An even bowling spread and a top performance from Jayden Rosin with the bat were the leading contributors in the five-wicket win, one that will see the Swans sit third when play resumes on January 6.
Bowling first, it took Shanaka Silva just 10 deliveries to extract the wicket of Rory Knight, who was followed by Darin Ohlsen shortly after.
Skipper Alex Williams’ wicket reduced Tongala to 3-16, but Stephen Townsend came to the rescue with 57 runs and middle-order contributions from Jayden Tucker (16) and Matt Ohlsen (21) helped the Blues to a respectable 136.
John Officer, Jayden Rosin and Asantha Singappuli all claimed two wickets, while Rathika Rajakumara led the way with 3-13.
Defending its total, Tongala made a bright start with Luke Smith sending Grady Smith back to the sheds with the second ball of the innings, but it was one of few glimmers of hope for the Blues as they continue the hunt for their first win.
Rosin starred with the bat, top-scoring with 64, while league-leading run-scorer Asantha Singappuli joined Moama’s Anthony McMahon in passing the 500-run mark for the season with 35 against Tongala.
Darin Ohlsen was typically economical for the Blues with 3-14 off his nine overs, but they could not prevent the Swans from passing the total with six overs to spare, cementing their spot in third.
With six wins so far this season, the Swans have now equalled their winning returns in the McMahon Shield from their past three seasons combined in a positive step for the top grade.
They face Moama in the first challenge after Christmas, while the Blues will continue their push for win number one against BLU.
The Game
Echuca South 5-137 (Jayden Rosin 64 not out, Asantha Singappuli 35, Darin Ohlsen 3-14) d Tongala 136 (Stephen Townsend 57, Matt Ohlsen 21, Rathika Rajakumara 3-13)
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