Echuca United
Under-17 vs Nathalia
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Our journey to Nathalia for the first versus sixth clash promised to be a close encounter and that it was. Full credit to the opposition who turned up with the right attitude and a desire to play good team footy.
We weren’t allowed to play our way right from the start and had it not been for Nathalia’s wayward kicking the game would have been over at half-time.
Our defenders saw more of the ball than we would like but Ridley Gass and Jacob Verhey Taylor were stand-outs. Nash presented a target for us all day, Fayte tried hard to lift the team as did Will Graham who played his first game of the season.
Lenny Cook patrolled the wing, clocking up plenty of kilometres and laying some good tackles on much bigger opponents.
In the end the five-point margin flattered us. Back to training to take the learnings from the game and ensure we improve.
Echuca United 2.8 (20) lost to Nathalia 2.13 (25)
– Garet Stobaus
Moama
Under-12 Black vs Echuca Bombers
The lads travelled to Vic Park to take on the Echuca Bombers on a brisk Sunday morning. Still feeling the effects of whatever virus is circling the schools this week we were helped out by three under-10s — Tighe Teasdale, Xander Eldridge and Max Johns. Thanks boys.
Led by Ewan Caffery this week the boys started well after some words of wisdom from the captain. The backline was then under some early pressure, however, Ben McRea and Xavier Phillips held strong to keep the scoreboard under control.
The on-ballers led by Ryan McRae in the ruck also generated some good opportunities across half-back for Archie Jennings and William Styles to capitalise on.
Quarter-time allowed the coach to reset the team strategies and move a few magnets. It worked with repeat forward entries at the beginning of the second quarter and Marley Goddard, Tommy Dohnt and Xander pushing hard forward to put the Bombers backline under some sustained pressure.
The half-time oranges and jelly beans were a welcome sight after a hard-fought quarter and as the sugar kicked in we started with a goal to Tommy in the third quarter had the boys up and about.
However, the Bombers are a good side and pushed back hard, putting more pressure on our backline with Kelly Horkings and Harvey Van Haaster holding steady to minimise the damage. A great defensive mark by Austin Dodman created the ‘play of the day’ down the grandstand wing, ultimately finding Willie Edwards-Atkinson in the forward line, only to be beaten by the siren.
The last quarter saw James Cain, Chayse Green and Tighe attack the ball out of the middle, however, the forward line struggled to capitalise early on.
Kaiden Pearse put his head over the ball to win possession on the wing and surge the ball over to Darcey Leah for another forward entry. A great contest by both sides played in good spirits and gamesmanship, thanks Bombers for the game.
– By Jamie Horkings
Echuca
Under-10 Murray Bombers vs Echuca White
Lachy Finn started the game with a cracking goal on a clear evening at Vic Park against Echuca White.
It was a solid team effort through out the first half. Eddie Eade and Ryder Retallick showed some excellent skills and backed up their team mates.
Jasper Dedini provided pace around the ball, with some exceptional displays of speed. Hugh Napier had a good crack at the goals to start the second quarter but was spoiled by good defence from White.
Excellent defence by Edward Melville, Will Harcon and Lachy Finn kept Echuca White at bay. Hunter Jones scored the first of the quarter from a fantastic mark in front of goals, fed in by Harry Hooper.
Murray Bombers continued with numerous snaps at goal from Harry Hooper, Edward Melville, Brock Harman and Blake Shandley, however they were evenly matched by White.
A flurry of attempts on goal opened the second half with Hughie Napier and Luca Micalizzi getting one each on the board. Puma like speed through the centre by Hunter Colless saw the ball moving well into our forwards, with Jack Howe supporting the flow across our midfield.
White kept on attacking in the last quarter putting Jolie Masters, Brock Harman and Jasper Dedini to work in our back line. Eddie Eade at full-back saved multiple goals across in what was a tough game.
Great work Murray Bombers! Thanks to all the parents and helpers who get as out there each week.
– By Lauri
Under-10 White vs Echuca Murray Bombers
Vic Park, on a crisp bright late afternoon game, with Echuca White captain being Ollie Brighton to lead and encourage the team.
The first quarter was a tough fought-out quarter, with Jaxon kicking our opening goal to close the quarter out at one straight kick each. Coach Tim encouraged the team to get more numbers to the contest and run into space when leading.
In the second quarter Brighton showed strength in the air, taking a strong mark. It continued to be a tough congested game, with the backline under pressure but holding up well.
Jordan showed courage, flying for everything. Tim’s message at half-time was if in range of the goals take the shot, use bear hug tackles and long big kicks down the ground.
In the third quarter there was a strong mark down back by Jordan to stop a goal. Tom got in and under to force the ball into our forward line. Riley showed his aerial skills, taking a great mark and nice pass down the ground.
Speed on the wings was a feature of this quarter from Oliver. Tim’s message was ‘’hold our positions, we can’t kick goals if no-one is in the forward line. Keep the big bear hug tackles up and using the space’’.
In the final quarter there was plenty of hot, contested ball in the middle. Jordan, Ged and Nate did not give an inch. We peppered the goals with goals coming from Nugget, Nate and Blake all coming from great ball delivery from Max, Jaxon, Ged and Jordan.
Award winners this week were Jack, Jordan, Nate, Ged and Harrison.
– Contributed
Under-10 Bombers vs Moama Black
The Bombers took on a youthful look on Friday night with Bradley Denton and Archie Flanagan making their debut and having an immediate impact.
Harry Emonson picked up where he finished last week with some ferocious tackling and defending. A couple of weeks off didn't affect Tom Arthurson who was racking up disposals at will, kicking a classy long-range goal.
Max Williams marked strongly and kicked a couple of team-lifting goals early. Ash Quayle who had also had a small hiatus, was back in the thick of it, with Keanu Austin's forward pressure a highlight.
The second quarter started with the Bombers under enormous pressure. Max Gill and Oliver Wallis were staunchly defending and rebounding off half-back, with Jack Ridge getting on the end of their good work for a great goal.
Jaxon Foley was up to his usual antics, kicking truly from the boundary with the Bombers taking that momentum into half-time.
The visitors came out strongly after the main break putting the Bomber defence under pressure. Charlie Hearn's work rate was outstanding with Jobe Hosking kicking a great goal out of heavy traffic.
The final term saw the Bomber intensity lift with Foley again hitting the scoreboard.
Austin's work rate was fantastic with the young Bombers having plenty of repeat forward entries and running out the game strongly.
Awards: A'Quality and Roma Pizza: Harry Emonson. Odd Captain: Archie Flanagan. Club Voucher: Bradley Denton
– By Brock Williams
Under-10 Green vs Colbinabbin
The Friday night adventure to Colbo was met with excited players as we donned our new footy jumpers. We now live up to the name of ‘Green Machine’ and won’t be mistaken for ‘Red Rockets.’
The field was wet so we had to adjust to the conditions, and we did quite well. Heads over the footy was the direction from the coach and many players did this indeed, particularly Finn Addicott and Nate Holmes who got in and under the packs to get the ball cleared out.
Lochy Field got the job done with plenty of run and carry while Wil ‘goal sneak’ Robberts was at it again putting score board pressure on the opposition.
A huge shout out to our Green Machine entourage who stepped up to facilitate the warm-up and have the team ready to go. We see impressive team work on the field and we saw it off the field this week too.
– By Rebecca Lloyd
Under-12 Bombers vs Moama Black
Our first Sunday morning game was played in chilly conditions, but luckily the footy on display was scorching hot.
Levi stepped up into the captain’s role and had an immediate impact with several good runs and laser-like left foot kicking. Lily was finding the ball early also, and Kai drilled the ball into Harry for an early shot on goal.
Arli found Nate who finished with a clinical, difficult goal. Some excellent forward pressure from Sam, Swiggsy, Ducky, Kai and Levi meant we were able to keep the ball in our half. Arli weaved some magic with a lovely shimmy and pass to Kai.
Then disaster struck as an accidental head clash saw Nate’s nose re-adjusted to somewhere near Mathoura with plenty of blood to go with it. He had a well-deserved rest on the bench.
Connor was playing an excellent quarter and took some incredibly brave marks. So courageous in fact that coach Mark labelled him Connor “Balls of Steel” and he provided a real lift for the team after Nate’s exit.
Phew! That was only the first quarter!
Taj was playing well in the ruck again, and performed a perfect tap down to Lily, who kicked the ball forward, straight out of the textbook. Harry was excellent up forward and managed a goal, and Grace lead out at the ball well.
Jed was hard at the ball and took some strong marks and some great shepherds for his team. Jagger was having a brilliant game across half-back, with some great tackling, but fast explosive runs forward as well.
Ducky was right there with him, and played a terrific game, with outstanding defence all game long. Gus was also playing a tough game and contributed well.
Jobe had a great pick up and shot at goal, then an immediate follow up tackle. Jen was playing a great game and contested across half-back for several marks. Jagger moved forward and picked up a few goals to go with his excellent game. Joey provided plenty of forward pressure and combined nicely with Sam to push the ball forward.
Ducky was continuing his terrific game with some hard second-efforts in tackling, and Harry took a classic intercept mark against the run of play.
Nate bravely came back on after getting the all-clear and contributed well up forward. Charlie moved into the ruck and was outstanding. Lily and Jobe had terrific last quarters with some great shepherds and forward tackling pressure. This allowed Arli to get free and scored some amazing goals, including a check-side from the boundary on the run, which I’m still mentally processing how it was possible. Incredible stuff.
Well played Bombers. A great effort by everyone. Thanks coaches, runners, umpires and supporters.
– By Iain McCleary
Under-13 Green V Echuca Bombers
Playing at Vic Park under lights, the ground was greasy and the air was crisp. Round five saw Gratton ‘Grattie’ Harrison captain the side.
The first quarter was a tight tussle, seeing some key highlights from Will ‘Walshy’ Walshe strong in the contest, Ollie Tomkins clean with his hands and Jacob ‘Coco’ Brighton showing speed.
Late in the term Henry ‘Belly’ Bell hit the scoreboard with the first and only goal for the quarter. At quarter-time the message from Birdy and Rooy was about concentrating on the footy first and keeping it in front, using the space and running hard.
The second quarter continued with a hotly contested ball. Pushing the ball forward at all costs paid off with Belly slotting another goals and Jack Alberni kicking truly. It was three straight, leading into half-time eight points up. The ball was proving hard to pick up cleanly.
The half-time message from Rooy was really positive – ‘Great team work, backing ourselves, just need to lift the talk on the field’.
In the third quarter the boys got a little lost on manning up. Charlie ‘Gotchy’ Gotch was winning in the ruck giving us first use. Birdy’s message was to the point – ‘we must man up, be accountable and switch on’.
The last quarter saw everything left on the ground. Strong hands by Charlie ‘Vossy’ Voss, great vision and run all night from Harrison ‘H’ Whan. In the end we came up just short.
Award winners: Declan, Fletcher, Jacob, Belly, Gus, Harrison and Archie.
– Contributed
Under-15 Bombers vs Shepparton Swans
The prospect of the first game of the season under lights had the boys pumped for a strong hit out against ladder leaders Shepparton Swans.
Strong defence was the hallmark of the night lead by a fine mark by Riley Carr in the last line of defence. Carr was well supported by Addicott, Canham and Kervin who were all working overtime for Echuca.
Halfway through the first quarter a strong mark and kick by Walker to Oellermann resulted in the first goal to the home team with a soccer-like kick off the turf. The siren sound marking the end of a quarter that saw Echuca trailing by 15 points.
A strong start to the second quarter saw the Swans extend their lead. Again, Echuca’s defence was put under enormous pressure, lead by some fantastic tackling from Irwin and Canham.
Another strong mark and a 50m penalty to Irwin saw Echuca kick into its forward line for the first time for the quarter.
Unfortunately, the home team was unable to capitalise and only added two points during this quarter.
The third quarter saw Echuca come out to play. A massive kick out by Irwin to Oellerman, followed by a strong tackle by Irwin resulted in a much more promising play through the centre.
Walker was paid a free that was taken downfield by Addicott to convert the first major for Echuca since the first quarter. Once again Echuca relied heavily on the defence with some great tackles from Kervin, Milne and Canham.
Through the middle Fitzsimmons was racking up the possessions and providing some drive into the forward line. Gotch took a strong mark on the wing, followed by a strong mark to Kenna and onto Fitzsimmons who converted with a great kick on goal.
The end of the quarter saw much of the play in Echuca’s forward line, with Walker kicking another goal for Echuca just before the siren for three-quarter time. Echuca managed to outscore the Swans in this quarter.
The fourth quarter saw the misty fog roll in and conditions deteriorate. Again, Echuca’s defence was put under immense pressure. The class of the Swans shone through as they kicked away in the final term to run away with the match 28-91.
Best players: Walker, Carr, Oellerman, Irwin, Milne and Fitzsimmons.
– By Jenny Weeks
Contributed content