Echuca United’s triumphant 13-and-under side.
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JORDAN TOWNROW
From go to woah, Echuca United’s youngest Eagles showed the future is bright down the southern end of town.
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The Eagles led from start to finish of the 13-and-under Murray Netball League grand final against a gallant Cobram, putting the finishing touches on a campaign that saw only one defeat and delivered the club its first flag in the age bracket since 2018.
The margin rarely drifted within four goals as a hot start laid the foundation of United’s eventual 35-22 flag triumph, with coach Sienna Agg saying the result was built on her squads hard work and commitment throughout the year.
“They’ve worked so, so hard all year,” Agg said.
“Their attendance and commitment to trainings games, everything, has been absolutely phenomenal.”
From the first whistle, it was apparent United had come to play.
The Eagles blitzed away to a 6-1 advantage early, though the Tigers managed to draw the margin back to four goals at the first break.
United’s back court made numerous crucial intercepts in the second quarter, with the Eagles goalers rarely missing at the other end to fire the minor premier to an eight-goal lead at the main break.
The Tigers didn’t go down wandering, led by league medallist Macy Carter and the goaling duo of Milla Latessa and Tilly Shannon.
But the Eagles had their claws firmly wrapped around the first handle of the cup.
Twins Denny and Halle Moon led adeptly around the court to quell any further fightback, with United’s youngest players eventually celebrating their maiden flag
The Eagles were excellent around the court, but with a defence that conceded only 22 goals, best-on-court honours went to goal defender Sophie Bell for her exemplary performance under duress.
“Sophie Bell was massive,” Agg said.
“She was actually really, really sick the last few days. I didn't know how she was going to go today honestly, but she absolutely killed it.
“We have a pair of identical twins on the team, and I thought they were so consistent - they barely came off the court.
“The whole time that they were on there, they made a massive impact on the team.”
The Eagles’ coach also paid tribute to Cobram’s side before revealing the secret behind her squad’s premiership push.
“We’ve always just focused on our game, not necessarily who we're playing against,” Agg said.
“We've had a very fun season. Lots of techno, they love that.
“So it was just massively fun vibes all year, and we were just playing for each other. The ultimate prize is just an extra bonus.”
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