really came at the perfect time.

With a break to get past any niggling injuries and refresh both the body and mind, the Cats are in the perfect position to snag their first win.

All that is standing in their way is getting over the dreaded bye blues and they are a real chance against Huntly.

Fitness was an issue for the Cats coming into the season, so we're hoping the club used their extra week wisely to get in some conditioning, because running out matches is the next logical step to closing in on their opposition.

■ THERE is no sugar coating this one, LEITCHVLLE-GUNBOWER is in for a rough weekend.

Eighth versus first, the Bombers face an insurmountable challenge when they welcome premiership contenders Elmore to their courts.

There is little doubt the score line is going to get away from this young and inexperienced side, but if the Bombers can put in 10 minutes of boundless pressure each quarter, we're happy with that.