MFL | Eagles outlast Rumbalara for second win

A 13-point lead to the fast-starting United at quarter-time was whittled down to nine at the main break after a goal-for-goal second term.

But the third quarter proved key as United kept Rumbalara goalless, and four final-quarter goals to the visiting Eagles sealed the deal.

“It was a great result for the club,” Eagles coach Farran Priest said.

“Coming to Rumba, it was pretty important to win. Justin was playing his 100th, and we felt like we had a lot of momentum built up over the past month.

“Internally, we were trying to build for these last two games. Yesterday against Rumbalara was the massive tick that we needed.”

Harney’s six goals was complemented by two each to Cantwell, Sharpe and Jesse Garner, while Ryan Lovegrove-Hudson and Josh Patmore booted three goals each in a desperate bid for Rumbalara’s breakthrough win.

In the eyes of the Eagles’ coach, Sharpe’s game was unequalled.

“Kynan Sharpe was unbelievable. That was definitely his big breakout game for us,” Priest said.

“His last two months have been super to watch. He was our clear best-on-ground.

“Justin was good in his 100th game. To play 100 games is an achievement but to play well in your 100th is great.

“Jesse Garner was really good again. He kicked two but he probably deserved a few more to his name.

“Jimmy (Harney) has just been super reliable for us all year.”

It was Echuca United’s first victory since its drought-breaking triumph over Numurkah in round 12, while Rumbalara is now staring down the barrel of a winless season with a game against Nathalia to end the year.

The 32-point win also means the Eagles have gone one better than their one-win 2021 campaign.

They are now looking ahead to closing out their season against Barooga in an effort to secure back-to-back wins.

“Now we have Barooga in front of our home crowd in our last game. It’s going to be a big game for our club with past players’ day,” Priest said.