Echuca all set for Rochy rivalry

The football win was particularly important for Echuca, which at the time exorcised demons from being knocked out by the Tigers in the 2025 finals series.

That loss for Rochester meant it started 2026 with an 0-3 record, and after nine rounds the Tigers were 3-6 with a finals spot in jeopardy.

But Ash Watson’s side has turned a corner of late, currently on a four-game winning streak and sitting fifth on the ladder.

Also in a rich vein of form is Echuca, which has won six straight matches and is enjoying a strong season, setting up a mouthwatering encounter.

Simon Maddox’s team is second, having only lost once, with the Murray Bombers currently in a tight race with Shepparton for the minor premiership.

With the Bears facing another in-form side this weekend in Mooroopna, there could be an opportunity for Echuca to move a game clear at the top, should it win and Xavier Stevenson’s side slip up.

But Rochester’s resurgence makes victory for Echuca no certainty, and the Tigers have been a thorn in the Murray Bombers recently, having won three of the last four meetings between the two sides.

While the senior football clash should be tightly contested, Echuca is heavily favoured in A-grade netball against a lowly Tigers outfit.

The Murray Bombers currently sit second on the ladder and have won eight matches in a row, while Rochester has won only three times in 2026, sitting 10th and being unlikely to qualify for the finals.

Echuca coach Bronwyn Slater is wary of complacency setting in, given the contrasting seasons the two sides have endured.

“We're not getting too carried away with the measurement of wins when we know that there's players to come in, in other sides, and we know the finals will definitely still be a different story, as will each time that we play each team,” Slater said.

“But there is a good vibe at the club; we're feeling positive, we feel good about our games.”

Slater will have Belinda Lees back at her disposal for this weekend’s clash after the experienced goaler missed Echuca’s past two matches.

Similarly to the footballers, Echuca’s netballers are currently in a tense fight for first.

The Murray Bombers are only behind league leader Euroa on percentage, while third-placed Mooroopna is two points adrift of Echuca and the Magpies.

Though Echuca’s immediate priority is the minor premiership, it already has an eye on finals, despite still having five regular season matches to play.

“Between the three of us (Echuca, Euroa, and Mooroopna), and perhaps some of the others in there, Seymour as well, there's not going to be a safe win for anybody,” Slater said.

“We're just going to have to work hard and see how it rolls out on the day.

“I know Shepparton Bears are sitting a little lower, but I still think that they've got plenty to come back into that team.”

Echuca has another winnable fixture against winless Kyabram following the Rochester clash, before facing Seymour on August 1 and Mooroopna in its final regular season match.

Both clashes should be solid tests for the Murray Bombers ahead of their pursuit for premiership glory in September.

Along with the action on the court and field, Echuca is also holding a Past Players Day and Ladies Day this weekend, with the latter starting at 1pm.

Members from the Murray Bombers’ 2001 GVL football premiership side will also be in attendance as part of a reunion, that team having beat Rochester in the grand final that year.

Echuca’s senior clashes against Rochester will take place on Saturday, July 18 at Moama Recreation Reserve, with the A-grade netball at 12.45pm, and the football fixture starting later at 2pm.