Levitating: Greta Pearson takes possession.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Hitting finals with some good form at its back, Echuca went into its elimination final clash against Shepparton Bears with a point to prove after drawing with them earlier in the season.
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What that determination delivered was Echuca going one better than last season and progressing to week two of finals courtesy of a convincing victory over the Bears.
After the heartbreak of last year’s elimination final, the Murray Bombers ensured no repeat in a clinical performance from start to finish in the clash at Benalla on Saturday.
Flying: Echuca’s Steph Vick collects the ball mid-air during the Murray Bombers’ elimination final victory over Shepparton. Photos: Aidan Briggs
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Echuca has booked a date with Euroa in this week’s do-or-die semi-final after its 60-43 triumph, with the margin rarely venturing within 10 goals after the Murray Bombers came out swinging.
Sheridan Townrow, Greta Pearson and defensive duo Ash Mangan and Lauren Jones led the charge to make amends for an early-season draw against Shepparton and keep Echuca’s bid for its first flag since 2018 alive.
Coach Belinda Lees formed a dangerous partnership with Townrow in goals and said her side was just getting started.
“I just think everyone’s starting to play their role and they’re all playing for each other,” Lees said.
“It’s fun out there. Our defence right around the court was excellent, we’re really connected and it’s exciting.”
Dominant: Sheridan Townrow shoots.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Lees couldn’t find fault with any of her charges.
“I’d rather just say that it was an incredible full-court effort,” she said.
“That’s all we can ask and when that happens, we play like that.”
The Murray Bombers will now have the opportunity to book a place in the grand final in this week’s semi-final against Mooroopna, and Lees will back her players to get the job done.
Echuca has beaten the Cats on both occasions the two clubs have met.
“We can absolutely get the job done against them. I have complete faith in the group we have together,” Lees said.
