Wayward Lions soar over Eagles

Goals: M. Tyson 5, O. Elliott 2, N. McNair 1, J. Meade 1, Z. Scott 1, J. Wheeler 1, B. Tyson 1

Best: M. Holgate, B. Tyson, O. Elliott, Z. Scott, M. Tyson, T. Dow

It was a sluggish opening term from the Lions, who struggled to apply scoreboard pressure and sprayed a number of opportunities that could have opened the game up early.

The Eagles took advantage of the Lions’ wayward finishing, heading into half-time with just a two-point deficit. Suddenly, it was game on, with the Lions determined not to let the contest slip away.

The third term was where the Lions truly flexed their muscles, producing a dominant 31-point-to-nil quarter to put the game beyond doubt and leave the young Eagles side with too much ground to make up.

In the end, the Lions proved far too strong, running out comfortable winners in an impressive all-team effort.

With the home-and-away season now complete, Mulwala heads into the finals campaign full of confidence and ready for the big games ahead.

Reserves

Mulwala 14.5 89 def Echuca United 5.6 36

Goals: Cooper, Heslin, Thrower, Larkin 2, Cook, Brennan, Wheeler, Sissons, Lonergan 1

Best: Pitches, Thower, Heslin, Lonergan, Larkin, Appleby

No Report submitted

Thirds

Mulwala 6.6 (42) defeated Echuca United 5.7 (37)

The Lions finished the home-and-away season on a high, holding off a determined Echuca United outfit by five points in a tough and hard-fought contest.

Mulwala came out firing in the opening quarter, producing a strong start and putting itself in a great position early.

Echuca United, sitting fourth on the ladder, responded strongly in the second and third quarters, taking control of the game and putting plenty of pressure on Mulwala.

With the game still firmly in the balance heading into the final term, the Lions lifted when it mattered most.

Mulwala came out with renewed intensity, fought hard around the contest and managed to wrestle back the momentum to finish strongly and secure an important five-point victory.

The final scores saw Mulwala finish with 6.6 (42) to Echuca United’s 5.7 (37) in what was a terrific contest of pressure, effort and determination.

It was an outstanding team performance, with Jack Butler, Alex Richardson, Nash McNamara, Tyce Woodhead, Archer Kirchen and Harley Cooper all playing important roles throughout the afternoon.

The win gives the Lions plenty of confidence heading into finals after a strong home-and-away campaign.

Mulwala now turns its attention to the business end of the season.

Finals Football

The Lions will face Nathalia next Saturday at Moama in the Elimination Final, with everything on the line.

After battling hard against a quality Echuca United side, Mulwala will take plenty of belief into its finals campaign.

The challenge now is to produce four quarters of football when it matters most.

It is one game and one chance, with a win keeping the Lions’ season alive.

Netball

A Grade

Mulwala 70 def Echuca United 51

In a high-scoring opening quarter, the Lions took control to lead Echuca United 20-14 at quarter time.

The Lions were able to rotate all 10 players through the court and continued to build their lead throughout the game.

In warmer conditions, the final quarter became a little scrappy and Echuca United matched the Lions on the scoreboard, but Mulwala had already done the damage and finished the home-and-away season with a 71-50 victory.

It was great to see Adie Templeton back on court following surgery, while young Nancy Thomas continued to develop her senior-level netball experience.

Georgie Hemphill was superb in defence, creating numerous turnovers and scoring opportunities for the Lions.

Grace Thomson fed beautifully into the three different goalers and drove hard onto the circle edge.

Steph Hammond was back to her best, shooting accurately and playing a different role at goal shooter.

B Grade

Mulwala 52 def Echuca United 40

Mulwala B Grade finished the home-and-away season on a high, coming away with a strong 52-40 win over Echuca.

Defensive pressure was a real highlight, with every team member contributing strongly through attack, midcourt and into defence.

The girls worked tirelessly to create turnovers and then made great use of their opportunities in the scoring end.

There were plenty of strong drives and holds down the court, with the girls putting into practice what they had been working hard on at training.

Everyone played their part, showed great teamwork and continued to back each other up throughout the game.

The team set targets each week and worked hard to achieve them.

Their positivity and communication remained strong both on and off the court, with everyone encouraging and supporting one another right through to the final whistle.

It was a positive end to the home-and-away season, with plenty for the group to take into the first round of finals next week.

The hard work continues, but this group has plenty to be proud of as it heads into finals.

Award winners: Bel Agency: Freya Fletcher; Nuude Studio: Morgan Pitches; Judds Mensland: Mikyah Frauenfelder; Free as a Bird Players’ Player: Freya Fletcher.

C Grade

Mulwala 39 def by Echuca United 57

No Report Submitted

C Reserve

Mulwala 33 def by Echuca United 40

No Report Submitted

Under 17s

Mulwala 32 def by Echuca United 76

The Under 17s faced a tough game this week against strong opposition in Echuca United.

The girls gave it their all, with a half-time incentive providing some extra motivation.

They came out firing in the second half and created plenty of turnovers as they continued to work hard across the court.

Although the girls were unable to finish the final round with a win, going down 76-32, they continued to enjoy their netball and compete until the end.

The top-age girls also enjoyed their final home-and-away round as junior netballers.

It was a strong effort from the entire team against quality opposition.

Under 13s

Mulwala 21 def by Echuca United 41

The final round of the 2026 home-and-away season was a tough one for the Under 13 girls as they took to the court against ladder leaders Echuca.

The girls started strongly in the opening 10 minutes, going goal for goal with their opponents.

The pace was fast and the intensity high, but things started to unravel in the second quarter when their tall goal shooter went down with an injury and was unable to return for the remainder of the game.

Frustration began to set in and the girls started to drop their heads, but coaches Nat and Sally gave them a pep talk and got them going again.

They returned to the court and continued to fight hard against quality opposition right through to the final whistle.

Everyone played their role and gave it their all, but the little errors added up in the end, with the girls going down 41-21.

It is back to training as the girls prepare for the start of finals next week and look forward to seeing just how far this group can go.

Award winners: Commercial Glazing $10 Cash: Poppy Kirchen; $10 Canteen Voucher: Alana Hehir.

Under 11s

It was a fantastic way for the Under 11s to finish the season.

The improvement in skills from the beginning of the season to now is something every one of the girls should be incredibly proud of.

Their growth, confidence and determination have been wonderful to watch.

Ruby played through an injured finger and was still the team’s little pocket rocket.

Etta’s growing confidence on the court has been fantastic to see.

Brydie and Pippa continued to impress, with both giving their absolute best no matter what position they were asked to play.

A huge thank you went to all the girls and families for a wonderful season.

It has been great watching this team grow, and the future certainly looks bright for the little pocket rockets.