The locals led strongly at the last break, but stalled late on, almost opening the door for a Sandhurst comeback, but United held on 4.4 (28) to 3.8 (26).
The first quarter at Queen Elizabeth Oval was a preview for the game to come, with Sandhurst finding more scoring shots but being unable to convert on any of them, while United took advantage of its slightly fewer opportunities, kicking the only goal to lead early.
Sandhurst continued to be wayward in the second, but managed to sneak one between the sticks, the weight of minor scores proving an advantage for now as the host led by three at the main break.
The Eagles came out of the long break with renewed fire and kicked thee unanswered goals in the third term to take control of the fixture, up 27-13 at the final change.
Sandhurst staged a rally of its own in the fourth and a slowing Eagles were forced to cling to what they had as the host controlled the game late, but United held its nerve to prevail by two.
Having now picked up its fourth win, United (4-1-7) moves up into a respectable sixth place in its first season in the league.
There are still two rounds remaining in the regular season, but with no prospect of moving up further due to the gap to fifth, the Eagles will look to hold what they have and finish with a few more wins.
United takes on one of the league’s better sides, White Hills, in its home finale this Sunday, but the Eagles will take some confidence from scoring the upset win in the previous meeting on July 12.
The side then concludes its season away against Marong the following Sunday.
The game
Echuca United: 1.1, 1.3, 4.3, 4.4 (28)
Sandhurst: 0.3, 1.6, 1.7, 3.8 (26)
Goals
Echuca United: Jada Dennis 2, Jordi Cain, Willow Clark
Sandhurst: Moanarose Moefaauao, not attributed 2
Best
Echuca United: Julia Taranto, Lily Dunham, Ava Plattfuss, Jada Dennis, Isabella Nathan, Mia Siede
Sandhurst: Macey Pinner, Ruby Kelly, Grace Kerr, Tahlee Gray, Etta Place, Moanarose Moefaauo
