GMJL | Junior footballers shine under lights

When the ball wasn’t in our possession, the entire team applied pressure across the field with more tackle than a local fishing store. Standout tackles came from Sophie Millar and Nate Holmes, but there were many more.

We saw courageous efforts as the game intensified with Liam Rosa causing us all to hold our breath while he displayed courage and commitment. Finn Addicott proved he was one to watch when he went up in the ruck and he ended up in and under the pack for the loose footy in the third quarter. Jesse Watson demonstrated quality foot skills throughout the game.

Congratulations to award winners Liam, Sam, Thomas and Alfie.

— By Rebecca Lloyd

Under-10 White vs Moama White

On Friday night, Echuca White played Moama White at Moama Recreation Reserve. It was a mild evening but still a little wet from earlier rain, making the ball a bit slippery.

It was a tough first half with Moama proving to be quite competitive. Echuca found its feet in the second half and fought back hard, proving to be equally as strong. Echuca had some ripper kicks from Blake, Riley, Seth and Jaxon and awesome goal-kicking from Ged, Jaxon, Tom and Jordan.

Team captain for this week was Tom Reynolds and awards went to Seth Oliver, Tom Reynolds and Riley Mills. Well Done Echuca White on another great game.

— By Sarah Brighton

Under-10 Bombers vs Moama Red

The game started at a cracking pace with plenty of contested ball.

Jack Ridge was tackling well and Lucy Donnan was everywhere, winning the loose ball and setting up teammates with beautiful hand passes. Max Williams marked strongly up forward, kicking two early goals. Jaxon Foley and Charlie Hearn were strong in defence.

The second quarter started with Ash Quayle providing plenty of run. Harry Farrant’s pressure was enormous, laying a great tackle to win a free kick. Moama was pressing hard with good teamwork and the Bombers’ defence was under immense pressure. Harry Emonson and Jobe Hosking were both playing well.

The third quarter saw Moama get the upper hand with plenty of run and a few goals. Oliver Wallis, Flynn Mcredden and Keanu Austin defended well with some great tackles and Jett Plattfuss was in everything.

The Bombers had their chances in front of goal but only managed to score three points. Max battled hard against the odds in the forward line.

The Bombers clawed their way back in the last quarter with Max Taranto passing well to teammates. Jack took a big mark and provided a great pass to Jett, who slotted a much-needed goal. Jaxon also kicked a nice goal, with the Bombers finishing the game off in good form.

Awards: Max Taranto, Lucy Donnan, Oliver Wallis and Flynn McCredden.

— By Anthony Farrant

Under-12 Green vs Murray Bombers

On Friday night, Echuca Green faced off against Echuca Murray Bombers. Despite both teams missing a number of players due to illness, it was great to see the kids enjoying their footy under the lights at Vic Park.

In the first quarter, Echuca Green’s midfield led by Lachie J dominated the play, proving too strong in the centre and delivering the ball to the forward line with great accuracy. Deegan L and Reeve S both scored goals, with Jimmy K scoring a behind.

Echuca Murray Bombers came out strong and scored early in the second quarter, with their hardworking midfielders putting pressure on Echuca Green. In response, Echuca Green lifted, moving the ball down to its end at every opportunity, resulting in Jobe M scoring a goal and Reeve S a behind.

Despite neither team scoring, the third quarter saw some great contests with both teams trying to attack but being outdone by some strong defensive play. Jordi H, Jack S, Billy S, Sam H and Lachie C were the standouts for Echuca Green.

In the final quarter, Echuca Green proved too strong, attacking early and setting up plenty of opportunities for the forward line and midfielders to score. Lachie J and last-minute substitute Sophie M scored behinds, while Nick O, Lachie J and Paddy K all scored goals to take the win.

— By Jane Millar

Under-12 Bombers vs Deni Rams

The Deni team certainly came to play with some bruising tackles and very hard attack on the ball. This put the Bombers on the back foot early, but some expert coaching from Duds and Mark soon got the team’s head in the game.

With the Rams kicking away to a two-goal lead early, the team needed a lift. Enter Tom Cooke. Tom played a superb second quarter in defence and stopped all the Rams’ momentum cold, well assisted by Harry Dunham and Joey, who leapt in for a courageous smother.

Taj moved into the ruck and was terrific. Jagger was warming to the game and had an amazing passage of play where he took on six Deni players and came away with the ball. Charlie Flanigan and Ducky were terrific in locking the ball in our forward 50 to keep the pressure on, and Grace Napier never stopped running.

Nate played a great attacking game and linked up with Arli for some really penetrating runs forward. Jencie chased down her opponent and Lily was terrific with several strong shepherds and tackles. Levi’s lethal left boot provided drive to some super leads from Swiggsy. Imogen was working hard to provide a target up forward. Sam took a brave mark, went back and kicked a nice pass to Jagger, who goaled.

Jobe was having a great game across half-back and Jed attacked the ball with no care for human life. Connor was playing good strong football up forward, as was Gus, who had a couple of shots on goal.

All this meant the Bombers had levelled the scores heading into the last quarter, and the crowd was going wild.

The coaches gave one last stirring call, and the Bombers ran away with the last quarter to come home with a very hard-fought victory against a strong Deni outfit.

It was another great team effort with the sideline support leading the way. Thanks to everyone.

— By Iain McCleary

Under-13 vs Shepparton United

On Sunday afternoon under the watchful eye of coach Craig Sutton, Echuca Bombers took on Shepparton United in almost perfect conditions at Vic Park.

The sounds of the Southern 80 race boats were drowned out by the crowd as the boys moved the ball well through the centre of the ground, with Ben Henson, Charlie Sutton, Jett Miller and the two Wills (Hatfield and Jeffreys) all playing key roles.

The team continued strongly to half-time, with Mitch Sutton snagging four goals before the big break.

The second half started well with the team continuing to deliver on the coach’s game plan of being first to the ball, first to talk up and first to tackle. This paid dividends — the scoreboard continued to tick over with Will Jeffreys holding his position well, allowing Ollie, Mitch and Will to pick up goals.

The team continued to push on in the last quarter. Kai and Keoni Anderson both played pivotal roles with great running. The scoreboard didn’t reflect the spirit in which the game was played, with both teams showing good endeavour and teamwork.

— By Teresa Lloyd

Under-15 Bombers vs Shepparton United

Shepparton United came out strong to score three quick goals in the first three minutes.

The first echoes of Sapphire rounding the last bend to take out the Southern 80 at the six-minute mark inspired the first goal for Echuca from Kristian Fitzsimmons.

Shepp United continued to dominate the centre in the first quarter. Campbell Orr was strong on the wing, however he took a knock to the head which saw him sidelined for the remainder of the game.

The second goal for the quarter was scored by Oska McFarlane, who showed relentless desire to get the ball. Strong kicks and strong marks lead Shepparton to kick a total of seven goals by the end of the quarter.

At quarter-time, the coaches spoke about pushing numbers into the forward line and to keep on running and remember their efforts and commitment to the footy.

The Echuca boys came out firing, with Oska flashing the pocket with a cheque-side kick which narrowly missed the goals. Echuca levelled up the backline, holding it tight with Riley Carr taking some strong marks. Finn McPherson produced four tackles, slowing United’s scoring opportunities.

Half-time saw the coaches speak highly about the improvements. They urged the boys to continue to play their opponent and find the ball.

Entering the third quarter, Riley Carr returned to play after a heavy knock in the second term, pushing hard down the forward flank. Darcy Irwin contested hard against the big bodies in the United forward line.

Fitzy called out to the boys to fight for every ball and Kristian responded by taking the marks. Echuca stepped up the physicality, making Shepp United aware there were no easy balls to get. A momentary lapse of concentration saw United score an easy goal from the goal square. Jack Milne took the game on with run out of defence and some strong tackles to end the quarter.

The final quarter saw the Echuca boys fight hard but it wasn’t enough, with Echuca 2.2 (14) losing to Shepparton United 20.13 (133)

Best players: Kristian Fitzsimmons, Oska Macfarlane, Darcy Irwin, Charlie O’Toole, Dhara Canham, Riley Carr.

— By Tania Field

Moama

Under-10 Red vs Echuca White

Friday evening brought much milder conditions this week for our players along with their committed supporters. An excited and confident vibe among the team set the scene at Vic Park for a fabulous game of football against Echuca Bombers' under-10s. It was great to see such a great roll-up from both teams.

The first quarter saw a solid performance from all players. Hamish McDonald took some impressive, strong tackles which resulted in well-deserved free kicks. Connor Richardson stepped into the forward position for the first time with some trepidation but backed himself and, with the support of his teammates, scored two goals.

Whether it was the lollies, the oranges or the combination of both, Moama Red came out of the blocks firing, playing their best quarter of football to date. Heath Clarke continued his dominance with several marks and two goals along with Chloe Ryan, Murphy Carter and Brayden Morrison, who maintained their composure, playing their best quarters so far this season.

Shaylah Hinds demonstrated impressive resilience after being knocked down only to return to the ground minutes later and give it her all. Murphy Carter, Jonte Carfoot, Lincoln Cleathero and Brayden Morrison were the award winners for the night.

Congratulations to all players from both teams on a wonderful display of sportsmanship during their game of Friday night football. Goal-kickers for the night were Chloe Ryan, Braydon Morrison, Connor Richardson, Clinton McKee, Ace Rogers, Heath Clarke and Brant Haw.

A special thank you to all the volunteers who ensure this event happens every week. Your commitment to our children is greatly appreciated.

— By Anthea Mathers