The Murray Bombers were pushed all the way to a win over Tatura in their opening fixture, while Benalla was comfortably beaten by Seymour, making Echuca the favourite to win the meeting at Tongala Recreation Reserve.
Bronwyn Slater’s side wasted little time living up to that tag, netting the first 12 goals of the match and piling on a total of 20 first-quarter goals, Benalla only mustering one in response.
It was as you were to start the second period, Echuca netting the first seven goals and going on to only allow two from the visitor, opening up a whopping 38-3 lead at half-time.
Though admittedly a low bar to clear, Benalla did improve after the break by scoring five goals in the third quarter, Echuca adding another 10 to continue to grow its healthy lead.
The fourth term also saw a total of 15 goals between the two sides, the Murray Bombers adding another 11 to Benalla’s four, resulting in a 59-12 victory and the first time since round one of 2024 that Echuca’s A-grade side conceded less than 20 goals.
On the scoring side, Sheridan Townrow found the net at will, being the top scorer with 30 goals, followed by 20 from Kate Head and nine from Jorja Oliver.
Up next, Echuca faces Rochester at Rochester Recreation Reserve in a Saturday night fixture, with the possibility of three straight wins to begin the season on offer.