Echuca United is the 2026 15-and-under premier. Photos: Jordan Townrow
Moama was about 30 seconds away from pulling off a stunning late comeback in the Murray Netball League 15-and-under grand final.
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The Mowers trailed 36-29 late, with Echuca United seemingly cruising to pulling off an unlikely premiership from fifth place.
But over the final two minutes, Chelsey Wright’s team scored six goals.
Moama’s Lexi Wright in possession.
The attending Eagles faithful had a banner reading “against all odds”, in reference to their side’s finals run, but at the death it seemed it would be more fitting for a Moama comeback.
“We were a bit short and we've had a few that are quite sick,” Echuca United coach Zara Retallick said post-game.
“So at the end they were exhausted and slowed down, but I mean now they're partying, they're full of energy.”
Sunday Sands looks ahead for a teammate.
Down 36-35, the Mowers bench urged their team forward one last time, but they were beat by the final whistle.
In the end, Echuca United’s earlier work, particularly in the second period, was enough.
Neutral onlookers may have been stumped by finding out a team from fifth had made the grand final.
Avah O'Farrell contests the shot.
But the Eagles had a buzzword during the finals they lived by.
The word was “believe”, and each member of the squad had it written on temporary tattoos on the day.
Ruby Whitelegg shoots the ball over the outstretched Aysha O'Kane.
“We knew we were good enough, we just had to do it for four full quarters and work right through to the end,” Retallick said.
“Moama pushes, they are an amazing team and amazing individuals and a great club.
“We just managed to hold on at the right time and consolidate when we had the ball and opportunity.”
Audrey Pearce with the chest pass.
The Eagles showed why they belonged just before half-time.
Kayla O’Grady was a deadeye in front of goal, as her and fellow goaler Audrey Pearce began to gain more separation in the circle.
The duo started to receive easy feeds, with the Eagles demonstrating what they can do with full synergy across the court.
Echuca United opened had a seven goal lead at half-time, a margin it would largely maintain across the second half.
Sometimes you can afford to drop off, even if the late Mowers surge had anyone supporting the Eagles fretting in the final moments.
Avah O'Farrell holds it high for a pass.
It would be remiss not to mention Aysha O’Kane’s contribution to the 36-35 win.
The Eagles goalkeeper set the tone early with big interceptions, and was a handful for Moama goaler Ruby Whitelegg to deal with across the day.
O’Kane’s effort was recognised with being named best-on.
“Aysha is amazing,” Retallick said.
“First season at the club; predominantly always been a basketballer, so early days it was (about) teaching her some things that can transition between both sports, and then just developing her game.
“I would say she's probably also the most improved in that team because she hasn't played a lot of netball but god she's got eyes for the ball and can attack any ball at the right time.”
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