Sport

Bombers fall to 2024 runner-up in round 17

By Oliver Shedden

Aug 18, 2025

Stephanie Vick and Echuca defeated Jemma Hall and Kyabram to sneak back into finals contention with one round to go. Photos: Jordan Townrow

Kyabram was at the mercy of a team desperate to make finals in round 17 of Goulburn Valley League netball at Victoria Park.

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While Echuca has struggled with injuries and inexperience at times this season, Kyabram would’ve been hard-pressed to beat a side on the precipice of winning it all last year.

However, it was close going in the first quarter with Kyabram coming out hot, finding the net seven times.

Isla Carver shoots over the top of Lillie Taylor. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Echuca managed to stay a couple of steps ahead, tallying 11 goals to create steady separation at quarter-time.

The Murray Bombers broke the game open in the second period, piling on 21 goals while stemming Kyabram’s flow to eight to create an almost irrecoverable chasm at the major break.

Ava Pell is locked and loaded. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Attacking got harder for the Bombers as the game wore on, with the visitor finding six goals in the third period, while the Murray Bombers were at their free flowing best, adding 17 more.

A 23-goal fourth-quarter performance was the icing on the cake for Echuca, cruising past a Kyabram outfit that could only manage eight goals down the stretch.

Abby Waasdorp eyes her target. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Midcourter Abby Waasdorp was awarded best-on-court for the Bombers for her work at both ends during the match.

The 72-29 loss has cut Kyabram’s dreams of a third win for 2025 in half, with one final chance remaining against eighth-place Shepparton Swans at Princess Park in round 18.