Sport

Local duels on tap as finals chases continue

By Matthew Kappos

Jul 16, 2026

Tongala and Echuca United will battle this week.

Two clashes between geographical rivals highlights a blockbuster weekend of sport on the horizon.

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In a huge Goulburn Valley League clash, Echuca and Rochester will face off at Moama Recreation Reserve.

In football, although Echuca (12-1) is back in the ominous form that saw it to three consecutive titles from 2022-24, the tenacious Tigers have proved somewhat of a bogey team for the Murray Bombers recently.

Rochester scored wins over Echuca in 2024 and 2025, including ending the green machine’s hopes of extending the title run to four, ousting them from last year’s finals series.

The Tigers come into the game in hot form, winning four straight to surge back into the top six after a sluggish start to the year.

In netball the clash looks more cut and dry, the Murray Bombers in good touch and equal top of the league, while Rochy hasn’t been able to put the pieces together so far, sitting in 10th.

In the Murray league, Tongala’s seniors are desperate for points, having edged back into the finals last week with a narrow victory.

Echuca United won the previous meetings between the sides, and although its own finals hopes seem to be a pipe dream at this stage, finishing the year strong will be high on the list of priorities.

In netball, the Blues will be loathe to slip up at Echuca South against the lower-table Eagles, trying to keep its grip on third place.

Moama’s footballers are in for a second tough outing in a row.

After falling to Mulwala by a big score at the weekend, the Mowers are staring down unbeaten leader Congupna this week at Congupna.

In netball, The Road poses less of a threat to the high-flying Mowers, but, also in the battle for third, Moama can’t afford a down performance.

In the Picola league, Picola United is on the road to Katamatite, a difficult fixture in both sports, while Mathoura, at home, faces Barooga for the first time in a long time after the Hawks joined the league this year.

Every game is crucial for Lockington-Bamawm United and Leitchville-Gunbower down the stretch in Heathcote District league football, the two sides locked in a battle for the fifth and final post-season berth.

The Bombers are in the box seat, but head into a challenging clash away with Colbinabbin, while the Cats need a home victory over Huntly to potentially catch up, knowing they have one less game remaining on the schedule.

In netball, both clubs look to be out of the finals race, but remain a mathematical chance.

Soccer

The Border Raiders are set for home fixtures as they look to take another step towards regular season premierships.

The Border Raiders men face a challenging clash against Colts United FC at home this Saturday as they look to hold on to top spot on the ladder.

Echuca-Moama has a one point lead over Swan Hill at the top, with Colts a further four back but looking to close the gap.

The women’s team lost top spot last weekend and will hope to rebound against mid-table opposition Golden City, also at Jack Eddy Oval, on Sunday.

The side is two points back from leader Swan Hill.

Women’s football

The run home continues for Moama in the women’s and girls leagues, both divisions at home, facing off against Shepparton Swans this Sunday.

Both Mowers outfits look a lock for the top two, while the Swans are one of the leading chasers.

In the Central Victoria Football League, Echuca United’s girls are looking to build on a big result last time out, heading to Dower Park to take on the league cellar dweller Kangaroo Flat.