It was almost a perfect sweep for Echuca-Moama in the Goulburn Murray Women’s and Girls League semi-finals.

The knockout round was held at Nathalia Recreation Reserve on Sunday, with four consecutive semi-finals held across the day.

When the dust settled, Echuca, in the women’s, and Moama, in the girls, had made their way into the grand final, while defending girls champion Echuca United missed on its opportunity to join them.

The day started with the Eagles' contest against Shepparton United.

While Echuca had, along with Moama, been the presumptive best two sides all year, the Eagles showed some vulnerability the previous week when fellow finalist Barooga got past them.

The Demons also scored a big upset over Moama the previous week and translated that momentum into the semi-final.

Shepparton piled on the pressure throughout the game, but couldn’t often hit the target.

Scorecards of 1.6 and 2.11 at the end of the first two quarters made for poor reading, but the Demons' defence completely shut out Echuca United in the half.

In fact, the Eagles would manage a single point for the game and, after their goal-kicking improved somewhat in the second half, the Demons ran away with proceedings 8.19 (67) to 1.

The Eagles, who were missing several key players for the game, bow out in disappointing fashion, but can take heart from a strong season and spirited title defence.

Moama’s girls’ semi was next on the ground, the Magpies facing off with Barooga.

The Hawks looked good early as Moama started modestly, but the Magpies rounded into form as the game went on.

Moama would kick 3.3 in each half, while the defence and midfield unit kept Barooga quiet.

The Mowers would surge their way into the decider, 6.6 (42) to 1.2 (8).

Ruby McLeod kicked four of her side's six goals.

Minor premier Moama will now face off against Shepparton United, which defeated it by four points last time out.

Women’s

After the first women’s semi saw Shepparton United cruise past Rumbalara 9.4 (58) to 3.1 (19) it was up to Echuca to defeat Nathalia and confirm the expected grand final showdown.

The Murray Bombers were slow to get going in the game and it was the Purples that kicked the first goal and led 6-1 at quarter-time.

Echuca warmed into the game in the second, kicking three majors and keeping Nathalia scoreless to regain control.

The second half was more of the same from the minor premier and the Purples managed only a single point, while the Murray Bombers slotted three more goals to get the win 6.2 (38) to 1.1 (7).

Olivia Dewar kicked three majors for Echuca, while Sienna Lee, Gemma Morrison and Louise Walker also hit the target.

Echuca and grand final opponent United traded wins in the regular season, with the Murray Bombers’ win coming last week.

The women’s and girls’ grand finals are set to be held at Moama on Sunday.

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Friday, 30th June 2023

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