Sport

Unbeaten Bears run rampant as Murray Bombers slip out of finals contention

By Oliver Shedden

Aug 3, 2025

Madeline O'Nial and Echuca couldn’t get it done against ladder-leader Shepparton in round 16. Photos: Jordan Townrow Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

As the Goulburn Valley League A-grade netball season wears on Echuca looks more and more unlikely to sneak into the 2025 finals after a resounding defeat at the hands of league-leader Shepparton.

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Playing at Echuca South Recreation Reserve, the Murray Bombers could never get in front of the undefeated Bears, who look primed to capture the flag this season.

Shepparton made its presence felt from the start, with star goaler Kim Borger bagging three goals in the first two minutes before Rose Byrne put Echuca on the board.

Borger and the Bears continued moving through the gears to cruise to a 15-6 lead at the first turn.

The Murray Bombers came roaring back in the second period, putting 16 goals through, but were unable to touch a ballooning Shepparton lead after a 19-goal effort before the major break.

Stephanie Vick looks for the pass under pressure. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Needing a barrage early in the third term, Echuca had to settle for a respectable 12-goal quarter, with the Bears adding 14 to extend their lead to 15 with a quarter to play.

An 11-goal final performance from the host wasn’t enough to mitigate the previous three quarters, as Shepparton ran away with a 20-goal victory to retain first place in the standings and extend its unbeaten streak to 16 games.

Rose Byrne goes for goal. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Meanwhile, the Murray Bombers currently sit in eighth with two games remaining against Kyabram and Mooroopna, with the Bombers the next contest in round 17 after the second half of round 16 this week.