ECHUCA
Under-10 Murray Bombers vs Echuca Bombers
Echuca Murray Bombers faced off against training partners the Echuca Bombers. It was an even and well played match by both teams.
Hunter, Edward and Luca started in the back line and took some great marks to keep the Bombers at bay. Hughie showed pace through the centre as we moved the ball to our forward line where Jasper kicked the first goal of the game, followed quickly by another. Eddie Eade at full back kept a tight defence and used his voice to spur the team on.
Lachy Finn was solid in the centre for the second half with his ball skill. Eddie, Luca and Hughie teamed up for the next goal in a great team effort. Blake had some great snaps at goal but could quite pull it off. Luca kept it down our end and saw us have multiple scoring attempts with Blake finally getting the big one. Hughie and Luca added to our scoreline to finish out the first half.
Blake took a great mark in the back line while Will was solid up front. Ryder put one through after a great mark, with Jack moving the ball well. Jolie’s tackles through the centre helped the team to control the ball. Solid kicks by Hunter and Jack were followed up by great marking by Edward, rounding out a great team performance under constant pressure from the Bombers.
Harry had good clearing kicks from the centre. Ryder showed speed through the centre as he took a bounce in a great display of skills. Echuca Bombers came out firing in the last few minutes with a few quick goals but our team held strong.
– contributed
Under-10 White vs Echuca United Gold
Friday night under the Vic Park lights saw Echuca White Under-10s play Echuca United Gold. Both teams came out firing with lots of defensive tackling and a similar strategy that seemed to be ‘get that footy out of the centre and quickly kick it long towards our attacking 50’.
The first term was a see-sawing battle, with both Echuca and United trying their best to convert, but the defensive pressure at both ends meant a lot of shots on goal were intercepted. The first goal for Echuca came from Ollie about midway through the term, which then helped Echuca gain more accuracy around goal with Harry (aka Nugget) slotting a nice one through the sticks, as well as impressive marks from Tommy.
The second quarter saw Echuca settle further and some notable moments included Ned crumbing well, some strong, capable marks from Kai, Tommy, Nate and Jordan, and a memorable goal from Ged.
The third quarter saw “second-half Seth” show some magic with an impressive mark and set shot and goal. But this term was all about the defence, and the tackling from both Echuca and United was tough, contested and passionate. Harry’s tackling was a clear standout in this term, as was Jackson’s goal.
The fourth term saw Jett injure himself in a gallant ‘on-ball effort’ where he required a bit of a spell on the bench to recover — and recover he did, as he kicked a big ‘sausage roll’ when he returned to the ground, much to the delight of all the fans.
Riley worked hard trying to convert this term and Tommy was busy around the ball gaining lots of possessions and even converting truly. While footy was the winner on the day, coach Tim and team-manager Sarah awarded Jack, Kai, Jordan, Ged, Ollie, Blake and Seth the much coveted player-of-the-round awards.
– by Jess Oliver
Under-12 Green vs Echuca Bombers
The Echuca Bombers came out firing and in the first quarter had a lot of play down their end, resulting in the first goal of the day. Echuca Green’s Paddy K and Sam H put great pressure through the backline. Lachie J, Ryder C and Jack M used the ball well and worked really hard to get it to the forward line.
As the rain started coming in sideways the boys’ defensive pressure from Logan, Mannix, Angus and Billy worked tirelessly to stop the Bombers from scoring. Scout, Lachie C and Max T were relentless in the backline and managed to get it out of the Bombers’ 50.
It was a tough day for Echuca Green but they never gave up. Well done on their hard fought effort. Coaching awards went to Billy S, Angus, T, Mannix, Nick O’M and Paddy K.
– by Kelly Sutton
Under-12 Bombers vs Echuca Green
A wet and chilly Sunday morning could not stop both teams’ enthusiasm for this intra-club showdown. The Bombers started off well and were able to keep the pressure on for the whole game. Both teams were able to show some high skill levels, but the Bombers were able to keep some scoreboard pressure mounting.
This week was one of the most complete team games the kids have played this year. It was absolutely brilliant to see everyone actively trying to bring their teammates into the game, through some hard running, shepherding and short passing to better positions.
Every single player contributed this week, and all should be proud of how well they played, and how hard they worked to bring the team along with them.
Some special mentions this week were for Charlie Flanigan, who kicked his first goal and had one of his best games of the year. Lily Dunham was involved in nearly all the contests for the day and running the length of the ground to give help.
Jagger Walter’s late-season move into the ruck has been outstanding, and his game was really top shelf. Nate Murphy kicked three goals and set up another two by being selfless and team-focused. Cookie ran and tackled hard all day too.
It was a really even team effort this week, and the coaches were over the moon at how the whole team is working together. Well done to everyone.
Thanks to our umpires, coaches, runners and supporters.
– by Iain McCleary
MOAMA
Under-10 Red vs Echuca United Blue
The game between Moama Red and Echuca United Blue on Friday night tantalised the senses of its spectators. Multiple goals, impressive marks and great defence set the tone for the game ahead.
Heath Clarke made his presence known when he booted five goals in total for the game, with four in the first quarter! He was a man on a goal-kicking mission. Ryder Wilson demonstrated his improved skill development with strong tackles in the first half while Ted Palmer’s marking skills continued to dominate in the centre throughout the match.
Chloe Ryan also continued to showcase her agility taking the ball, dodging her opponents and unselfishly passing it to her teammates, who were in a better position to kick for goal.
Clinton McKee took an impressive mark in the second quarter after Connor Richardson scouted options on the wing. Clinton McKee made himself available and his initiative paid off. Ace Rogers also had a great game, one of his best for the season. His versatility and adaptability helped him shine on the night.
After some well-received advice from coach Rhys, our defensive players manned up and made a greater effort to stick to their opponents. Rhys reminded the team not to get down on themselves if things didn’t work out as they’d expected, the strength and the skill lies in what you do afterwards and the ability to get the ball back. That is exactly what the team did after three-quarter time.
Judd Morgan continued to be a solid defender while Connor and Brandt continued to shepherd their teammates, ensuring a clean corridor towards goal. This strategy paid dividends and proved successful on several occasions. Brandon Morrison’s confidence continues to grow each week and a shot for goal highlighted this perfectly.
The recipients of the awards this week were Heath Clarke, Ace Rogers, Chloe Ryan, Shaylah Hinds and Ted Palmer.
Congratulations to all participants who played on the night, everyone played with great sportsmanship and clearly enjoyed the opportunity to play after a rest over the school holidays.
– by Anthea Mathers
ECHUCA UNITED
Under-17s vs Tongala
As we welcomed Tonny to our home ground for a top-four clash we were keen to try to put into practice the things we’ve been working on at training, under pressure from a highly regarded opponent.
Kicking with a strong breeze in the first quarter the boys jumped out of the blocks and at the first break had a handy lead. Ollie Poole was prolific all day, amassing possessions at will and bringing teammates into the game. Jake Clancy and Fayte Belmont-Wickliffe also provided plenty of drive and leadership both in the midfield and in general play.
The second quarter was a great example of team defence and working hard for each other. With Tonny having the use of the wind, our back six had the job ahead of them, but the boys were all committed to the task and led superbly by Ryan Stobaus all day, they managed to keep Tonny to a solitary goal and held them to that for the rest of the game.
Riley Godfrey was again explosive on the wing and played his role superbly. In the third and fourth quarters we continued to control the game and the forwards all took their turn, with Zane Martin providing us a target in the air for the entirety of the match.
However, nine different goal kickers indicated what an even team performance it was. Very pleasing against a top-four side. Now we need to try and replicate that this week against Cobram, who are always hard to beat on their home deck.
Echuca United 14.12 (96) defeated Tongala 1.6 (12)
Awards: Oliver Poole – Hip Pocket Towel. Rich River Golf Club – Jake Clancy. Roma Pizza – Riley Godfrey. Taranto’s Pizza – Fayte Belmont-Wickliffe. Intersport Echuca – Zane Martin. Atrium Hair Lounge – Ryan Stobaus.
– by Garet Stobaus