Women’s GVHA sides off to strong start

By Matthew Kappos

Apr 29, 2025

Echuca-Moama got the job done late against Strikers, getting home 3-2 Photo by Megan Fisher

The first round of the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association season was held on Saturday, and the opening outing proved a strong one for Echuca-Moama.

The River Rats women’s sides, split in two from last year’s undefeated champions, both scored victory in their first action of 2025 at the Shepparton Regional Hockey Complex.

Echuca-Moama’s Makayla Pendlebury takes the ball under control. Photo by Megan Fisher

With the women playing in a new nine-a-side format, Echuca-Moama Green engaged in battle with Strikers and managed to sneak away with the win 3-2.

In a closely fought contest, the River Rats did enough in the final quarter to start off the year with victory.

Strikers’ Rachelle Collins and Echuca-Moama’s Tiana Thorpe duel for possession. Photo by Megan Fisher

Courtney Thompson, who was one of E-M’s leading scorers with 25 goals last season, got the new campaign started on a similar note, scoring two, while Megan Farrell fired through the other score.

Jess Crisp was adjudged the best-on-field for the River Rats, with Farrell and Meaghan Whan also receiving votes.

Echuca-Moama’s Agostina Traglia shows close control. Photo by Megan Fisher

In the other women’s match, Echuca-Moama White had an easier time against Euroa, coming away 8-2 winners.

Rebecca Webb slotted four goals in the win, while Amy Coshan and Sarah-Jane Taylor managed two each.

Coshan and Taylor joined Rachael Costello on the best players’ list.

The River Rats A-grade men’s side wasn’t able to field a side for the opening round, awarding the win to scheduled opponents Strikers, but the club’s B-grade outfit was able to take to the field.

Courtney Thompson tries to play through Strikers’ Eloise Collins. Photo by Megan Fisher

The side prevailed 3-1 over opponents Mooroopna, Regan More, William Kerr and Ashley Phipps the local goalscorers.

Next week, the A- and B-men’s sides will return to action on Saturday, while on Sunday, the two local women’s sides are set to face off at Echuca College from 12.30pm

Megan Farrell looks to move it forward. Photo by Megan Fisher

Juniors

The River Rats under-15s fell 5-0 to Benalla, with Olivia Thompson awarded player of the game for the locals.

Under-12 White put in a strong performance to down Benalla 13-4, Nate Webb the side’s best-on.

A largely inexperienced under-12 Green side had a difficult first outing against Mooroopna, beaten 15-0, but are continuing to develop for future clashes.

Will Bourke as the River Rats' best in the game.