Sport

Echuca ready for Braves challenge

By Kaitlin Weiser

Nov 10, 2022

Hot tip: Echuca’s Staci Richardson (right) jumps up for the tip-off against Kyneton last Saturday. Photo: Steve Huntley Photo by Steve Huntley

The Echuca Pirates Men’s team will finally face off against the Bendigo Braves in a tense rematch of last year’s grand final.

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After a successful return to the court last Saturday following an interrupted start to the season, the Pirates will set sail for Red Energy Arena in Bendigo for a 2pm clash this Sunday.

This will be the teams’ first encounter since Echuca’s 23-point grand final win.

The Pirates and the Braves faced off at the Maryborough Sports and Leisure Centre in last year’s decider with an 81-58 point victory for the Pirates, their second flag in three seasons.

Last year the Pirates and Braves played each other twice, once in round four and then the grand final, with the Pirates emerging victorious against the Bendigo Braves in an incredible conclusion to last year’s season.

Currently sitting seventh on the ladder and coming back from a loss last round against the Melton Thoroughbreds, the Braves will be determined to topple last year’s reigning champions, who currently sit fifth.

Despite their challenging start to the season, Echuca will pose a difficult obstacle for Bendigo, having hit the ground running against the Kyneton Tigers last weekend in a triumphant return to play.

With the advantage of playing at home and having the determination to keep climbing up in the CBL North West competition, the Bendigo Braves will give the Pirates a run for their gold this coming weekend.