Sport

Eagles drop tight one to credible Blues

By Matthew Kappos

May 10, 2026

Jack Reiter kicked three goals to lead Echuca United in a narrow loss to Numurkah.

Echuca United pushed one of the league’s leaders within a kick at the weekend, falling narrowly away to Numurkah.

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A sluggish first period proved the Eagles’ undoing as the Blues held on for a 9.7 (61) to 8.8 (56) win at Numurkah Showgrounds.

United failed to kick a goal in the opening term, forced to settle for two minor scores, while Numurkah jumped out to a modest 17-2 lead after kicking a wayward 2.5.

The Eagles would actually finish on top over the final three quarters and had the lead back to four by the main break.

In an even third term, both sides kicked two goals and there was only a single major in it headed into the fourth.

Numurkah struck quickly to earn a buffer, but the Eagles kicked three straight to surge into the lead by seven points halfway through the final term.

However, it wasn’t to be for Echuca, the Blues slotting two late goals to regain the ascendancy and take the match by five.

Jack Reiter was the only multiple goal-kicker for Echuca United with three, while Matthew Lias impressed in midfield, the Eagles’ best-on-ground.

A narrow 2-3 after some close contests, the Eagles have a tight percentage of 92.58 through their five games, while Numurkah survived to reach 5-1 on the year.

The Eagles sit eighth, with plenty of upward movement possible should they return to the winner’s circle at home to Mulwala this weekend.