Echuca is beginning to find its groove in season 2023.
A 27-goal win over Shepparton United has seen Echuca jump a game clear in fifth spot on the Goulburn Valley League A-grade netball ladder.
The 61-34 victory is Echuca’s second in a row, consigning the Demons to their fifth defeat to consolidate its position in the top six.
A 14-7 first quarter laid the platform for the Murray Bombers, who tallied another 14 in the second quarter to hold a 28-16 lead at half-time.
A 33-18 second half tipped Echuca over the 60-goal mark yet again, and coach Belinda Lees said the Murray Bombers' fourth win was a promising step in the right direction.
“I love being able to coach a group of girls who are responsive to being challenged and who are playing for each other,” Lees said.
“We’re starting to really bond as a group and that’s starting to display in our netball.
“I think the young girls that are still frequently appearing in the side are beginning to feel like they have a place.”
First-year talent Raina Fimmel starred for the Murray Bombers once again, while defensive duo Ash Mangan and Lauren Pryde deflected the majority of United’s advances.
“Raina was excellent in wing defence and was consistent from the start all the way through,” Lees said.
“She’s just coming into her own, to be honest. She’s starting to get the tempo of an A-grade game and the physicality of it.
“Ash Mangan and Lauren Pryde just kept sending the ball back into our attacking end. I thought they were excellent.”
Echuca will now have the opportunity to see where it sits in the GVL pecking order with games against the current A-grade top three to come in as many weeks.
The Murray Bombers will travel to face second-placed Euroa in round eight before tackling Mooroopna (7-0) and reigning premier Seymour (6-1) in successive clashes.
“We have a few tough games coming up. We’ll know exactly where we’re at after the next few weeks,” Lees said.