Eagles just short in thriller

It was a tight contest throughout, but Echuca United seemed to have Rumba’s number for most of the game.

The host came quickly out of the blocks with the first two majors, but United quickly recovered, slotting four of the next five to lead by five at the first break.

The lead got out to double digits briefly in the second, but Rumbalara kicked two straight to regain the advantage before the Eagles snatched it back late in the term, up 37-34 at the main break.

The lead continued to change hands in the third quarter, both sides enjoying periods on top, but United again had the last say to preserve its three-point lead into the fourth.

The teams again traded goals in the fourth, but the weight of Rumbalara behinds began to add up and, despite two majors each in the last term, the host edged into the lead and held on in the dying minutes for the one-point victory.

Echuca United found Cody Haub to be a constant outlet in forward 50 and he continued to be prolific in front of the sticks, kicking five.

The defeat likely puts to bed any Eagles (3-1-8) dreams of a late finals run, the side now 14 points adrift of the top six with six games remaining.

This weekend the side hosts a Tongala team on a high at Echuca South Recreation Reserve.

The Blues have won a couple on the bounce to return to the finals places, but the Eagles have the recent advantage, winning by three points in their round three meeting.