Euroa’s Bec Colwell over the outstretched arm of Lilli Oliver.
Echuca’s road to premiership glory in Goulburn Valley League netball hit a speed bump after the Murray Bombers were no match for Euroa in Sunday’s grand final qualifier.
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Magpies goal shooter Bec Colwell was a thorn in Bronwyn Slater’s side on the day, netting 54 times, with the sharpshooter’s physicality being an overwhelming challenge for Echuca’s rearguard.
Echuca’s Stephanie Vick passes the ball to teammate Greta Pearson. Photos: Christian Marchetti.
The Murray Bombers kept pace with Euroa in the game’s opening stages, being level at 6-6 after eight minutes.
But the Magpies closed the opening period by scoring eight of the last 11 goals to take a 14-9 lead into the first interval.
Belinda Lees with the chest pass.
Echuca was unable to punch back to open the second quarter, with Euroa’s lead only growing.
The Magpies again went on a run of scoring eight of 11, pushing their advantage out to double digits.
Stephanie Vick looks to receive a pass from Belinda Lees.
Though the Murray Bombers steadied the ship to close the first half, they were still facing an uphill battle down 29-20 at half-time.
Echuca kept its head above water during the first six minutes of the third period, but it was unable to make serious inroads into the margin.
Belinda Lees loops an effort over Tylah Marchbank.
Instead, another strong push from Euroa would effectively secure it victory, as the Magpies closed the quarter by netting nine of the last 14 baskets, and led 45-31 ahead of the fourth period.
Sophie Owen and Lauren Jones jostle for position.
Echuca trailed by as much as 18 in the final quarter as it was no match for the minor premier, which ran out as a 60-45 winner and booked its place in the grand final.
Bridget Byrne throws a chest pass into Greta Pearson.
The two sides could meet again in the big dance on September 20, should the Murray Bombers defeat Mooroopna in a preliminary final this weekend.
Taiysha Wallis is guarded by Lauren Jones.
The Cats progressed after comfortably disposing of Seymour in an elimination semi-final and has a good record against Echuca in 2026, having not lost either of the two regular season meetings between the sides.
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