With the winless Eagles challenging unbeaten Nathalia, many may have expected a rather one-sided encounter, but United provided a stern test away from home at Nathalia Recreation Reserve.
Nathalia tried to seize control early, jumping out to a 7-2 lead and carrying a 19-11 advantage into the first break, but United refused to roll over.
Falling 11 goals down midway through the second, the Eagles responded in style, breaking down the Purples’ attacking moves to sink eight consecutive goals and roar back into the contest.
Trailing by four at the main break, United got within two goals, before the host made another move to get back out by five at the final change.
After an almighty effort the Eagles finally faltered in the last term and Nathalia managed to push on to win by 13, 70-57.
Eliza Pearce and Tiah Hooppell worked seamlessly under the hoop for the Eagles to match the Purples’ scoring most of the way, in perhaps United’s best performance this year.
Although without a point through seven games, Echuca United has shown signs of a quality side, never more so than at the weekend, and will now hope to get on the board against the 2-5 Cobram when it returns home this weekend.
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