Sport

Eager Eagles break away from shorthanded Tonny

By Matthew Kappos

Apr 6, 2025

Fallon Lieschke sets eyes on a passing option in the Eagles’ impressive first round win over the Blues. Photos: Jordan Townrow.

Echuca United earned an ideal start to its Murray Netball League campaign, picking up the impressive scalp of Tongala in round one action.

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Against an admittedly understrength Blues squad, missing coach Grace Hammond and star striker Milly Brock, the Eagles took full advantage, capitalising on second half opportunities to run away from Tonny 41-29.

The teams were neck and neck in the first half, with only a goal, in the Eagles’ favour, the difference at each of the first two breaks.

That changed after half-time, as United won the third 12-5 to earn a healthy lead, before edging the final stanza 14-10 to walk out comfortable winners.

Chelsea Wright gathers for Tongala. Photo by Jordan Townrow

It was a positive performance for new Eagles coach Krystal Burns, who has added to a core group of returning faces in an attempt to push up the table after a disappointing two-win season in 2024.

For Tongala, the absence of some key names puts somewhat of an asterisk on the loss, but with no timetable on Brock’s return, the Blues will need to do more in future outings if they wish to remain in contention for the title they claimed in 2023.

Echuca United visits Numurkah in the next round, while Tongala hosts Barooga.