Saints A-grade netball falls to in-form Echuca

By Hamish Donaldson

Aug 7, 2023

Under pressure: Benalla's Mikaylah Lessing reaches for the ball. Photo: Brenden Paddock Photo by Brenden Paddock

Benalla had a challenge on Saturday afternoon in the GVL as a top-four Echuca side took to the Benalla Showgrounds court.

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With finals out of reach for the Benalla side, the team was looking to end the season with solid performances.

A top-four spot is not guaranteed for the Murray Bombers yet and it hit the court with a determination to achieve this finish.

Down the line: Mikaylah Lessing takes Olivia Dalton's pass. Photo: Wayne Herring Photo by Brenden Paddock

The Murray Bombers looked to assert their dominance and Sheridan Townrow and Belinda Lees could not seem to miss in front of goal, scoring 10 and seven goals respectively.

Benalla could only respond to Echuca’s 17 goals with eight of its own and after the first break, the Murray Bombers flew away with the game.

The away side dominated the game, winning 67 to 26.

The result sees Echuca hold rank despite the Shepparton Bears beating Mansfield at Deakin Reserve 64 to 35 to stay within a win of the Murray Bombers on the table.

Above the rest: Ella Sheehan jumps high above her opponent. Photo: Brenden Paddock Photo by Brenden Paddock

At Euroa, the Magpies effectively ended Rochester’s finals hopes with one fell swoop.

The Tigers needed a win to keep a tether on sixth, but were tossed aside 63-42 by the ladder leader.

The Magpies will now wait to see if Seymour and Mooroopna can keep up at the top of the table when they take to the court this weekend in the other half of the split round.