Goulburn Valley League defending champ rebounds to notch slim victory over Eagles

The Eagles nailed back-to-back goals to start the contest via Jack Christopher and Will Foster before Kane Morris led Echuca’s fightback, the visitor trailing by seven at the first break.

A slump in attacking form by Mansfield, which managed 1.3 in the second period, allowed Echuca back into the contest, with the Murray Bombers booting 4.5 to snatch a 13-point lead at half-time.

It was a much more even affair after half-time, with Mansfield feeling its way back into the contest with 2.2 for the third term.

However, it’d have to do more than that if it was to make up for the slow second period, as Echuca kept on the steady path, sending three through the middle for maximum return.

With the lead now at 22 with a quarter still remaining, the game was on a knife’s edge as both teams had the firepower to tip the scales.

That downturn in the second quarter would be fatal for the Eagles, as they couldn’t quite do enough to mount a comeback worthy of the victory.

Mansfield did try valiantly, kicking 3.7, but missed too many chances for major reward down the stretch.

Despite being relatively quiet in the attacking 50, Echuca’s 2.2 was enough to secure a slim, but meaningful victory.

The final score was Echuca 11.13 (79) to Mansfield 9.14 (68).

Hugh Byrne and Morris continue to prove they’re a force in front of goal, walking away from the game with two goals to their names, respectively.

Byrne was joined by Jack Evans, Curtis Townrow, Mitchell Wales and Lachlan Hogan as part of the Murray Bombers’ best.

The win proved to be a nice settler for Echuca after its loss to Kyabram, but it will be in for another mammoth contest in round 8 when the side travels to Princess Park to face the unbeaten, high-flying Shepparton Swans.