Heading goalward: Hugh Byrne ended the day with two majors for the Murray Bombers. Photos: Aidan Briggs
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Reigning premier Echuca faced its first real test of the season in the Goulburn Valley League senior football competition at the weekend, hosting Mooroopna at Victoria Park.
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One of the rare sides to have tested the Murray Bombers on multiple occasions across the past two seasons, the Cats once again showed they match up well against Echuca, putting together a strong performance to push the home side all the way.
But despite a tight, entertaining contest, Echuca eventually showed its class, establishing a gap in the second half to secure a 10.10 (70) to 8.8 (56) win.
Solid performer: Daniel Willis was among the best for Echuca.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
The Murray Bombers opened the contest with a 3.5 (23) term to lead the Cats by 10 points at the first break, before Mooroopna fired back in the second term to ensure the two sides headed into the rooms with the scores level at 35 apiece.
It was in the third term, the so-called ‘premiership quarter’, that Echuca made its move, kicking a game-high 4.2 (26) for the term while restricting Mooroopna to a single goal, opening up a match-defining lead of 20 points heading into the final term.
A valiant Mooroopna won the last quarter, reeling the margin in by six points, but the Murray Bombers did enough to claim the contest by 14 points and remain unbeaten atop the ladder after three rounds.
Rising high: Cooper Willoughby elevates for a strong overhead mark.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Jack McHale and Angus Byrne featured among the best yet again for Echuca, hitting the scoreboard with one and three goals respectively, while Daniel Willis, Jack Evans (one goal) and Matthew Lias were also influential.
Searching: Bailey Gray looks downfield for a teammate.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Hugh Byrne and Liam Tenace were among the goals with a pair of majors each, while Mitch Wales also booted a goal.
Eyes on the ball: Liam Tenace guides the ball on to his boot.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Echuca will now turn its attention to another tough contest this week when it comes up against Euroa, with the Magpies also unbeaten after three rounds.
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