My ball: Echuca's Sam Reid takes possession of the footy. Photos: Steve Huntley
Photo by
Steve Huntley
Local rivals Echuca and Rochester have written another chapter in their storied Goulburn Valley League rivalry, with the Murray Bombers on Saturday coming away with a comprehensive win in round three.
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Rochester started brightly in Nick O’Connor’s 150th game, trailing by just a point at the first break before a seven-goal-to-three second term the way of the Murray Bombers set the tone for a blowout second half.
The reigning premier slammed home 14 goals to four to come away with a resounding 23.14 (152) to 9.5 (59) victory, its third consecutive triumph to start the year.
Starring role: Jackson Stewart was pivotal for the Murray Bombers in a best-on-ground performance.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
Echuca once again had an even spread of goal-kickers with more than half of its squad hitting the scoreboard, led by best-on-ground Jackson Stewart (four goals) and starring performances out of the midfield from Mitch Wales and Jack Evans.
Sean Williams provided a focal point for the Tigers with four goals, while Blake Evans and Nate Rasmussen toiled hard for the home side.
Echuca co-coach Simon Maddox was pleased with his side’s response to Rochester’s first-quarter assault.
“It was a good game early. Rochester really brought the intensity in the first half,” Maddox said.
“We made a few mistakes and their pressure was really good.
“I thought we clicked into gear the second half of the second quarter. We are able to get our running game going and open it up for the forwards.”
Options: Rochester's Joe Atley gives off a handball.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
Maddox praised his younger leaders for their performances as Echuca continued its recent ascendancy over the Tigers.
“It was more our younger brigade, Mitch Wales, Jacko Stewart, Jack Evans, who led from the front which was fantastic to see,” he said.
“We’ve had a few injuries every week, none season-ending but it mean’s we’ve got some games into our younger fellas.
“It means the young boys have stepped up and now we have competition for spots, which is really good.”
Echuca is now off to a 3-0 start in pursuit of back-to-back flags and Maddox said the club “couldn’t be happier” as it prepared to face Shepparton Swans at Victoria Park this Saturday.
And in ominous signs, the Murray Bombers could strengthen further with a swathe of last year’s stars set to make their return.
Fired up: Echuca players get around each other after a Sam Willoughby goal.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
“We’ve still got Cam Valentine, Ben Reid, Cooper Barber and Jack McHale to come back in to the side,” Maddox said.
“Over the next few weeks we should start to regain those boys.
“To be 3-0 and on top of the ladder is a great start, especially with a few guys to come back in.”
Meanwhile, Rochester is still seeking win number one for the season.
Big men fly: Rochester’s Mitch Cricelli and Echuca's Kane Morris do battle in the ruck.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
The Tigers have fallen to Kyabram, Seymour and Echuca in a tough early season draw, but Ash Watson’s men will travel to Deakin Reserve this Saturday in the hopes of breaking their duck against the Bears.
The game
Scores
Echuca: 2.5, 9.8, 17.11, 23.14 (152)
Rochester: 2.4, 5.4, 7.5, 9.5 (59)
Goals
Echuca: Jackson Stewart 4, Jack Evans, Will Monahan, Mitch Wales 3, Hugh Evans 2, Corbin Anderson, Kieran Hogan, Matt Lias, Callum Parsons, Riley Smith, Andrew Walker, Lachlan Watson, Sam Willoughby
Rochester: Sean Williams 4, Mitch Cricelli 2, Adam McPhee, James McPhee, Nick O’Connor
Best
Echuca: Jackson Stewart, Mitch Wales, Jack Evans, Riley Smith, Corbin Anderson
Rochester: Sean Williams, Blake Evans, Nate Rasmussen, Matt Kellett, Seamus Henderson
