Sport

15-and-under Murray Bombers vanquish Demons

By Oliver Shedden

Sep 14, 2025

Lexie Howard and Echuca overcame Shepparton United to book a date in the grand final. Photo: Jordan Townrow

With a shot at the grand final on the line, Echuca’s 15-and-under netball side pulled another strong performance out of its hat under siege from Shepparton United to punch its ticket to the Goulburn Valley League netball grand final.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Playing at Deakin Reserve against a side that finished the home and away season higher on the ladder, albeit with the same record, the Murray Bombers came out the gate hot.

Both teams were productive in the goal circle, but it was the Murray Bombers who eked out an early 15-10 advantage.

With its season hanging in the balance, the Demons put real attacking pressure on Echuca, tallying 15 goals while limiting the Murray Bombers to 10 to draw level at half-time.

Echuca found its rhythm again in the third period, turning the momentum in its favour, re-establishing a slim, but vital four-goal margin by the final turn.

While Shepparton United made a good account of itself down the stretch, putting 11-goals through the net, it was the Murray Bombers who flew highest – nailing 12 goals in the final frame to escape with the chocolates 51-46.

The win grants Echuca the opportunity to defend its title and potentially go back-to-back at Deakin Reserve on Sunday.

To complete the dream, the Murray Bombers will have to defeat Mooroopna on the biggest stage, a side that prevailed over them in the grand final in 2023.