Heading into the weekend Tongala sat in second spot on the Murray Netball League A-grade ladder, two games clear of third with the opportunity to seal a double chance come finals.
But Blues coach Grace Hammond remained wary of Echuca United and it proved to be for good reason.
With home court advantage the Eagles were able to carve out a 39-34 win, which strengthens their position as a genuine dark horse come September.
“It’s a huge win for us,” Echuca United co-coach Kate Donehue said following the victory.
“It was pretty scrappy netball for most of the day and really came down to who was more disciplined in the last quarter.”
The Eagles were able to get the job done thanks to goal keeper Elle Molluso’s leadership, while wing defence Tessa Bruni was able to apply significant pressure.
“Elle Molluso was level-headed all day and showed great leadership on the court,” Donehue said.
“Tessa Bruni forced lots of errors in the last quarter which resulted in four goals for us.
“We will take lots of confidence going into finals after this match.”
The 20-goal loss to Tongala in round one must seem seasons ago now for United which, with Donehue and Asher Arnel at the helm, has morphed into a team that believes it can beat anyone.
The win is a big boost for the Eagles in terms of ladder position, drawing three games clear of Congupna (8-7) in seventh with three games to play, meaning a win this week will clinch a finals spot.
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All smiles: Congupna's Ashleigh Rae. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 7
Eyes on target: Rumbalara's Natasha Atkinson-Brown. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 7
Dish it off: Rumbalara's Herta Tischer. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 7
Ready and waiting: Congupna's Sarah O’Sullivan. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 7
Focused: Congupna's Sophie Sidebottom. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 7
In the zone: Rumbalara's L’val Turner. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 7
Who wants it? Congupna's Rhylee Merkesteyn. Photo by Megan FisherAt Memorial Oval’s courts, Rumbalara delivered Congupna’s finals hopes a major blow.
Rumbalara flexed its muscles to claim a narrow 44-39 win.
The result sinks The Road to seventh on the ladder with three rounds left to play.
Elsewhere, Mulwala enjoyed a 56-21 win over a struggling Cobram, Numurkah thumped Finley 70-33 and Deniliquin chalked up an incredible 87-7 thrashing of Barooga.