After falling 10-0 and 8-0 in their most recent encounters, the River Rats fell 4-0 to the undefeated Strikers out at Shepparton Regional Hockey Complex despite missing key personnel.
The Strikers notched up win number eight via Xavier McBains brace and goals to Tim Russell, James McBain, and Simon Cole, but Echuca-Moama president and player Adam Thompson was pleased with his side’s performance after a series of late outs had the River Rats scrambling for numbers.
“We had a few (players) pull out in the morning so we were scrambling for a few players,” Thompson said.
“A few of the young B-grade players filled in; we had a couple on the bench in the end.
“It’s pretty hard playing against Strikers, they’re a very good side. We were pretty happy with the way the game went, we kept them out better than last time.
“If we can start scoring a couple of goals against them, put them under a bit of pressure and get a couple of players back, then we can hopefully challenge them when finals come around.”
Thompson credited goalkeeper Wade Oliver and a host of young players in the River Rats back half for their performances under pressure.
“Wade Oliver had a fantastic game, he kept a lot of shots out by himself,” Thompson said.
“Ryan More had a good game down in defence. Ryan Thompson, he had a good game alongside Scotty Park.
“They were certainly putting us under a bit of pressure.”
Defeat consigned Echuca-Moama to its sixth loss of the year, but is still right in the frame for GVHA finals in third spot.
The River Rats will have an opportunity to improve their record against last-placed Mooroopna in round nine at Echuca College, their final home game of the season.
Meanwhile, an undermanned B-grade River Rats pulled off a thrilling 2-2 draw against the Strikers.
Adrian Rose and Will Kerr converted to secure Echuca-Moama its fifth win of the year, with Elyse Kerr a driving force for the second-placed River Rats.
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