Junior football back in force on weekend

Moama Youth Girls played at home against a fired up Shepparton Swans on Sunday. Things were different with no access to the change rooms, no pre-game taping, and no loud music, though the opportunity to play footy was the most pleasing thing for all involved.

The Swans came with a lot of enthusiasm, a will to run hard, chase and tackle, which was all things Moama didn't do in the first quarter.

It took a little rev up and a reminder at quarter-time if you don't bring your A game and a will to work hard, you can get beaten by anybody.

Lucky for Moama the Swans didn't capitalise on all their forward movements in the first quarter, kicking three goals to Moama's one to keep the Magpies in the game.

Moama stepped up their pressure from that point on and slowly got on top of their opponents, kicking four goals to one to edge in front at half-time.

The third quarter was a tough battle, the ball going back and forth up and down the ground in entertaining fashion, as Moama added another goal to its tally.

At the last change the team was asked for urgency and hard work, or their first defeat could be in front of them.

And they all responded well, going out and keeping their undefeated record intact, as both teams kicked multiple goals in the last quarter.

Final score: Moama 9.6 (60) d Swans 6.6 (42)

Best: C. Jeffreys, M. Ham, J. Grant, M. Jeffreys, J. Cooper, J. Richardson.

Goals: J. Richardson 3, C. Mcgillivray 2, C. Dorrity 2, P. Hearn, C. Jeffreys.

Under 14 - Echuca Bombers

Echuca Bombers went head-to-head with Shepparton Notre Maroon on Sunday. The weather conditions were good for football despite being quite overcast.

Right from the opening bounce Shepparton Maroon held possession with run and carry and linked up well with each other. Cody Walker had his head over the contested footy and continued with consistent effort.

Ned Ash-Townrow was dominating the ruck, but Shepparton’s pressure made it hard to move the ball forward. Shepparton’s kicking let Echuca off in the first quarter as they did not kick straight consistently. However, by the end of the quarter they had made a considerable impact on the scoreboard.

Shepparton came out strong in the second term, dominating the centre clearances and hitting the scoreboard consistently.

Bailee Smith was standing strong in defence, while Albert Cunningham was tackling hard in the midfield. Shepparton continued to put the ball into the hotspots and made the most of scoring opportunities.

Sam O’Brien was moved to full-back to release Kristian Fitzsimmons to half-back which made some impact.

But Shepparton continued to win the centre clearances and find their tall forwards. O’Brien and Fitzsimmons remained steadfast in defence as the ball continued to be driven forward, while Walker worked hard all over the ground with continued repeat efforts.

Elijah Swiggs and Liam Gronow continued presenting and worked hard to inject themselves into the contest as Riley Carr worked hard on his direct opponent all game.

Echuca’s first goal came from Lenny Griffiths in the second half of the final quarter to get some reward for effort.

Final score: Shepparton Maroon 31.24 (210) d Echuca Bombers 1.1 (7)

Awards: C. Walker, K. Fitzsimmons, E. Swiggs, A. Cunningham, D. Canham, R. Carr.

Goals: L. Griffiths.

Under 12 - Echuca White

An overcast day did not dampen the enthusiasm of Echuca White and Kyabram Bombers at Victoria Park after a small pause in the season due to COVID-19 restrictions.

It took less than two minutes for Echuca to register its first goal via Will Hatfield. The theme was set with great centre clearances led by Charlie Voss winning the ruck and feeding the midfielders in Henry Bell, Toby Kennedy and skipper Jacob Brighton.

Relentless forward 50 entries by Echuca saw Angus Tonkin lend a hand up forward with great pressure along with Jagger Tarrant.

Echuca went in at quarter-time missing some opportunities but still led 5.8 (38) to 0.0 (0).

Kyabram settled after quarter-time, as they restricted midfield movement and forward entries by Echuca.

Lilly Dunham continued her great first quarter with a solid tackle, quick hands and great teamwork to be ultimately rewarded with a goal of her own.

Centre half-forward Angus Donnan bought up his second goal and Paddy Oliver scored a clever goal after heavy contests in the forward line.

At the main break Birdie and Gotchie worked the magnets as Sophie Jardine took on the role of runner to deliver important instructions.

During the third term Echuca set up perfectly in the backline, stopping any forward movement to the centre half-forward area.

The backline stood solid, led by Will Walshe at centre half-back, as Will Hatfield and Arlie Canham repelled attacks to turn them into Echuca forward movements.

Lots of talking and teamwork saw Echuca switch the ball, leading to more inside 50 pressure and resulting in five more goals. Nate Ludlow kicked two for the term.

Hunter Reid and Mitch Sutton kicked two final term goals each, Harrison Whan had plenty of the ball all day, and George Allan worked hard around the ground Echuca worked together to score 18 goals and 15 behinds to Kyabram's one point.

Awards: W. Hatfield, G. Allan, N. Ludlow, H. Reid, J. Brighton.

Goals: W. Hatfield 2, C. Voss 2, A. Donnan 2, H. Bell 2, P. Oliver 2, N. Ludlow 2, M. Sutton 2, H. Reid 2, M. Micalizzi, L. Dunham.

Under 10 - Echuca Murray Bombers

It was great to be back at the football, with both sides excited to be playing and started off strongly.

Finn Hughes and Harry Hooper were roaming across the middle of the ground, taking control, and sending many balls into the Bombers’ forward line.

Riley Mills was in-and-under and eventually the ball was put into the hands of Arli Walker who kicked it straight through the middle of the goals.

Lachlan Cunningham was doing all the one percenters, tackling, pressuring his opponents before pulling off a team-lifting smother.

The Murray Bombers were strong in defence with Jaz von Lueders, Hamish Leersen and Frazah Nuttall combining well to repel Moama’s forward attacks.

It was a great opening term from both sides with the Murray Bombers sharing the football around through handballing and kicking.

In the second quarter, Thomas Schroeter worked overtime in the forward line with tackling pressure to finish off strongly with a spirited goal and celebration.

Charlie Flanigan, Jack Gibson and Lachy Finn patrolled the backline and sent the ball into attack as Cunningham again showed determination with another smother.

Harry Hooper, Blake Shandley and Walker also combined well in the middle of the ground using handballs and accurate kicking.

In the third quarter, the game opened up and began to flow more easily. This allowed both sides to showcase their skills and determination. Nuttall and Shandley were led the forward line attack, working hard to keep the ball deep in attack.

This allowed multiple shots at goals with majors coming from Leersen, von Lueders and Flanigan. Hopper continued to work hard across the ground, marking strongly to set up numerous shots on goal.

With Moama White coming home with the wind, coach Trent Finn emphasised the importance of manning up, holding positions, and working hard for one another.

With the Bombers fired up and wanting to finish off a strong game, Mills and Finn set the scene with their attack on the ball at the centre bounce, before flicking the ball onto Walker who scored another goal. Schroeter also pushed through injury to work hard in the forward line.

Awards: H. Hooper, H. Leersen, L. Cunningham, J. von Lueders.

Under 10 - Echuca Bombers

The first weekend of winter and the week's break brought a sense of excitement for all at the Echuca Bombers and Echuca United Blue game at Vic Park.

With the crowd socially distancing and ready to support the boys, coach Craig Canham had the team well and truly focused on what he needed them to do.

Harry Formosa led the team out with plenty of spirit and it was not long before the first goal was on the board for the Bombers.

With great teamwork from the midfielders, Bae Quayle laid tackles and handballs, Levi Weeks marked strongly, and Jimmy Kervin showed plenty of voice and skill, as the forwards were served the footy on a plate.

Strong leads from Jobe Murphy and crumbing by Ned O’Neale put some early scoreboard pressure on.

United was giving everything, however Tom Arthurson, Harry Emerson and Jaxon Key were able to repel the ball back out of defence.

The second quarter started strong with Arthurson kicking the first. Max Gill made a big difference in the centre with strong tackling and plenty of disposals, alongside Key and Weeks.

United started to peg a few goals back which kept the backline of O’Neale and Quayle busy, while Joey Lowry continued his strong defensive skills from the last game.

With the premiership quarter about to start coach Canham brought out a “Ted Whitten” type of address to the group.

It wasn't the start he was looking for after United kicked the first goal, but the pieces started to fall in place with Quayle kicking the first, after a strong supply from the Lowry, the ever-reliable captain Harry Formosa, and Kervin and O'Neale.

This also led to Key kicking a bag full. Ged Canham was busy at the fall of the ball and kicked an awesome goal from the pocket, while Gill chipped in with a great goal.

When United was able to get it past the midfield group, Jobe Murphy read the ball so well to get into a perfect defensive position while Arthurson was also super tight in defence.

With plenty still to play for in the last quarter, the midfield group of Canham, Arthurson, Quayle and Murphy moved into the centre and instantly drove the ball into the forward line where Lowry kicked the first goal of the quarter.

The big kicking left footer in Weeks kicked a quick couple, while O’Neale also got into the action and took a great mark before lining up for a goal though his kick just fell short.

After the game and a Gatorade shower, coach Canham said he was super proud of how the team put into practice what they have been doing at training.

Awards: G. Canham, H. Emerson, M. Gill, N. O’Neale.

Under 10 - Echuca Red

After a week of lockdown Echuca Red came out firing and pumped against Kyabram Black.

The Reds started well with Billy Sutton and Marlon Micalizzi attacking the footy through the middle with lots of energy. Sam Henson had many stoppages in Kyabram’s backline and had most of the run with the help of Ryder and Hunter Colless.

Jobe Hosking and Tor Kenley kept chasing in the forward and had some great team play, while Harry Dunham was strong in defence and Deegan Leo made some good shepherds to help his teammates out.

Luca Micalizzi, Oliver Brighton and Jordan Moodie all took some great strong marks near the forward line and through the centre, with Paddy Kenna and Henson consistent as ever through the centre, never giving up.

Awards: S. Henson, B. Sutton, M. Micalizzi, H. Dunham, L. Micalizzi.

Under 10 - Echuca White

Everyone was really excited for this game after a week off. After captain Jordi Howe gave a stirring captain’s address, no one was more fired up than Jed Dullard who grabbed the game and shook it firmly, with four first half goals and some strong tackling.

Jack Howe started well and had a number of great handballs plays through the middle. The forward line was motoring with Sam McCleary taking a good mark and goaling with a long-range shot.

Nate Murphy carved it up in the centre at one point, plucking it out of the ruck, having a bounce and sending it long to the goal square.

The backline was terrific with Sam Whan laying what seemed to be 100 bruising tackles while Finn Cullen had a great time of it too with some skilful pick-ups at full pace.

Charlie Hearn looked on fire, as he made a brilliant blind turn and checkside goal attempt, which just grazed the post.

Connor Williams had a belter in the second half with great run and skilful ball handling, while Thomas Reynolds’ excellent tackling pressure resulted in a well-deserved goal.

Tom Cooke was his usual brilliant self and was hard at the ball as always, though the game belonged to the captain of the day in Howe. Howe played her best game with lots of excellent skills on show, and great tackling and run.

Under 10 - Echuca Green

Friday night football was on the agenda this week as Echuca Green took on Echuca White at Victoria Park.

Led out by captain for the match Xavier Mai, Echuca Green hit the ground running and had many forward attacks.

Echuca White settled and started moving the ball forward before Green pressed forward once more, with the ball landing out the back for Mai to run on to and kick the first goal of the game.

Not long later, Lochy Field found some space in the forward half and kicked a great running goal.

At the quarter time break, Echuca Green coaches enforced the message for players to attack the ball and take the game on. This advice was taken on and Green forced the ball forward with good passages of play.

Logan O'Meara stood tall in the middle of the ground and took a great mark above his head. At every opportunity, Field, Kai Rankins and Alfie Lloyd grabbed the ball and looked to run to move the ball forward.

Reeve Sellars and Jobe Williams kept the White forwards at bay with multiple tackles and defensive efforts.

The third quarter saw many great tackles and repeat efforts. Grace Napier, Casey Kirk and Lucas Taranto applied pressure in the middle of the ground and saw reward for their efforts.

Rankins and Williams were targets up forward and had numerous shots on goal. Good teamwork saw Rankins kick a superb goal. Billy Quirk and Taj Maddox hunted the ball in the backline and rebounded well.

Echuca Green started the last quarter well with plenty of pressure and body work. The ball was moved around well by both sides up and down the ground. Kirk and Lloyd worked all quarter by chasing the ball and moving it forward.

Awards: L. Field, C. Kirk, K. Rankins, J. Williams.

Under 10 - Moama White

Moama White took on Echuca Moama Bombers under lights at Victoria Park on Friday night.

Captained by Max Laurie this week, Moama White witnessed a solid start by the Bombers in the first quarter, however, was able to regroup after quarter time to create some good pressure in the contests.

This resulted in multiple goals in the second quarter to regain some momentum heading into half-time.

The Bombers played some excellent football throughout the second half and Moama White responded well, providing plenty of scoring plays through excellent contests and moving the ball well.

Multiple goals to Beau Griffiths as well as notable goals to Tommy Dohnt and Jed Pickford kept Moama's score ticking over and created an exciting game in which the momentum switched each quarter.

Thanks to the Murray Bombers for hosting a competitive and high standard game.

Awards: B. Jones, H. Clarke, J. Cain.

Under 10 - Moama Black

Moama Black took on Kyabram Red on Sunday under perfect winter conditions. Moama played a great attacking game with plenty of unselfish play.

Along with uncompromising defence, with some magnificent tackles laid, Moama had especially strong second and third quarters with plenty of goals distributed around the team.

It was great to see the kids back out enjoying the competition.

Awards: H. Wickham, C. Shiels, H. Van Haaster, H. Teasdale, C. Ryan, T. Teasdale.

Goals: L. Maher, O. Hearn, M. Retallick, T. Teasdale, L. Nagle, J. Greentree, C. Cook.