Wet and wild weekend of junior football

Blake Shandley opened the scoring with the first goal of the night.

With strong defence by both teams, scoring was slow in the first. Jaspa Dedini and Hughie Napier lined up next to brothers Luca and Jude Micalizzi to form a solid backline, which was put to the test by Moama Red.

Some great marks by Harry Hooper across the centre helped keep the Bombers in the game. The second quarter saw a change-up with Lachy Finn and Edward Melville teaming up to stop numerous goals. Blake continued to be excellent through the centre, while Hunter provided excellent clearing kicks to give the Bombers scoring opportunities.

Harry and Brock Harman showed great teamwork and skills but couldn’t quite get it through the big ones. Harry made a quick fix, taking a mark in front of goals and slotted it through to keep the game even.

The third quarter saw an excellent team goal. The ball came down from Jolie Masters in defence to Hunter, who put it through. Finn Butterworth moved the ball well through the centre as the game stayed in close contention. Edward started the fourth strongly across the centre with some excellent clearances which led to a ripper goal by Hugh.

The attacking play in the last five minutes of the game kept it in the Bombers’ forward line but they couldn’t quite convert.

It is wonderful to see how the teams are coming together and the skills they continue to display each week.

A special thanks to those who filled in and to coach Trent who has a smile on his face every week.

— Contributed

Under-10 Green vs Runnymede

Echuca hosted Runnymede on Friday night and the conditions were perfect for football. It was great to have Will Ayson back in the team, which also welcomed a younger recruit for the game, Ben Millar.

Again we saw what the coach had ordered with plenty of run and carry from Billy Quirk. It was the ‘Will Show’ with Wil Robbo positioning himself well to receive the footy and Will Ayson getting in and under to retrieve the footy and get it out to his teammates.

There was heaps of team work around the ground and Green had multiple scoring shots.

A highlight for spectators was watching the half-time oranges being devoured, a weekly feast for the team. We look forward to a week off this week to charge the batteries.

— By Rebecca Lloyd

Under-10 White vs Echuca Bombers

Captain Blake Auld contested the toss and the game are under way.

The first quarter kicked off on a brisk night with a great contest in the centre.

Harry Saunders, AKA Nugget, took a ripper mark and followed through with great play.

The ground was dewy. Jaxon Key kicked a ripper from the sidelines which fell short only to have Kai Maddox pick it up and send it through the goals.

There was strong contesting from both sides, with Jack Bateson busy in the packs. Thomas Reynolds managed to get the ball out with a pass to Seth Oliver, who snapped to Jordon Moodie for a goal. After some good rucking, Jaxon showed strong poise on the mark which result in another goal.

Jordan, with hot competition from the other team, lost the ball only to see Oliver Brighton continue to chase it down. With some quick left and right manoeuvres, Oliver shook off his component to send a long ball down to Riley Mills. With what looked like a play straight out of the AFL, Riley kicked a goal on the run.

Jaxon put on a beautiful show at lightning speed running down the field. Ned showed his growing strength with a great tackle, allowing Nugget to pass off to Oliver. Oliver weaved through the opposition, with Bake ready to fire the ball in for a goal.

The AFL textbook was on show again when Oliver kept the opposition busy with a desperate chase and Riley Mills gave an awesome block, allowing Seth to come through with a goal.

With the coach imploring his side to defend hard, no opposition marks allowed and to play man on man in the last quarter, the boys set about following the instructions. Jett Platfuss took a show-stopping mark to bring the crowd to its feet.

If there was a contest, Harrison was among it with hands on the ball. If there was a loose ball, Oliver’s hands were on it and Nate’s outstanding goal attempts came through in the end with a huge goal which sent the crowd wild. The goals were shared around with Kai, Jordan, Riley, Seth, Thomas and Nate all delivering.

— By Cathy O'Neale

Under-10 Bombers vs Echuca White

The highly anticipated cross-club blockbuster between Bombers and White didn't disappoint under the bright Friday night lights at Victoria Park.

With Tom Arthurson busy through the midfield and Jack Ridge in and under every pack, the young Bombers got off to a great start. Oliver Wallis marked strongly under pressure and kicked an excellent goal.

Lucy Donnan was strong around the contest and when Max Williams took a great intercept mark and goaled, the young Bombers were up and about. Charlie Hearn, who passed a fitness test late Friday afternoon, impacted early.

The second stanza saw White lifting its work rate, putting the young Bomber defence under extreme pressure. The two Harrys, Farrant and Emonson, were enormous, along with Max Tarranto and Jaxon Foley, who lifted to stop White's onslaught. Ash Quayle and Keanu Austin applied relentless pressure to keep their team in the contest. Max Gill's clearing kicks on his trusty left boot were a thing of beauty, giving the Bomber defenders a respite from White's attacks.

In one of the great motivational half-time addresses, coach Ridge implored his troops to lift to another level. It seemed to hit a chord with the young Bombers, with goals to Arthurson and Wallis. When Jobe Hosking danced around a couple of defenders and snapped truly, the Bombers were back in the contest.

The final term was an arm wrestle with neither side prepared to give an inch. Foley kicked a great goal on the run. Flynn McCredden was fierce in the contest, driving the Bombers forward at every opportunity. In a thrilling finish, Williams kicked a great running goal on the siren

Awards: Roma — Max Williams, Tom Arthurson; Odd Captain — Jack Ridge; club voucher — Oliver Wallis.

— By Brock Williams

Under-12 Bombers vs Tongala

Friday night under lights at the huge expanse of Tongala Recreation Reserve certainly tested out the failing eyesight of this reporter, but another quality game was played.

Tonny was fired up and kicked the first goal of the game and its players were pretty tough around the ball, which made the Bombers switch on early.

With plenty of heavy hits coming our way, Ducky, Gus and Joey started very bravely to weather the early storm. Jagger turned on the jets to get the ball moving forward and Harry was excellent up forward with a good roving goal. Joey and Arli also hit the scoreboard and Swiggsy laid a great tackle.

Taj again showed great skill in the ruck, as did Charlie, and Joey and Jobe were coming into it in the forward line. Lily put on a fantastic tackle and follow-up tackle when the ball spilled free.

Sam showed some good skills and some good tackling too, and Cookie was terrific with lots of hard tough play at the bottom of several packs. Kai took a big knock and had to have a rest, but the team rallied around him as he made a courageous comeback and made some great contributions.

Connor was playing a terrific game again and is in a rich vein of form. Jencie took a very brave defensive mark and then a great kick forward to a contest.

Things were heating up a little and coach Mark did a brilliant job of calming the kids and keeping them focused on winning the footy. Ducky was receiving some tough tackling, but stood strong and was amazing for the team and Gus played really well up forward. Grace made a brave defensive effort in the last quarter with her head over the ball and contested well.

Arli again played a great game and was able to hunt the ball all over the ground, and the pace and skill of Jagger helped him out as they took control of the game.

There were some great performances under heavy pressure this week, but none more so than Michael Napier, who managed to eat five dim sims, a pie, a sausage roll and a hot dog from the canteen. Three votes, Mick.

— By Iain McCleary

Under-12 Green vs Leitchville-Gunbower

On a chilly Friday night, Echuca Green hosted Leitchville-Gunbower under the lights at Vic Park.

From the first siren, Leitchville-Gunbower came out strong, kicking three quick goals and showing it was going to be a tough opponent. Echuca fought back with fast-moving Lachie Jeffreys bursting through the pack, scoring a goal and a behind. Billy Sutton and Nick O’Meara also scored behinds.

As the second quarter got under way, Jack Schroeter, Ned Kilborn, Tor Kenley and Jack Millar were strong in the centre, trying to push the ball forward at every opportunity. Logan O’Meara was a standout with great tackling and a goal on his second attempt.

Leitchville-Gunbower put the pressure on in its forward line, but Echuca’s backline led by Sam Henson and Jobe Murphy proved it was up to the task with some strong marks when it was needed.

The third quarter saw both teams have plenty of scoring opportunities, with Echuca’s Scout Mitchell and Paddy Kenna both kicking goals. Reeve Sellars, Jimmy Kervin and Ryder Colless also put the pressure on with some strong tackles.

In the final quarter, Deegan Leo showed strong resolve in the backline, while Mannix Gray took a great mark in the centre and, along with the entire midfield, kept up the pressure right until the end. Lachie Cunningham took a strong mark and kicked a goal to finish off a tough game for Echuca.

Special thanks to ‘Tanker’ Schroeter and Sophie Millar for once again filling in. Coaches awards went to Scout Mitchell, Logan O’Meara, Billy Sutton and Lachie Cunningham.

— By Jane Millar

Under-13 Bombers vs Moama

In cold conditions, Echuca Bombers and Moama had a great hit-out on Sunday.

Echuca Bombers’ backline was strong, led by Jaxon Hogan, Jack Masters and Keoni Anderson, who all put great pressure on the forwards with strong tackling and a few great spoils.

Nate Smith, Lachlan Jeffreys, Archie Johnson and Patrick Oliver were giving the team plenty of run to help move the ball into the forward line and Kai Anderson and Flynn Carr were strong in the ruck and through the middle of the ground.

Goal scorers were Hunter Reid, Oliver Spring and Lachlan Jeffreys. It was a great team effort with every player contributing.

— By Sharon Henson

Moama

Under-10 Red vs Echuca Murray Bombers

With a home ground advantage, Moama Red staged a great performance against Echuca Murray Bombers' under-10s on Friday night. Both teams were evenly matched and the contest was fierce and very competitive.

Moama Red demonstrated excellent defensive skills in the first half of the match, combining well in the forward line leading to several team goals. Great ball contests were happening in the middle of the ground where Brant Haw shot out some quick handballs, demonstrating that when you get the ball, quickly pass it on and keep it moving, it will pay dividends.

Connor put his best foot forward defending the ball, the best defensive game he has played so far this season. Judd Morgan played a sensational game, taking numerous impressive marks. He played an instrumental part in securing several goals in the second half.

Murphy demonstrated bravery and skill, attempting to mark some tricky balls that came his way. Both Henry Mathers and Brayden Morrison stepped it up this week, playing one of their best games for the season so far.

Jonty Carfoot’s ability continues to improve every week, as does his eye for accuracy when scoring goals. Ted Palmer also had several attempts at goal, finishing with one.

Heath Clarke had another great week, playing a strong all-round game. Ace Rogers claimed a couple of impressive marks and played a significant role in getting the ball down Moama Red’s end.

Chloe Ryan showed sheer grit when she was tackled to the ground but rebounded quickly and then overturned the ball, passing it on to teammate Jonty Carfoot, who scored a goal on her behalf. A big shout out to Shayleh Hinds who scored her first goal for the season.

The way in which the team supported and worked together along with the collegiality demonstrated by all team members was commendable. The award winners were Heath Clarke, Murphy Carter, Jonty Carfoot and Judd Morgan. Special mention was made to Lincoln Cleathero, Brayden Morrison, Shayleh Hinds and Chloe Ryan for willingly putting their hands up to support the opposition with numbers.

Goal scorers for the night were Chloe Ryan, Darius Keam, Jonty Carfoot, Ryder Wilson, Ted Palmer and Shayleh Hinds.

This was a strong game from both teams and was quite a ‘nail-biter’ at many points. Congratulations to both teams for demonstrating such sportsmanship.

A special mention to all our supporters and volunteers who do such a wonderful job in nurturing the skills of our upcoming Moama footballers.

— By Anthea Mathers

Echuca United

Under-17 vs Finley

Echuca United hosted the Cats this week after a solid week on the training track and a commitment to each other to get back to playing team footy.

United managed to hold the Cats scoreless in the first quarter, with Nash really taking to an unfamiliar role in the ruck and giving its mids first use.

Across the course of the game, Ridley Gass and Mitch Peteresen were wreaking havoc. Jackson Lewis was providing plenty of drive from the middle and Maisyn was his usual wrecking ball self.

It was a tight dual all day and United’s inaccuracy in front of goal certainly didn’t help. When the ball ventured into Finley’s forward line, Zane, who was playing out of his comfort zone at full-back, repelled the ball on numerous occasions, fitting seamlessly into an established back six without missing a beat.

In the end, United earned a hard-fought 26-point win and pleasingly was able to keep its opposition goalless, which highlighted a good all-round team performance.

Echuca United 4.8 (32) d Finley 0.6 (6)

Awards: Rich River Golf Club — Nash Ramage; Intersport Echuca — Ridley Gass; Roma Pizza — Zane Martin; The Atrium Hair Lounge — Jackson Lewis; Murray Valley Driver Ed — Maisyn Douglas; Hip Pocket Towel — Mitch Petersen.

— By Garet Stobaus