Sport

Murray Bombers give themselves breathing room after cruising past Saints

By Oliver Shedden

Jul 27, 2025

Hugh Byrne and Echuca flew higher than Benalla and Tyler McGregor in round 15. Photos: Jordan Townrow

Echuca has distanced itself from Rochester in second place on the Goulburn Valley League football ladder after vanquishing struggling Benalla at Victoria Park in round 15.

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Travelling to Victoria Park, the Saints knew they were in for a long day with the game progressing as many believed it would, albeit not in as dominant fashion as Echuca would’ve liked.

However, the Murray Bombers came out of the gates firing, with electric young forward Hugh Byrne nailing a trio of goals and Tighe O’Brien chipping in with one to open the host’s account while holding Benalla to no score.

Riley Smith was included in Echuca’s best. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The Saints clapped back in a big way in the second period, with Mark Marriott finding a goal early, while limiting the Murray Bombers to two behinds by the half-time siren.

With the difference 13 points at the start of the third period, Echuca grabbed the match by the scruff, with another two goals to Byrne, leading a barrage of five majors to put Benalla (1.1) in the dirt.

Liam Tenace finds his target. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

While the Murray Bombers came back to earth down the stretch, with Samuel Edgar kicking their only maximum, they subdued Benalla to two behinds to secure a solid 46-point win.

Byrne’s top-tier performance in front of goal (5) awarded him best-on-ground honours for the green machine with Cameron Valentine, Luke Edwards, Tighe O’Brien and Riley Smith also putting in valuable shifts.

Luke Edwards gets it off in traffic. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The 10.9 (69) to 3.5 (23) victory means Echuca has given itself some breathing room in second place from Rochester, which drew with Mansfield in round 15.

With the Murray Bombers charging into the finals, they’ll have an interesting match-up in round 16, hosting finals hopeful Shepparton at Victoria Park on Saturday.