GVL | Echuca snatches top-six clash over Bears

Despite a late lapse, Echuca held a comfortable lead for the majority of the contest and Vick said the match-up afforded the side the opportunity to trial different game plans with a big month of netball coming up.

“We were quite controlled, which was a big focus for our team recently,” Vick said.

“We were patient with the ball, trying a few different combinations. Towards the end of the game we dropped a few passes we would usually make.”

Vick, Belinda Lees, and Jacqueline James were the best-on-court for the Murray Bombers.

“Belinda played consistently most of the day, she really controlled the pace of the game,” Vick said.

“Jacqueline James played well in wing defence. Her pressure was excellent.”

With finals locked in, all that’s left is to see where Echuca, currently fourth, finishes up after the home-and-away rounds are complete.

And with two matches against top-four opposition in the lead-up to finals, the Murray Bombers will know exactly what they will need to do come finals time.

Premiership fancy Shepparton United awaits Echuca this week at Victoria Park before the Murray Bombers tackle third-placed Mooroopna.

Echuca tasted defeat to both sides in their previous encounters, and Vick is hoping her side can close the gap on the competition benchmarks.

“We’ve got two games to go and they’re against some pretty talented teams,” Vick said.

“We’ve been working hard to see if we can match it with them, if not go one better.

“We’re looking forward to the next two games to see where we’re situated come finals time.”