Echuca catapulted itself back into the GVL flag discussion after pulling off one if its finest wins of the season, a 13-goal triumph over premiership contender Shepparton United.
The Murray Bombers flew to a strong start, taking a four-goal lead into the first break over the second-placed Demons in the top-four clash, extending that lead to six at half-time.
A 13-8 premiership quarter allowed Echuca to pull away further before eventually running out a 56-43 victor.
Echuca coach Steph Vick said the win would inspire further confidence in the side’s ability to match it with the big guns come finals time.
“We went into the game knowing it was going to be a big challenge for us,” Vick said.
“We need these tough games leading into finals. At the end of the day, we’ll need to beat these teams.
“Having that win against United has given us that little bit of confidence that we can do this and that we’re quite capable of matching it.”
Without star goaler Bianca Willis, Lily Devlin’s promotion to A-grade proved a masterstroke after she starred for the Murray Bombers in goals alongside Belinda Lees, while mid-courter Greta Pearson carried on a fine season.
United coach Kara Blizzard, Laura Cole and Taylor Clohesy worked hard for the Demons’ cause, but Echuca nonetheless squared the ledger between the two teams at a win apiece in 2022.
“We started off quite strong and we worked hard from the first whistle to the last,” Vick said.
“Our goalers were sensational yesterday. Lily Devlin came up from B-grade and under the guidance of Belinda Lees she played a magnificent game.”
With a strong win over United in the bank, the Murray Bombers now look to this Saturday’s clash against the side which has assumed the Demons’ position in second place — Mooroopna.
The Cats and Echuca will face off at Mooroopna in the final home-and-away round of the season.