Echuca’s burgeoning trophy haul continues to grow with victory ― albeit at the last moment ― against a spirited Shepparton Swans in Sunday’s Goulburn Valley League B-reserve netball grand final.
Murray Bombers goal shooter Jordan Townrow was the hero, sinking the game-winner with less than 10 seconds remaining to take it 44-43 after the Swans had twice tied the affair up in the final term, having trailed at every change.
If this sounds familiar, one would be forgiven for flashing back to the prior weekend’s scintillating Stanhope-Tallygaroopna decider in the Kyabram District League.
This contest ― in the same division level ― was every bit its equal, though.
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Busy in the middle: Echuca’s Kylie Walker offloads one of many passes. Photo by Aidan BriggsImage 2 of 7
Moving on: Echuca’s Lauren Jess turns to make a move. Photo by Aidan BriggsImage 3 of 7
Go long: Echuca’s Lauren Jess sees a distant option. Photo by Aidan BriggsImage 4 of 7
In traffic: Echuca’s Kylie Walker getting the ball out of congestion. Photo by Aidan BriggsImage 5 of 7
Short move: Echuca’s Lucy Eishold passes the ball. Photo by Aidan BriggsImage 6 of 7
Turn it up: Echuca’s B-reserve players celebrate at full volume. Photo by Aidan BriggsImage 7 of 7
Jubilation: Echuca’s squad unites on the court in celebration after the siren. Photo by Aidan BriggsThe Murray Bombers should have led by far more than their four-goal advantage at the first change, let down only by a string of stray passes going forward late.
Echuca would threaten to run away with the contest early in the second, piling on seven of the quarter’s first nine goals to open up an 18-9 lead.
The Swans would work their way back into it ahead of the half through some clutch moments from range from Swans goal attack Lacey Pogue.
In the blink of an eye Echuca would be up by a mere two goals, the Murray Bombers mainly benefitting from a litany of defensive fouls to ensure the margin would continue to plateau heading into the final 15 minutes.
Swans goal shooter Amy Woodman was near-flawless in her close-range positioning and finishing around goal in the second half, but Townrow stood up as her side was repeatedly pegged back, finishing off the final of three goals the teams would trade in a frenetic last 60 seconds.
Echuca skipper Kylie Walker, industrious and exemplary from first to last, was awarded best-on-court at the post-match ceremony.
A visibly and audibly emotional Betty McCoombe, in her first year coaching, shared her feelings post-match.
“I’m elated to see the hard work of all my players that they’ve put in all season be rewarded,” McCoombe said.
“I’m super proud that they pushed through it and came out the other end to be in front.
“Everyone stood up, everyone played their role and did what they needed to do and we’ve just rewarded ourselves.”
McCoombe shared her thoughts on the path that led her to the Murray Bombers’ B-reserve helm and the satisfaction this moment brings.
“I took this journey to help develop and push my coaching,” McCoombe said.
“Never in my wildest dreams had I thought that I’d have a premiership in my first year.
“It’s been an amazing experience and I’ve learned so much.
“I hope I’ve imparted a little bit to the girls, but it’s been a fantastic journey.”