Sport

Early nerves put United behind

By Matthew Kappos

Mar 29, 2026

Georgina Farrell was lively for Echuca United in the opening fixture, grabbing best-on-court recognition. Photos: Jordan Townrow

A bright and energetic Echuca United A-grade side took to the court for the first time in 2026, hosting Deniliquin in the opening round of the Murray Netball League season.

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In a hard-fought battle, it was the Eagles’ inexperience that put the locals at a first-quarter deficit and Leesa Hooppell’s side would never fully recover after trailing by seven at the first break.

Tiah Hooppell fires over Ellie Panton. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The Rams would maintain the margin into half-time, up 29-22 at the major break, but United would recalibrate over the break to up the intensity in the second 30 minutes.

An early third quarter run put the Eagles within two at 31-33, but Deniliquin managed to hold them at arm’s length and restore a four-goal advantage at the final change.

Diaz Agg looks for options in midcourt. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Echuca United again spent most of the final period within three goals, but the Rams were able to match the locals down the stretch, finishing 51-46 victors.

“It would’ve been better to win, but with all our young girls we had on the court, I thought they handled themselves really nicely,” Hooppell said.

“Our first quarter probably let us down with a few silly mistakes and we couldn't quite get into the groove.

“We kept coming back and three or four times were within two goals throughout the game, but we couldn't capitalise when we needed to.”

Mia Arthurson makes the leaping grab. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The defining characteristic of the 2026 United team is youth and with it comes all the advantages and drawbacks, of a young, athletic side.

On this occasion, early nerves got to the Eagles briefly in the first period, setting the stage for the Rams’ eventual win.

Tiah Hooppell searches for goal circle targets. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

“I had three girls on the court that hadn't even played A-grade yet, so I think it was just nerves to be honest,” Hooppell said of the slow start.

“Once we started to settle in to it, we got better and better, but the Deni side was just beautiful.

“They’ve got some new players, but they had a really great connection, especially their attacking end.

“We had one wise head on the court whereas they had four or five, so just a bit more level-headed at times when they needed to be.”

Coby Morgan in possession. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

One of the United debutantes, Georgina Farrell, played beyond her experience, earning best-on-court honours for the Eagles with a composed effort from wing defence.

“For a first time A-grade game, it looked like she'd been playing with the girls forever,” Hooppell said.

“She provided drive down the court when we needed it and she was able to shut down her wing attack too.”

Stephanie Bork pushes through the middle third for Deniliquin. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

United now heads into several difficult fixtures in the young season, set to battle local rival Moama in the Three Jacks Good Friday clash, before taking on another well-established finals presence, Tongala.

“Looking forward to the challenge, but we're just trying to find our feet and we're probably not going to find it for another three or four weeks until I get the combos right,’’ Hooppell said

“It's just a matter of persevering and trying a few different things and, hopefully, we can find our groove.”

Moama and Echuca United’s A-grade sides will play at Moama Recreation Reserve from 1.30pm on Good Friday.