Gallery | Shepparton United back in finals race after thrilling Goulburn Valley League victory

The two teams came into the match in a similar position, both were fresh off defeats at home and sat around middle of the table.

However, Echuca and the rest of the top six sat on at least five wins, while Shepparton United trailed with three.

It meant Shinea Sali and her Demons had to win or the prospect of playing finals in her first season at the helm would be nearly extinguished.

With its season on the line, United was relentless with its pressure against last year’s grand finalists to start the match.

Demon Olivia Kirby was dynamic floating through wing defence, while United’s defenders were tasked with shutting down Echuca young gun goaler Rose Byrne.

An accurate Hannah Onley gave United the upper hand early as she shot clean from under the net.

The host took a 12-8 lead into the second quarter and, despite a surge from the Murray Bombers that tied the scores, United was able to hold sway as it arrested momentum and rebuilt its lead.

In the third term, United broke away to an eight-goal lead (32-24) as the Demons looked in control of the contest.

However, with the masterful Belinda Lees leading Echuca, the Murray Bombers were always going to make another charge.

The shift in control occurred late in the third and carried through into the fourth as on multiple occasions Echuca tied the scores.

Lees moved herself to centre and the decision worked a charm as her no-look passes split through United’s defensive walls.

As the Murray Bombers continued to roar up the court, United’s Grace McInneny provided a calming influence in defence.

Meanwhile, the pairing of Onley and Abby Gilmore in United’s attack end was able to capitalise on turnovers and help the Dees secure a thrilling 51-49 victory.

Sali said she was particularly proud of her team’s second-half performance.

“I wanted to push for four quarters because that is something we have needed to work on,” Sali said.

“A few of these big games we have dropped off in the third quarter, but today we pushed every quarter.

“There were a few things that we worked on this week to get this win and we still believe in us and we want to make finals, that’s the goal, so we will keep pushing every single week, we don’t care who we are up against.”

When Echuca came marching back into the contest in the second half, Sali said her players knew what to do to stem the tide.

“We just had to stop Echuca’s flow as they are very quick on transition,” she said.

“We just said ‘let’s stop that quick transition down the court and play a hard man on’ and it worked.

“They are a great group, they are young, there is only a couple of us that are over 30, they listen and they just keep working, they never give up and that is all I can ask for.”

Sali believes a trio of Demons played key roles in the tight victory.

“Belinda Lees is a quality player, her moving into the centre was a big challenge for Montanna (Burke) who is only 18 years old, but I think she really held her own,” she said.

“Olivia Kirby played a blinder today; her hands to the ball were incredible.

“I would also say Hannah Onley putting those shots up all day.”

In other A-grade results, Mooroopna handed Benalla a 48-goal belting, Shepparton Swans secured a 25-goal victory on the road against Kyabram, Seymour beat Rochester 80-38, while Euroa thumped Mansfield 74-47.

Shepparton and Tatura had the bye.