Of the three sides still alive, the club’s two junior teams; 17 and under and 15 and under, moved on to grand final qualifiers, while the Murray Bombers’ B-graders will need to take a harder road after a loss this week.
Facing off with the minor premier Euroa, Echuca jumped out to an early lead and had the advantage at quarter time.
However, the Magpies worked their way back into the game and had the lead before half time, going on in the second half to win 40-32.
The Murray Bombers top two regular season finish earns them a second chance despite the defeat, but there is now no room for error as Echuca takes on Seymour.
An unlucky schedule will see the Lions on home court, with the finals round to be held in King’s Park in Seymour.
Euroa and Shepparton are in the qualifying final chasing a grand final spot.
17-and-under
Echuca surprised an unbeaten Shepparton side to advance to a grand final qualifier.
The Bears had a narrow lead throughout the first half, leading 23-21 at half-time, but a run early in the third put the Murray Bombers on top.
Shepparton would level things up midway through the fourth, but Echuca would close out the game 49-44.
The Murray Bombers can qualify for the grand final if it gets by Shepparton Swans next week.
The loser will face either the Bears or Mooroopna in a preliminary final.
15-and-under
Echuca is also on to a grand final qualifier in 15-and-under, defeating Shepparton United 50-35 in the qualifying final.
The Demons kept it tight in the first but the Murray Bombers proved too strong, slowly building a lead throughout the remainder of the game.
The Murray Bombers challenge Mooroopna for a spot in the decider, with Shepparton United and Euroa also still alive in the finals' series.
