THIS week we crossed the mighty Murray to take on the old enemy — and take them on we did.
After an even start to the game the United boys worked hard and got on top through the fine efforts of Ryan Stobaus, bursting clear from packs, and Dylan Purbrick and Will Graham who were strong at their attack on the ball.
We went to the quarter-time break with a three-goal advantage, Fayte Belmont-Wickliffe providing a strong option up forward and booting two goals for the quarter.
The second quarter was a dour struggle with neither side giving an inch.
Riley Godfrey used his pace to advantage with a number of dashes down the wing delivering the ball to the forwards.
The third quarter saw the United boys take control of the game, Bryce Barnstable switched from defence to full forward with immediate effect, the boys up the field delivered the ball quickly and Barney was able to use strong bodywork to mark and bag four goals for the quarter.
Lachie Sands was also busy up forward using his strength to snap a major.
Jake Clancy and Jackson Gronow showed just how effective good use of the ball can be, particularly with clean ball use below the knees, setting up many forward attacks.
The backline was superb across the four quarters, repelling many attacks, with Jacob Verhey-Taylor, Jye Pearce, Sam Fisher and Toby O’Brien not letting a goal through all day.
All in all a great start to the day setting the tone for the club for the remainder of the day.
Awards: Jake Clancy (Eagles Canteen), Riley Godfrey (De trazani Hair), Bryce Barnstable (Eagles Award), Ryan Stobaus (Rome Pizza), Lachie Sands (Petstock), Jackson Gronow (Subway).
U17s
What a highly anticipated game this one was.
Playing last year’s premiers on their own turf, with both United and Moama undefeated after two rounds.
From the first bounce the United lads looked switched on and ready to play.
There were winners all across the ground.
The defence were on top and rebounding any forward entries by the Magpies.
Up forward, first gamer Jack Jansen was getting his hands on the ball and looking dangerous.
A handy 27-point lead was taken into quarter time.
Unfortunately, the Eagles ran out a different side in the second and third quarters — Moama were showing why they were premiers.
United’s run was gone, they weren’t talking and Moama began chipping away at the young Eagles’ lead.
When the three-quarter-time siren sounded, there was only an 11-point lead to United.
The boys fired again in the last, momentum was restored and the midfield were on top feeding the ball into the dangerous forwards.
Billy Barnes and Brady Simpson were on fire in the middle, showing why they have both had games with the senior team this season.
A good win in the end by 29 points.
Jack Jansen with three and Jesse Garner two were the only multiple goal kickers.
Awards: Brady Simpson (Paramount), Tom Holmes (Toranto’s pizza), Billy Barnes (Roma pizza), Liam Depace (KFC), Darcy Ramage (EUFNC Canteen).