It may have only been round five of the Goulburn Valley League A-grade competition, but spectators may have witnessed the two grand finalists battle it out on Saturday.
Shepparton United kept its undefeated record intact after it held off a gallant Echuca to clinch a 10-goal win at Deakin Reserve.
The encounter between the top two teams on the table lived up to its pre-round hype.
Echuca roared out of the blocks early and got the jump on the home side.
Steph Vick's challengers held a 15-10 lead at the first break after strong efforts in goals from Belinda Lees and Sherridan Townrow.
However, United came to life in the second term and piled on 12-8 which narrowed the margin to one goal in Echuca's favour.
The Dees, led by star talent Jessie Barnes, were able to win the third quarter and entered the last break with a slim 34-33 advantage.
But like good sides do, the Dees were able to shake the shackles in the last term and powered ahead to salute over the Murray Bombers 50-40.
The result leaves Tania Orchard's side as the only team without a loss to its name and firm premiership favourite moving forward.
Echuca certainly lost no admirers for its effort against the ladder leader.
This weekend United travels to Tatura Park, while Echuca is back at home with a bout against Mansfield.
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