It wasn’t looking likely at the half-time siren, but Echuca United restored a winning feeling to Echuca South Recreation Reserve in round 11.

Although they hadn’t tasted victory in the Murray Football League since round two, the Eagles went in favourites against a winless Barooga, but the Hawks didn’t let the form book faze them in the opening hour.

The first quarter was a close-run affair.

Barooga broke a couple of goals clear in the middle of the period, but United had wiped most of the deficit by quarter-time, finishing the period two points adrift.

The Hawks looked to wrest control of the game in their favour in the second and, as both sides struggled for accuracy, the visitors were able to get the best of proceedings, kicking three straight majors to lead by as many as 20.

The Eagles posted the final score of the half, but went into the sheds down 14 points.

Scott Beattie’s words at the break helped the Eagles get back on track and they found the first two goals after the break to make it a one-score game.

Barooga found a little bit of joy, but a three goals to one term in United’s favour had the score levelled at the final interval.

The last period was United and the Eagles kicked four straight to burst into the lead, Barooga unable to keep up as the host surged to a 20-point win, 12.10 (82) to 9.8 (62).

Beattie made a coach’s contribution with a team-leading three goals, supported by Sam Simpson and Ryan Stobaus with two.

Samuel Macheda and Sonny Rowe each kicked three for Barooga.

A condensed mid-low table has United (3-8) still in with a faint finals hope should it make a significant run over the remaining seven games.

This week the Eagles will have an opportunity to string together consecutive wins as they take on another of the league’s strugglers, Finley at Finley Recreation Reserve.

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Friday, 25th July 2025

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