Have a ping: Eagles coach Scott Beattie lines up for goal. Photos: Aidan Briggs
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Aidan Briggs
While they may not have come away with the win, Echuca United put together a competitive display against Barooga, putting its highest total so far this season on the board.
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The Eagles hosted the Hawks at Echuca South Recreation Reserve in round seven Murray Football League action and, while falling 9.5 (59) to 13.12 (90), were well and truly in the hunt for the majority of the contest.
The home side got off to a hot start, booting three straight majors to open up a 10-point lead at quarter-time after restricting the opposition to just 1.2.
By half-time, the Eagles remained ahead by the same margin, with the two sides each kicking 3.2 as United entered the main break ahead for the first time all season.
Careful kick: Alex Wagner hits up a teammate.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Unfortunately for the young Eagles side, Barooga managed to forge ahead in the third term, slotting four goals to just one behind from the home side and a five-goal-to-three final quarter saw the Hawks register their first win for the year by an eventual 31 points.
However, there is plenty to be optimistic about at the Eagles, with plenty of positives to come out of the contest.
Got it off: Hunter Beveridge gets a kick away despite pressure from behind.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Ryan Stobaus again showed he is one of the brightest up-and-coming talents, earning yet another best-on-ground nomination following a three-goal display, while Matthew Harris and Brady Simpson also impressed.
Hands up: Sampson Chapman mans the mark.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Reece Sidebottom, Nash Ramage and Riley Godfrey rounded out the best, while Hunter Beveridge added two goals and coach Scott Beattie, Jordan Frew, Max Hobbs and Mitchell Lourey all chipped in with one major.
Smooth mover: Jordan Frew was among the best for Echuca United.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
To go with their highest total of the season, the Eagles also kept Barooga to 90 points, the lowest score they have conceded all year, highlighting the improvement the side has been able to make since round one.
Leading by example: Skipper Brady Simpson was again prominent for the Eagles.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
The Eagles will enjoy a week off next Saturday by virtue of the split round, but will face Deniliquin in their return to the field on June 1.
MNL
Echuca United recorded its first win under coach Tanner Edwards at the weekend, securing a solid triumph over Barooga.
The Eagles powered to the 45-27 win at Echuca South Recreation Reserve despite an even start, leading by just one goal at quarter-time.
But as the game wore on, the Eagles exerted their dominance, opening up a six-goal lead by half-time and extending it to 13 by the final change.
United topped off the brilliant win by ensuring it won every quarter with an 11-goal-to-six final term, romping to the 18-goal win.
With a week off next week, the Eagles will look to string together consecutive wins when they take on Deniliquin on June 1.
The Game
Scores
Echuca United: 3.0, 6.2, 6.3, 9.5 (59)
Barooga: 1.2, 4.4, 8.8, 13.12 (90)
Goals
Echuca United: Ryan Stobaus 3, Hunter Beveridge 2, Scott Beattie, Jordan Frew, Max Hobbs, Mitchell Lourey
Barooga: Riley Gow 5, Joe Lindrea 3, Charlie McGaw 2, Nicholas Gooch, Samuel Macheda, Samuel Trembath
Best
Echuca United: Ryan Stobaus, Matthew Harris, Brady Simpson, Reece Sidebottom, Nash Ramage, Riley Godfrey
Barooga: Angus Cameron, Thomas Barker, Kris Bextream, Riley Gow, Callum Leighton Daly, Joe Lindrea
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