MNL | Eagles soar back onto winners’ list with gritty triumph over Finley

By Zac Standish

Jun 5, 2022

Reward for effort: Echuca United coach Jess Saunders said it was a much-deserved win for her team against Finley. Photo by Steve Huntley

After a frustrating month filled with tight losses and tough luck, Echuca United is finally back on the Murray Netball League A-grade winners’ list after a 52-42 victory over Finley.

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Returning to their Echuca South Recreation Reserve home court for the first time since their round seven clash against Congupna was called off at half-time due to safety concerns, the Eagles came out firing with nothing short of a victory enough to keep their season alive.

Looking for options: Finley's Jess Davidson takes possession. Photo by Steve Huntley

Building a sizeable lead early courtesy of a blistering first half, the Eagles were forced to quell a third-quarter charge from the Cats, who threatened to take away that crucial drought-breaking victory.

But the 2019 premiers showed their class in the finish, regaining control to come away 10-goal winners.

Determination: Echuca United's Tilly Keenan looks to pass to a teammate. Photo by Steve Huntley

Snapping a four-game losing streak — which included a tight loss to powerhouse Nathalia the previous week — Echuca United coach Jessica Saunders said the result was a great reward for the effort the girls had put in during recent weeks.

“We kept our composure and took our time, stuff we built on from the Nathalia game,” Saunders told the Riverine Herald.

Up for grabs: Echuca United’s Elle Molluso defends hard. Photo by Steve Huntley

“(The win) is good reward for the hard work and the focus that we’ve been putting in.

“We’ve come away from some losses feeling good about what we’re doing, but to get that win and points on the board was nice reward for effort.”

I’m open: Finley's Ruby Russell calls for the ball. Photo by Steve Huntley

According to Saunders, the most pleasing aspect of the day was her team’s ability to rise to a fierce Finley challenge, with young duo Hayley Saville and Elle Molluso particularly impressive at each end of the court.

“We probably let them back in in the third quarter, but we kept our heads about us,” Saunders said.

“The third quarter they got us back to two (goals), but we just kept extending the lead.

Strong hands: Echuca United's Remi Day claims possession. Photo by Steve Huntley

“Hayley Saville just really controlled the game and Elle Molluso in goal was sensational.”

Around the courts, Rumbalara brought an end to Moama’s six-game winning streak, showing its class to come away with a pivotal 50-36 triumph at Mercury Drive.

Tongala consolidated its position in the top four with a powerful 49-34 win over a struggling Congupna.