Under clear skies, the Echuca Junior Football Club under-13 Murray Bombers travelled to the big stage of Deakin Reserve in Shepparton for the Goulburn Murray Junior League grand final, taking on Tatura.
Excitement had built all week since the thrilling one-point semi-final win, including a visit from Echuca senior player and 2019 AFL grand finalist Sam Reid at the final training session, season presentation night on Friday at Moama Bowling Club and then signage and decoration along the well-worn path from Echuca to Shepparton.
After the final address for the season from coaches Matt Beasley and Luke Waterson, the team of 21 burst through the banner.
The first half was fast and skilful with both teams opening their accounts in the first quarter. Echuca went into the break with a narrow five-point lead after kicking four straight goals.
Tatura won the second quarter and, after scoring late, went into the main break with a 10-point lead.
Again, the Bombers scored two goals in the third and held Tatura scoreless to turn the scoreboard around to be up by two points at the final break.
With 15 minutes of football left in the season, every player dug deep.
Tired and sore, they never gave up. Tatura had the momentum, there were key contested marks in defence and game changing run-down tackles.
The intense pressure caused more points to be kicked and only one goal apiece.
After a thrilling final two minutes, the siren sounded. Echuca had held on for an incredible three-point win.
Congratulations to all 21 players for an outstanding season, demonstrating immense skill, teamwork, resilience, leadership and personal development to achieve the ultimate goal.
— by team manager Paul Elso
The game
Echuca: 4.0, 6.0, 8.0, 9.3 (57)
Tatura: 3.1, 7.4, 7.4, 8.6 (54)
Echuca goalkickers: Liam Beasley 4, Finn Murphy 2, Taj Fleming, Jackson Butterworth, Elise Napier
Echuca’s best: Team effort