Sport

Eagles lose touch in second half

By Matthew Kappos

May 24, 2026

Echuca United suffered from a dip in levels after half-time.

Echuca United continues to hold its own, at times, with some of the Murray Football League’s best, but was again unable to maintain that level through four quarters against Nathalia at the weekend.

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United had a bright first half, barring a disappointing start that saw the host at Nathalia Recreation Reserve kick 2.4 without reply to open proceedings.

The Eagles got back within eight by the first break and were again only slightly behind the Purples in the second, the half-time margin a modest 13 points.

Although it was within striking distance, United couldn’t contain Nathalia after the break.

The Purples would kick six goals to lead by nearly 50, before the Eagles added some respectability to the quarter with a late major.

Suddenly, the game was all but over by three-quarter time, Nathalia leading by 39 points, and the host would continue to run rampant in the final period.

Five more majors went the Purples’ way in the final term to one for United, the final score 15.7 (97) to 4.10 (34), a far cry from the tight half-time score.

Cody Haub kept the Eagles afloat from a scoring perspective, slotting three of the four goals, while at the other end Liam Evans had a day out, kicking six for Nathalia.

Echuca United has fallen a little off the pace after some promising early efforts, now a couple of games back from finals places at 2-4.

The Eagles return to Echuca South Recreation Reserve this weekend, taking on premier Cobram (4-3) in round nine.