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GVL | Gallery | Chasing pack keeps pressure on, Seymour holds top

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Putting on the pressure: Echuca’s Greta Pearson blocks her opponent. Photo by Megan Fisher

Seymour remains under pressure at the top of the Goulburn Valley League A-grade netball table, with a number of sides in the chasing pack securing big wins at the weekend.

Looking for an option: Echuca’s Meg Eishold prepares to pass the ball. Photo by Megan Fisher

In Benalla, the ladder-leading Seymour produced another impressive win on Saturday, downing the Saints 63-33.

The visiting Lions performed well throughout the contest and coach Ellie O’Sullivan said her side worked its way into the game.

“We sort of started a little bit slow but were able to build an intensity and put the pressure on a little bit,” O’Sullivan said.

Passing time: Shepparton Swans’ Klarinda Hudson throws the ball. Photo by Megan Fisher

“I thought Benalla put on a great performance. I think it was even at quarter-time, so it was really good to try and dig our way out of that and push forward.”

Eyes on goal: Shepparton Swans’ Sophie Atkinson has a shot. Photo by Megan Fisher

O’Sullivan said Saturday’s game was the first time in a few weeks the Lions were at full strength, with Courtney Aldous performing well in wing defence, Casey Adamson putting in a good shift in the mid-court and Jess Lallo having a great game in goals.

She said with the ladder so tight, her side knew any team could come at it at any time.

Taking aim: Echuca’s Bianca Willis goes for goal. Photo by Megan Fisher

“I think we’re just trying to focus on some consistency to our games and trying to put together a 60-minute performance,” she said.

“We know teams like United, Mooroopna and Echuca coming back will be able to put that intensity out for the duration of the game, so we want to make sure that we can match that.”

Full focus: Shepparton Swans’ Sophie Atkinson looks for an option. Photo by Megan Fisher

In other round 12 action, Echuca climbed a rung up the ladder into fourth, defeating the Shepparton Swans by 12 goals.

On the move: Shepparton Swans’ Shinea Sali makes a run. Photo by Megan Fisher

It was an entertaining contest at Shepparton’s Princess Park, with the sides shooting goal-for-goal for most of the first half.

At three-quarter time the Murray-Bombers held a slim five-goal lead, with the visitors extending the margin in the final term to run away 42-54 victors.

Eyes on goal: Echuca’s Belinda Lees lines up a shot. Photo by Megan Fisher

Over in Mansfield, second-placed Shepparton United cruised to victory against the Eagles.

United was too strong in all four quarters, running away with a massive 77-27 win.

Give and go: Shepparton Swans’ Kristy Down prepares to pass. Photo by Megan Fisher

Finally, Kyabram kept its slim finals hopes alive, downing Tatura at home.

The 62-32 result was an important one for the Bombers, with the side sitting 10 points adrift of the final post-season spot.

Quick hands: Shepparton Swans’ Hannah Garner looks to release the ball. Photo by Megan Fisher