Murray Bombers come out strong in first week of finals

The Lions led the way in the opening two quarters with Echuca trailing by 10 points at the major break.

A strong third term from the Murray Bombers (2.4) in attack and limiting Seymour to a single behind gave them the lead with a quarter to play.

Unfortunately for Echuca, it could only kick one goal down the stretch while the Lions ran rampant with three majors to take an 11-point victory.

The final score was Echuca 4.8 (32) to 6.7 (43).

Under-18

It was a different story for Echuca in a clash of old rivals against Rochester in the first elimination final on Saturday.

The Murray Bombers led from start to finish in the contest, including holding the Tigers to no score in the final frame, while the green machine put four goals through the middle.

Kade Mislicki ran rampant in front of goal, tallying four majors for the match, while forward pocket Liam Gronow was awarded best-on-ground for his two-goal effort.

Echuca will face league-leader Shepparton in the semi-final this weekend to decide a place in the big dance.

B-grade

In a thrilling second elimination final, the Murray Bombers came from behind at the death to overcome Mooroopna by a goal at Tatura Park on Saturday.

Echuca trailed by two goals at the first turn before shortening the margin to one by half-time.

In a see-sawing third term, the Murray Bombers levelled the playing field to set up a high-stakes, win-or-go-home final frame between two equally matched sides.

A strong start by Echuca created space, but as the clock ran down, the Cats tried to claw their way back, but it was too little too late as the Murray Bombers pulled off the great escape 47-46.

Echuca will now face Euroa in the second semi-final this weekend, with the winner going straight through to the grand final.

17-and-under

The Murray Bombers cruised to a comfortable second elimination final over Mansfield at Rochester Recreation Reserve.

Outside of a competitive first quarter, in which Echuca led by two at the first turn, the Murray Bombers extended their lead through the remainder of the game.

Echuca claimed a 19-goal victory by full time with the final score being 55-36.

The girls in green will play Shepparton this weekend in the first semi-final to earn a spot in the preliminary final.

15-and-under

The Murray Bombers got a solid victory over Euroa to set themselves up for a chance at locking in a grand final berth this weekend.

Playing at Rochester Recreation Reserve, Echuca went from strength to strength across all four quarters while Euroa kept pace.

Ultimately, the Magpies’ efforts were in vain as the Murray Bombers recorded a 49-40 victory.

Echuca will now face Mooroopna this weekend in the second semi-final for a shot at the grand final.