A great day for football along with good numbers travelling was an encouraging start for coach Bruce McCahon in preparation for an epic battle.
Echuca’s big men Duane Kelly, Justin Voss and Stewart Young had an immediate impact with some classic tap rucking and key position marks.
Against the breeze in the first quarter the EMU’s were four goals down at quarter time and the key message at quarter time was to stop the run of Woodend-Hesket.
Darryl Koots, Chris Blake and Kevin Dunque provided the run in the second quarter and with some accurate kicking by John Smythe and James Walsh the EMUs began to claw back the first quarter deficit.
Inspirational play from Francis O’Brien changed the game’s momentum.
Francis received a tap down from the ruck, handballed off to Peter Spencer, received it back and evaded several opposition to slot through the goal from 45 metres out.
Francis’ celebration afterwards was one to rival a soccer player.
Chris Hagan continued on his great form from last week, running and linking with Geoff Abella to drive the ball forward.
Half time saw the EMUs down by two goals.
Kevin Pascoe made some tactical half time moves to the board, bringing Adam Richter and Darren Syaranamul into the game.
The third quarter saw a lot of pressure on the backline of Damien Hammond, Garner Smith and Peter Spencer and the home team scored several times with the breeze.
Despite this, the EMUs kept driving the ball forward with Deanne Saunders and Billy Smith linking together to score.
With big man Justin Voss out due to a hamstring strain the coach had to make a small move to the board, placing Aaron Prewett into the ruck.
Oliver Orange and Troy Ramsey kept contesting all day getting in and under the packs.
The last quarter did not go the EMU’s way with Woodend-Hesket running out winners.
The game was played in great spirit and umpired magnificently.
If interested in playing over 35’s football or just improving your fitness, Echuca Moama United Masters train 6pm every Wednesday at the Echuca South Recreation Reserve, welcoming footballers of all skill sets.
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