A promising first half performance gave way after the main break as Echuca United suffered defeat to Mulwala at Lonsdale Oval.
The Eagles' senior footy side took it to the top-three opposition throughout the early stages of the Murray Football League clash, but couldn’t keep it up over four quarters, eventually downed 17.9 (111) to 8.8 (56).
The Lions kicked the first four majors of the game, but only edged the opening period by a point as United roared back with four unanswered goals of its own.
The second quarter saw both sides struggle to find the goal, but the Lions managed to sneak through two without reply, the sides combining for nine minor scores throughout the period.
Mulwala led by a tenuous 14 at the break, but would stamp its authority after half-time.
Six majors to three in the third stretched the lead beyond 30 and the Lions would boot another five goals to the Eagles’ one in the final period to eventually secure a confident win.
Ryan Stobaus was United’s leading scorer, slotting four, while coach Scott Beattie joined his charges on the field for two first-quarter majors.
For Mulwala, Beau Seymour did the most damage with six, while Mitch Collins Bye contributed four.
While finals seem an unlikely prospect at this stage for the 2-8 Eagles, the opportunity for progression in the back half of the season still remains.
A promising home fixture against winless Barooga could help United return to the winning column for the first time since round two.
The Game
Scores
Echuca United: 4.2, 4.6, 7.7, 8.8 (56)
Mulwala: 4.3, 6.8, 12.8, 17.9 (111)
Goals
Echuca United: Ryan Stobaus 4, Scott Beattie 2, Jesse Garner, Mitchell Lourey
Mulwala: Beau Seymour 6, Mitch Collins Bye 4, Lewis Taylor 3, Jackson Meade 2, Tom Dow, Charley McKenna
Best
Echuca United: Ryder Johnson, Ryan Stobaus, Matthew Lias, Brady Simpson, Callum Parsons, Riley Mason
Mulwala: Beau Seymour, Owen Conway, Lewis Taylor, Jackson Meade, Nathan McNair, Charley McKenna