Football
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Youth Girls - Moama
It was a great day on Sunday for the Moama Youth Girls football side for the round four match against Shepparton Notre/Mooroopna.
The game was played in great spirits, with Moama sharing four girls per quarter to Shepparton to allow both sides to play and enjoy a game of football.
Playing their first home game and using the new facilities for the first time in 2021, Moama got away to a great start and never looked back. The pleasing part about the game was the improvement shown by all players, practising what they learnt at training and taking it into the games, handballing to a running teammate, kicking into a space, tackling and shepherding.
With every player at Moama willing to help other teams out, it's a pleasing aspect that makes Moama coach Matthew Mackay proud.
Payton Hearn of Moama kicked Shepp/Notre Mooroopna’s only goal for the day, while Charli Dorrity kicked eight goals for Moama to cap off a great individual effort helped out by all her teammates.
On Friday night from 6.30pm, Moama will have a great test in Shepparton United with neither team suffering a loss yet this season.
Special mentions for a great game on Sunday to K. Davidson, B. Church, C. Dorrity, J. Richardson, S. Cooper, K. Shanon and N. Bacon.
Final score: Moama 17.22 (124) d Shepp Notre/Mooroopna 1.0 (6)
Goals C. Dorrity 8, E. Ham 2, S. Cooper K. Davidson, E. Plattfuss, J. Richardson, K. Shanon, G. McMillan, P. Hearn.
Under 14 - Echuca Bombers
Echuca Bombers travelled across to Mooroopna to take on top-of-the-table Mooroopna Cats Blue. On a cold and bleak Sunday afternoon, the Bombers came out fired up and ran the ball straight out of the centre square to apply pressure on the Cats early.
With the Cats holding firm after repeated forward entries by the Bombers, they were then able to find space and push the ball forward for the first goal of the match. But it wasn't long before the Bombers responded, winning the next centre clearance to kick it long for a strong mark and six-point conversion by Archer Weeks.
The Cats again responded kicking the next two goals before the quarter-time siren.
Mooroopna started the second quarter off well, kicking the first goal, while the next 10 minutes spectators witnessed tough hard football with both backlines standing firm and repelling all entries out of the back half.
Finally Echuca got the ball over the top of Mooroopna’s tall backline for a great goal on the run by Cody Walker.
After the long break, Mooroopna started quickly out of the blocks to kick a quick goal before Echuca kicked into gear and pushed the ball forward to kick six consecutive points.
This cost the visitors dearly after a dominant 15-minute display of football. The bounce seemed to be favouring the home team with Mooroopna slotting two late goals before Ned Townrow–Ash took a mark in the square to then go back and slot a goal to end the quarter.
Mooroopna came out fired up in the last quarter to kick five unanswered goals, before a goal from the boundary line by Walker gave the visitors some hope.
With little time left the Bombers pushed the ball forward only to be beaten by the final siren.
Final score: Mooroopna 12.10 (82) d Echuca 4.10 (34)
Best: Darcy Irwin, Ned Townrow–Ash, Riley Carr, Jett Kirvin, Elijah Swiggs, Cody Walker.
Under 12 - Echuca Bombers
Echuca Bombers under 12s travelled to take on Rochester, arriving full of energy which showed right from the first bounce.
Some great clearance work by the onballers got the ball forward, and Ollie Spring pounced on it to open things up with a goal.
The Bombers took full advantage of a slight breeze, and some excellent defensive work from Taj and Harry Milne, combined with some great team link-up play, saw the Bombers with a small lead at quarter-time.
The backline stepped up in the second quarter and was well led by the day’s captain in Ben Henson.
The Tigers started to get into the game more, putting pressure on Echuca's defenders, but the defensive efforts by Jaxon Hogan, Quinn Andrews and Oscar Eade limited the damage to just one goal.
The forwards made the most of their opportunities, still managing two goals against the breeze. Charlie Sutton continued to run and gather possessions and Declan ‘Funky’ Miller rucked well, giving the onballers first use and gathering possessions himself.
With the wind dying down by the third quarter, it required some additional effort which came in the form of plenty of run by Eden Thompson and Keonie Anderson on the wings.
Kai Anderson also continued to win the ball in tight before getting the ball out to his runners. Brodie Spedding worked hard and Micah showed his trademark zip around the forward line and was rewarded with his first goal of the season, while Finn Murphy also goaled.
The last quarter still required the Bombers to run the game out which they did, with the backline again repelling Rochester's attacks and starting a number of link-up plays to get the ball forward.
Nick O’Meara, Jem Waterson and Ollie Friso-Garner were busy up forward with Ollie finding the goals, while Liam Beasley set a couple up with some good handballs in the forward line.
It was a great team effort by the Echuca Bombers for a strong win.
Awards: Taj Ducancubino, Harry Milne, Keoni Anderson, Oscar Eade, Charlie Sutton.
Under 12 - Moama Black
Moama Black came up against a quality outfit in Echuca White who started strongly and had Moama rattled in the first 10 minutes.
The backline was under constant pressure with Jasper Hearn, Kaiden Peace, Hugh McDonald, Fin Cox and Geordie Teasdale all battling hard against larger stronger opposition.
The second quarter saw some individual brilliance from Jett “Noodles” Avard who kicked a magnificent check side goal on the run from the pocket.
This seemed to stir Moama into action for a much better second half.
The second half was largely even with Black working their way back into the game. Fred Peat and Bohdi Dohnt worked well in the middle and shared the ball well to their smaller forwards in Jackson Goldstraw and Josh Barden who got the ball to "Noodles" for another couple of goals. All up, a great game of under 12 football played in great spirit.
Under 12 - Moama White
Under Friday night lights, Moama White were confronted with a slick Echuca Green outfit. After a slow start, committed team play, loud positive voices and running into space paid dividends for Moama White as the practiced skills and plays came together in the third term.
Structured play was set up well by James, Kobe, Blake, Aiden, Xave, Bodhi, Ted and Campbell.
Jack, Oscar, Abbey, Levi and Charlie displayed tremendous dedication throughout the match and inspired their teammates, while it was also fantastic to witness younger players such as Chayce, Archie, Ben, Ryan, Oliver and Tre hold their own to be massive contributors towards such a great team effort.
It was pleasant to witness both sides contribute to such a fine all-round contest and even more pleasing to watch the sportsmanship and respect shown towards each other and the officials during and after the game.
Awards: Abbey Case, Charlie Reardon, Bodhi Kohn, Blake Johns.
Under 10 - Echuca Bombers
It was another solid effort from the mighty Echuca Bombers on Friday night against cross-border rivals Moama Black.
Coach Canham was happy with the early lead, created by players sticking to their positions, spreading out and manning up in the backline.
Jaxon Key was strong up both ends with some great goals and tough defence, while a solid effort from Joey Lowry and Ned O’Neale helped keep the scores close.
Levi Weeks, Bae Quayle and Tom Arthurson led the way with some great passages of play across the ground.
Jimmy Kervin, a welcome inclusion into the team, together with first year players Max Gill, Ged Canham, and Harry Formosa continued to impress all round.
A determined effort by game captain Harry Emonson and a fantastic late goal by Jobe Murphy wasn’t quite enough to get them across the unofficial score line but with the improvement shown so far this season, the next meeting could be very different.
Under 10 - Echuca Red
From start to finish of the Echuca Red and St Augustines game, it was high pressure with little time left for either team to gain clear possession.
After the first bounce a rolling scrum started and continued for the entire quarter. St Augustines had most of the ball and kicked it into their forward 50 where Tor Kenley took a strong mark before kicking it back out to the midfield.
The Reds ratcheted up the pressure in the midfield and were able to stop St Augustines’ dominance. Patrick Kenna and Luca Micalizzi teamed up to reverse the tide, with Paddy grabbing the ball and staying strong to get a handball off to Luca who belted the ball into the forward line.
St Augustines were tough in defence, but Marlon Micalizzi on the wing held off several players, stayed on his feet and kicked the ball back into his forward line to close out the first quarter.
The Reds were fired up to start the second quarter as they continued the immense pressure. Jobe Hosking, Sam Henson, Ryder Colless and Marlon Micalizzi worked hard, pressuring their forwards by tackling and kicking back into the midfield. It went back and forth but the Reds held strong to only let a point in.
Hosking kicked out to Billy Sutton who marked in the midfield, before passing to Sam Henson who under pressure spun and avoided the opposition to get a hurried kick away.
The next ball up began another rolling maul. Jordan Moodie took a strong contested mark, Harry Dunham was strong in defence and kicked out to Henson who pumped the ball into the forward line.
In another scrum Kenley grabbed the ball but was tackled as Hunter Colless picked it up cleanly and passed it back to Kenley who marked.
The third quarter started better with as a booming kick by Kenna sent the ball into the Reds forward line only for it to come back. Marlon Micalizzi grabbed the ball and busted through three tackles, while Sutton was everywhere tackling and grabbing the crumbs.
Oliver Brighton and Henson once again were instrumental in holding up St Augustines, tackling at every chance.
Starting the fourth quarter Jordan Moodie picked up a loose ball and breaking three tackles got the ball away. Sutton continued his good form, getting the ball to Ryder Colless who kicked the ball into the forward pocket.
St Augustines took the ball back into the forward line where Marlon Micalizzi collected it and ran from the back line to half-forward to put the ball into the goal square though there was little time for any players to make a clean possession.
Deegan Leo, Harry Durnham and Brighton kept the pressure up and gave St Augustines little time to settle, as Ryder Colless smothered a mark at half back and punched the ball clean into the forward line.
Awards: Sam Henson, Paddy Kenna, Jordan Moodie, Billy Sutton, Tor Kenley.
Under 10 - Echuca Green
Facing icy winds and the coldest conditions of the season, round four saw Echuca Green head to Echuca South Recreation Reserve this week to take on Echuca United Gold.
Coach Rankins could see the parents and grandparents rugged up for the occasion and kept his team warm so when the first whistle blew they were ready to fire.
Both Xav and Reeve attacked the ball early and laid some great tackles to set the tone for the team and ensure “The Green Machine” was switched on for the day.
Kai Rankins opened the scoring with a great running goal, which was followed by the first car horn celebration of the year, with some parents opting for the warm comfort of their cars.
Big Taj Maddox was a fantastic target up forward in the first quarter and ensured the scoreboard kept ticking over, along with young Billy Quirk kicking his first goal for the season with an intercept mark and goal.
Heading into the second quarter, Coach Rankins’ move to put Lucas Tarranto in the middle worked a treat with “The Tarantula” going to work and giving the Greens first use of the ball out of the middle.
Down back “Kirky” was a pillar of strength at fullback to restrict the scoring of Echuca United Gold.
Green went into half-time with a few sore fingers and cold noses, but were ready to attack the second half. Coach Rankins’ message was as clear as ever: "Keep your feet, Greens, and get the ball forward using that icy cold wind to our advantage".
The third quarter saw some great fight from Echuca United Gold, though some amazing defensive efforts and tackling from Grace Napier and Jobe Williams kept the Greens in the game. With some great run and carry from Lochy Field followed by a Logan O’Meara right foot snap goal, the team lifted late in the third quarter.
The Green Machine rolled into the last quarter with a smooth moving Alfie Lloyd kicking an early goal to have Green up and about in the final term which saw some great play from both teams.
It was another awesome game of football with both sides playing in the right spirit, and the game played right up to the final whistle.
Netball
Echuca B grade
The game between Echuca and Shepparton Swans started at great intensity with both teams driving hard onto the ball across the court. Late in the first quarter Echuca took a small lead through some midcourt defence allowing Bridget Byrne and Lara Judd to take some well-timed intercepts.
The second quarter saw the lead extended through some accurate shooting following precision passing from Greta Pearson, Meg Rohde and Kylie Walker.
Well done to Lilly Devlin to come on at half time and combine with George Eishold and Bianca Willis seamlessly in the goal circle.
Many changes and combinations were again trialed in the defensive circle and Zara Pearson’s experience troubled the Swans goalers to keep them to minimal opportunities.
Final score: Echuca 59 d Shepp Swans 21
Best: Lara Judd, Greta Pearson, Georgina Eishold.
Echuca B reserve
Saturday's B reserve clash began as a tight contest, with defence from both ends disciplined. There was great passages of play from both sides which saw the scores level at quarter-time. As the game progressed, Echuca remained true to their game and were able to remain consistent with the changes that were made. Perfecting their timing and rhythm Echuca went on to win.
Final score: Echuca 50 d Shepp Swans 37
Best: Tamara Nicholls, Erin Hill, Tina Rankin.
Echuca under 17
Determined to be strong Echuca's under 17s were ready for a physical game against Shepp Swans. Leading by three goals into the second quarter all players were performing, allowing the Murray Bombers to maintain its lead for the following quarters.
Midcourt players Halle Gray, Claudia Sampson, April Eeles and Zayah James showed speed and accurate passing, while Echuca goalers Mia Roberts, Lilly Devlin and Jorja Oliver's precise shooting along with the competitive attitude of defenders Alice Davidson and Lilli Oliver built up the team's confidence.
The overall connection of the team was highlighted by the score with Echuca coming home with a convincing win against the Swans.
Final score: Echuca 66 d Shepp Swans 35
Best: Lilli Oliver, Alice Davidson, Halle Gray.
Echuca under 15
This was always going to be a tough match, though Echuca provided strong competition for the ladder-leader Shepp Swans.
Holly Chadwick was again a great presence in defence, reading the play and picking up crucial intercepts, while Phillippa Bush was strong in attack, making quick leads then capitalizing in the ring.
Makenna James’ strong hands and passing into the ring was another key feature on offence.
An excellent third term saw the Murray Bombers almost outscore the Swans.
Final score: Echuca 36 lt Shepp Swans 58
Best: Holly Chadwick, Phillippa Bush, Makenna James.
Echuca United B grade
In a fantastic win by the Eagles, a full bench allowed the side to work on its combinations.
Final score: Echuca United 55 d Rumbalara 20
Awards: Georgia McGowan, Naomi Williams.
Echuca United C grade
A fantastic team effort saw a very United record a convincing win over Rumbalara.
Final score: Echuca United 57 d Rumbalara 21
Awards: Jenna Carter, Libbi Bell.
Echuca United under 17
Another tough game where United were unfortunate not to be able to take home the win.
Final score: Echuca United 28 lt Rumbalara 38
Awards: Georgia Davidson, Gabbey Beveridge, Alicia Callander.
Echuca United under 15
On Saturday, United applied pressure for the full four quarters to record a great 33-goal win.
Congratulations to Hayley Depace on 50 club games.
Final score: Echuca United 44 d Rumbalara 11
Awards: Paige Simpson, Molly McLeod, Lelani Cartlidge.
Echuca United under 13
What a game, with the scores not reflecting the competition. There was much improved teamwork and a strong first half from United, though unfortunately Rumba ran away with the game in the third and fourth quarters.
Final score: Echuca United 22 lt Rumbalara 31
Awards: Chloe Moyle, Mia Arthurson, L'val Turner.
Echuca United under 11
All the Eagles players battled hard against a tall Rumba team and are improving all the time.
Awards: Peyton Olsson, Evee Hazelman, Gabbey Roussis, Jorja McLeod.