Perhaps saying that Echuca’s back-back losses are cause for concern is a bit premature, particularly as they have come from strong finals contenders Euroa and Tatura, but is it foreshadowing things to come?
As the Murray Bombers warm into the season and with new player line-ups, it will naturally take a while to find a rhythm, and they have just so happened to play two strong sides with good continuity in the early stages of its 2025 campaign.
Perhaps their loss is overblown, as they stuck within striking distance for much of the contest, including the opening quarter where they netted eight goals to Tatura’s 11.
With Belinda Lees back in the fold and partnering rookie Rose Byrne, attacking the ring flowed much more smoothly with the pair combining for 10 goals in the second period, the same amount as Tatura, who entered half-time up by three.
The Bulldogs came out firing in the second half with a game-high 14-goal effort while the Murray Bombers contributed nine, the deficit now eight goals with a quarter to play.
Down the stretch, Echuca tried valiantly to catch the Bulldogs but could only match its three-quarter time score, while the visitors added eight more to claim victory.
The final score was Echuca 35 to Tatura 47.
Stephanie Vick and Emma Head were named as the Murray Bombers’ best for the contest for their efforts in the midcourt.
Echuca will have a chance to bounce back when it faces Benalla on the road in round four.