The women’s side won its top-of-the-table clash, and with a game in hand is poised to take top spot, while the men’s side is close to securing its own league title with a crushing victory.
With a defeat likely ending their hopes of finishing on top, the Echuca-Moama women’s side rose to the occasion in an important away clash against leader Swan Hill at Ken Harrison Reserve.
The game proved to be a tense arm-wrestle, defined by an early breakthrough from the Border Raiders.
League joint-top scorer Jessica Pemberton struck in the ninth minute to give the Border Raiders the lead.
Despite both sides’ best efforts, 1-0 was where the score remained at the break, Echuca-Moama on top but far from secure.
As the second half progressed, Swan Hill became increasingly determined to secure the equaliser, but the Border Raiders’ defences held true, and the locals walked away with the valuable three points.
Echuca-Moama moves to 31 points, now just two behind Swan Hill at the top of the table.
The Border Raiders also have an extra game remaining on the schedule, meaning their destiny is in their hands if they remain perfect over their remaining three games.
The side is back in action this Saturday away at Stanley Ave Reserve, battling second bottom club Spring Gully.
Men’s
In men’s League 2, the Border Raiders are two points away from securing top spot and the opportunity at promotion.
Facing off with Castlemaine Goldfields Green at home at Jack Eddy Oval, the locals went on a scoring rampage, putting nine past the opposition in one of their best offensive performances of the year.
Gaston Dassis opened proceedings quickly in just the fourth minute, and Clayton Scott would double the advantage with 12 minutes, driving home a classy volley.
Both men would finish with hat-tricks by full time.
Aaron Schmidt pulled one back for Castlemaine, but the Border Raiders struck again to restore the two-goal advantage.
Seth Turri made it four from the penalty spot before half time, and Christian Marchetti converted his own spot kick after the break to make it 5-1.
A procession of goals followed over the final half hour, including junior Juan Sam finding his first senior goal, and his side’s eighth, 14 minutes from time.
In the end, the Border Raiders stormed to a 9-1 win, earning a healthy goal difference boost in the process.
With just three matches left, the Border Raiders (11-1-1) need five more points to guarantee top spot, assuming leading chaser Colts United stays perfect over its last four.
The Border Raiders look to take one step closer this Saturday when it visits Deniliquin Wanderers.
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