Narrowly in second spot on the ladder, the Border Raiders knew they couldn’t afford any slip ups as they headed to Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve to battle fourth-placed Epsom.
Junior star Charley Schwenke, who has split her time between the under-14 and senior women’s set-up, provided the bright spark of the first half, breaking the deadlock in the 22nd minute to put the Border Raiders into the lead.
It was the only score of the half, the locals on top, but in a tenuous position at the break, up 1-0.
Schwenke popped up again right after half-time to provide the Border Raiders some breathing room, logging her first senior brace and doubling the advantage.
Co-coach Paige Pinson would make it three half-an-hour from time, putting Echuca Moama in complete control.
The Border Raiders would be disappointed to lose their clean sheet, as Epsom’s Sophia Lodwick found the back of the net with three minutes left in regulation, but the locals had the points sewn up 3-1.
Elsewhere, leader Swan Hill also earned a comprehensive win, 4-0 over Spring Gully, to keep the Border Raiders two points off the top of the ladder.
Both clubs have four matches remaining, but the premiership race could be decided in the Border Raiders’ next game, as they battle the leader away at Ken Harrison Reserve on August 8.
The Border Raiders men were handed a boost while taking a week off as third-ranked Colts took down second side Swan Hill, strengthening Echuca Moama’s place at the top of the table.
The locals lead Colts by five points and Swan Hill by two with a game in hand over the latter.
The men’s side battles Catslemaine Goldfields Gold away this Sunday.
Table snapshots
Women’s
1. Swan Hill 10-0-2 (30 points)
2. Border Raiders 9-1-2 (28)
3. Castlemaine Goldfields 8-0-4 (24)
Men’s
1. Border Raiders 9-1-1 (28 points)
2. Swan Hill 8-2-2 (26)
3. Colts United 7-2-2 (23)
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