Echuca United’s Marli Hollamby makes a play for a loose ball. Photos: Megan Fisher
Photo by
Megan Fisher
If the results of this season’s Goulburn Murray women’s/girls’ leagues are to be believed, Echuca is the place to find top female footballing talent.
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Both the Echuca women’s and Echuca United girls’ teams stormed into the grand finals of their respective leagues in the semi-final round, held at Tatura Park on Sunday.
Grace McMillan tries to pick out a teammate.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Echuca United has been the dominant force in the GMGL this season, amassing an unbeaten 14-0 record with a 749.11 percentage.
The Eagles took on cross-border rival Moama in the semi-final, and, as they have done all season, posted a big win to cruise into the decider.
Moama’s Madeline Williams and Echuca United’s Maisy Byrne contest an incoming kick.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Three unanswered goals in the opening quarter set United up for success, although an uncharacteristic goalless period in the second left the Eagles up by only 20 at half-time.
Normal proceedings resumed after the break and the goals began to flow once again for United, who took the match 8.17 (65) to 1.3 (9).
Shaleah Cooper kicked a pair of goals for Echuca United in the semi-final.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Ruby McLeod kicked three goals to lead United, while Shaleah Cooper and Lily Dunham added two each and Remi Baulch also chipped in.
Katie Shanon was the only goalscorer for Moama, whose season was ended by the league’s top side.
Katie Shanon celebrates her goal with teammates.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
The Eagles will be pleased to have progressed without the services of star player Sage Dennis, who is in Queensland participating in the SSA Australian Football National Championships.
Echuca United will now progress to a showdown with Shepparton United, who defeated Barooga 6.11 (47) to 0 to earn its place in the decider.
First bounce will be at noon on Sunday at Deakin Reserve.
Charlie Martin looks to go long.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Goulburn Murray Women’s League
Echuca also booked its place on grand final day on Sunday, defeating Nathalia 2.2 (14) to 0.2 (2) in a scrappy fixture.
Conditions didn’t favour expansive football and both sides struggled to make an impact on the scoreboard but a pair of first-half majors for the Murray Bombers was enough for them to progress.
Paige Baksh and Katie Pollock each stepped up with a goal for Echuca who defeated Nathalia for the second week running.
The Murray Bombers will also meet Shepparton United in the decider, a side with which Echuca split the season series one game apiece.
The Demons, who finished the regular season in third, upset second-placed Mansfield in their semi-final 6.7 (43) to 1.0 (6).
Echuca and Shepparton united will face off at Deakin Reserve, with first bounce scheduled for 2pm on Sunday.
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