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Echuca 48 d
Shepparton Swans 37
It took most of the contest, but Echuca managed to shake off a stern challenge from the Shepparton Swans on Saturday to complete an important win.
With Goulburn Valley League finals action approaching, this battle presented fans with yet another taste of what is to come, with the sides not able to be separated at the first and second breaks.
But the Murray Bombers were able to find a three-goal buffer at the final change, which became an 11-goal victory when the final whistle blew.
Claudia Mawson, Casey Frame and Meg Rohde impressed greatly for the home side at Victoria Park, while Gemma O'Sullivan, Olivia Mason and Julie Telford battled hard for the Swans.
"It was a really good result for us," Echuca coach Gina Pearson told the Riverine Herald.
"They're a side who are not easy to play against. They're tough and physical, that's the style they play and it works really well for them. It takes more than just skill to beat them, you have to be mentally strong if you are going to get the win, and our side was on the day."
The Murray Bombers have ensured they can not finish below third on the table with one round to go in the regular season, but a win against ladder leader Shepparton United could push them into week one double chance territory.
Second-placed Seymour faces Kyabram, while the Swans, Shepparton and Mooroopna all take on teams outside the top six as well.