GVL | Murray Bombers breeze past United thanks to Kirkby’s heroics

By Josh Huntly

Aug 21, 2022

Party time: Echuca's Ruory Kirkby booted nine goals on the weekend. Photo by Steve Huntley

With one round to go in the Goulburn Valley League season, Echuca has officially secured minor premier status following its 168-point win over Shepparton United on Saturday.

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Ruory Kirkby’s nine-goal haul helped the Murray Bombers to their 16th straight win of the year and their second straight minor premiership.

In the first-versus-last match-up at Victoria Park, the clash largely lived up to the billing with Echuca slamming home 11 unanswered goals before Mitch Roche converted the Demons’ first.

An 11-goal third quarter extended an already intimidating lead before the Murray Bombers eventually ran out 28.19 (187) to 2.7 (19) victors.

Jack McHale, Kane Morris and Daniel Willis dominated proceedings alongside Kirkby, while Sam Willoughby booted four goals for the game.

United skipper Kyle Clarke’s class was a shining light for the Demons before his day was cut short through injury, while Sheldon Bogdan, Kaedyn Napier and Liam Serra battled hard.

Kirkby’s latest haul has seen his 2022 tally increase to 69, three shy of Christopher Neild on 72.

The Murray Bombers now have two minor premierships from two straight campaigns after the club took it out in the shortened 2021 season.