Sport

Tigers take control after early Eagles lead

By Matthew Kappos

Jul 13, 2025

Grady Smith is under pressure from Paulie Degei. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Echuca United looked poised to deliver a Murray Football League upset after the first quarter of action at Echuca South Recreation Reserve, but a quality Cobram outfit proved too much for the Eagles.

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The host kicked two goals to one in the opening term to open up a 16-8 advantage at the first break.

Matthew Lias plays it forward. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Cobram would put on four straight in the second to regain control of the game, but the Eagles were still in the hunt at the main break, trailing by 10.

The third quarter was back and forth, but the Tigers again came out slightly ahead, leading 60-45 at the final change.

Ryan Stobaus claims possession. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

After an almighty struggle against one of the league’s top four, United finally ran out of steam in the fourth and Cobram was able to run the home side over with five unanswered majors in the last term, resulting in a 14.10 (94) to 6.9 (45) win.

Tyron Baden was the leading scorer, kicking three for Cobram, while Jackson Lewis and Oliver Poole were the Eagles’ best with two each.

Callum Parsons tracks the Luca Allen run. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Mitchell Boyd and Matthew Lias headlined United’s best players, while Luca Allen was Cobram’s best.

Still not too far away from a potential late finals charge, United (4-9) regressed to 10th on the ladder with this result, overtaken by this week's opposition, Tongala.

Ryan Stobaus looks to shut down Samuel Beasley. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The Eagles edged the Blues by a single point when the sides met in round one and the two teams will see this second meeting as a must-win if they wish to retain any hope of a finals berth, setting up a thrilling showdown.

Both sides sit two games back from sixth spot, with five fixtures remaining.