Football
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Youth Girls - Moama
Moama's youth girls football side battled local rival Echuca United for the four points for the first time since joining the competition.
With 16-a-side for Sunday's game at Echuca South Recreation Reserve, the first five minutes was an even contest with both sides registering a goal.
The game was played in good spirits, great skill and plenty of hard tackling.
Moama proved more skillful and capitalised on their opportunities when going inside 50.
Young Jemika Cooper was everywhere for Moama no matter what position she was asked to play, her attack on the ball and player improving with every game.
Jayda Richardson and Charli Dorrity got things going from the middle of the ground, with Payton Hearn, Katie Shanon, Megan Jeffreys, Ella Plattfuss and Shaleah Cooper running in waves and finishing off with great delivery and a number of goals.
Coach Matthew Mackay said his players are listening and improving on every skill and facet of the game.
“They work hard, love training and playing and the results are showing but they realise it's a long year with tough games ahead,” he said.
Final score: Moama 17.16 (118) d Echuca United 1.0 (6)
Moama goals: P. Hearn, J. Richardson 4, C. Dorrity 3, K. Shanon 2, M. Ham, J. Grant, M Moncrieff, A. Noonan.
Under 14 - Echuca Bombers
Sunday’s Mother’s Day clash saw the Bombers take on Mooroopna Cats White in perfect playing conditions. The Bombers were noticeably the smaller of the two sides and similarly to the previous week, interchange numbers were low in comparison to the opposition. Luckily some eager under 12 Bombers stepped in to bolster numbers.
The Cats came out strong in the first quarter with the ball predominantly in their forward line, keeping Echuca's backline players on their toes. The Bombers found it difficult to gain momentum to push the ball forward out from the centre, although their pressure was solid with plenty of chasing down and great tackling.
With Echuca failing to make a dent on the scoreboard, the Cats moved ahead with four goals for the quarter.
Leading into the second quarter, Fitzy told players not to be intimidated by the opponents size and to go out and just have a crack.
Liam Gronow, Cody Walker and Sam O’Brien promptly answered Fitzy’s call and toughed it out using their bodies, breaking through packs and getting the ball on the boot to push the play forward.
Both Walker and Elijah Swiggs managed to snare a goal each to keep the Bombers head above water on the scoreboard with just six points the difference for the quarter.
The third quarter saw the Cats up their level of attack and slip away again on the scoreboard with successive goals.
O’Brien contested well in the ruck while Beth Morris made some great marks and kicks.
Zavier Bowles managed to bring down his man in the goal square which earned him a free kick, to then snare his first goal for the season.
Gronow displayed fantastic fierce play yet again in the midfield with his lightening quick speed and impressive tackling on show.
In the fourth quarter Jett Kervin, Charlie Kenna, Kristian Fitzsimmons and Ned Ash-Townrow held their pressure on the Cats.
Walker had the ball punched from his hands after taking a mark. The 50m penalty resulted in a goal for Echuca. Despite having similar opportunities at goal, the Bombers struggled with their accuracy, with the Cats scoring 4.1 to Echuca's 1.4 by the final siren.
It was noted the under 12 Bombers recruits proved to be very handy, playing like they had nothing to lose for the entirety of the game.
Jack Byrne did particularly well across the four quarters as did Charlie Sutton who was damaging to the Cats forward line.
Final score: Echuca Bombers 4.7 (31) lt Mooroopna Cats White 15.13 (103)
Awards: Sam O’Brien, Beth Morris, Jett Kervin, Liam Gronow, Kristian Fitzsimmons, Zavier Bowles.
Goals: Cody Walker 2, Elijah Swiggs, Zavier Bowles.
Under 12 - Echuca White
Echuca White took on cross-border rival Moama White in a Friday night blockbuster.
Echuca was able to get a quick clearance from the centre bounce with nice team work ending in a Mitch Sutton goal.
The first quarter was a tight tussle with Harrison Whan marking strongly across half-back, sending the ball long into the forward line. Echuca’s forward pressure started to pay dividends with two more quick goals before the first break.
The second quarter started off similarly to the first with Echuca’s onballers moving the ball quickly out of the middle with Nate Ludlow taking a screamer at the top of the square before going back and kicking straight through the big sticks.
Moama started to pick things up a notch, also putting the ball through the big sticks to remain in the hunt.
The third quarter started strongly for Echuca with the forwards and onballers locking the ball in their forward half with only wayward kicking denying the team from putting the game out of Moama’s reach.
Sophie Jardine made the grandstand wing her own, taking the game on with her marking, run and penetrating kicks.
Both teams came out fired up after the last break with Moama moving the ball well to convert. Paddy Oliver, Henry Bell and Charlie Gotch all started to find space and move the ball quickly into Echuca's forward line, with Mitch Sutton converting.
Will Walsh and Will Hatfield both got on the end of some great team work to kick truly and finish the game off well for Echuca.
Echuca White travels interstate this week to take on Moama Black.
Under 12 - Moama Black
Moama Black were a little slow to start, given the early kick off and Mother's Day commitments. However after a sluggish first quarter, where Echuca United Blue took it right up to Moama, players began to play some really good link-up team footy.
After a massive week of state primary commitments, Fred Peat and Bohdi Dohnt got right on top in the middle with the help of Charlie Connors and Mac Hoopell, while Jackson Groves was reminiscent of Wayne Carey at centre half-forward, working hard up and down the ground.
Small forwards Josh Barden, Kaiden Pearce and Jackson Goldstraw also started to cause havoc for Eagles defence.
All in all it was a great game of under 12s football with a strong team effort from Moama Black.
Under 10 - Echuca Bombers
On a beautiful Friday evening the much anticipated clash between Echuca Red and Echuca Bombers took place and didn’t disappoint.
With a crowd-filled boundary line, Echuca Bombers had early ascendency on the game before Echuca Red took it back to them in the second and third quarters.
In the final quarter the Bombers really got going and showed their class, speed and tackling to even up the game, in what could only be described as a fun-filled classy performance.
Awards: Ged Canham, Ky Rankins, Joey Lowry, Max Gill.
Under 10 - Echuca Murray Bombers
Playing Moama Black in round three, the game started where the Murray Bombers finished last week with immense pressure and teamwork being a highlight.
After a strong defensive effort, Echuca scored an early goal from the boot of Arli Walker before Moama replied with two quick goals.
The ball moved from both ends of the ground with both sides showing great skills. The tackling pressure increased with strong marking and clearing kicks from Lachy Finn who held up some of Moama's forward attacks.
Lachlan Cunningham worked hard in the backline and was well supported by Riley Mills who chipped in with one percenters including smothering the ball deep in the opposition's attack to finish off the first quarter.
Both sides came out firing in the second quarter, where Harry Hooper showed some class by ‘selling some candy’ in defence before sending the ball flying with a strong clearing kick.
Charlie Flanigan and Frazah Nuttall combined with fierce tackling and defensive work to rebound many of Moama's attacks.
Tyler Martin worked hard in attack, looking for his teammates by hand and foot, while Finn Hughes took a massive mark forward and eventually scored a huge goal from deep on the right boundary pocket.
In the third quarter, Hamish Leersen continued his strong defensive work, combining well with a number of his teammates such as Blake Shandley and Tyler Martin to repel many forward attacks from Moama.
Jaz von Lueders and Arli Walker combined well in the middle through linking handballs to send the ball forward where Jack Gibson and Lachlan Cunningham presented as forward targets.
In the last quarter, Charlie Flanigan worked hard in the forward line by trying to lock the ball in to score.
He was well supported by Thomas Schroeter who was in and under everything as he tirelessly tried to push the ball forward.
Awards: Lachy Finn, Charlie Flanigan, Jack Gibson, Tyler Martin and Thomas Schroeter.
Under 10 - Echuca Red
It was another beautiful Friday evening for under 10s football at Victoria Park.
After a strong start from Echuca Bombers, relentless pressure across the backline from Jordan, Luca and Harry kept the Bombers lead to three goals at the end of the first quarter.
Some spectacular offensive plays from Hunter and Ryder to start the second quarter and a goal from Sam got the team off to a cracker.
Another quick goal from Sam put Red back in the game. Beautiful delivery through the centre to Deagan saw him snag a couple of great consecutive goals, while the back line pressure of Marlon, Paddy and Oliver kept the Bombers quiet for the quarter.
Up forward, Jordan, Paddy and Luca took delivery from the centre which saw goals from Luca and Paddy to put Echuca Red in front.
Safe hands and clean delivery from Sam in the centre, along with pressure from Billy, Jobe and Marlon to run it out and clear it to Tor saw him use his speed to run it into the forward line.
Another goal to Luca added to the excitement. Harry was intense, running the ball out of the back line for a goal, with the team up and about at the end of the third quarter.
Marlon kicked a ripper goal from the boundary line to commence the final quarter, while Tor took on multiple players to get the ball out to Oliver who converted the play into a goal. Harry and Jordan applied pressure in the backline, while Hunter laid some great tackles which was backed up by Luca.
Awards: Hunter, Paddy, Harry and Sam.
Under 10 - Echuca Green
Echuca Green came up against Kyabram at Victoria Park on Mother's Day on Sunday, May 9.
Echuca started strongly in the first quarter with Alfie Lloyd kicking the first two goals of the game. Alfie also took an impressive mark, as did Logan.
The team were commended by the coach as they all focused on "lots of talk and involving each player in the game".
At the quarter-time break, Echuca Green's coaches commended the team for putting a lot of pressure on Kyabram before reminding players to "stand up and go, go, go".
The team took on this message and did their best to kick goals.
Grace broke free from the pack in the second quarter and nearly kicked a goal, while Arli Walker managed to kick a goal and Reeve got very close with his shot at the goals.
Echuca Green started the third quarter determined to kick goals and apply real pressure on Kyabram.
There were a lot of tackles and shepherding in the centre of the game.
Reeve applied pressure and blocked a goal, while Arli took an incredible mark and made it a long way down the field with the ball.
Great teamwork was shown with lots of handballs and small kicks to ensure all players were involved in the game, as Xavier kept his eye on the ball and called out to his teammates to keep the ball moving towards the Echuca goals.
Awards: Logan, Kai, Grace, Casey, Arli.
Netball
Echuca B grade
After a goal-for-goal start in the opening four minutes, Echuca's full court defensive pressure forced Mansfield into many errors.
Being on the front foot Echuca was then able to turn the ball into quick scores though the accurate shooting of Bianca Willis who finished with an incredible 60 goals and eight rebounds.
Kylie Walker, Georgie Eishold and Lilly Devlin strengthened Echuca's defensive pressure to win the ball frequently off the opposition's centre pass, while Echuca's defenders proved an unstoppable combination.
Final score: Echuca 74 d Mansfield 14
Best: Bianca Willis, Zara Pearson, Kylie Walker.
Echuca B reserve
B reserve took the court on Saturday with purpose and confidence. Each area performed well to maintain consistency throughout and build a strong 36-point lead by the final siren. Like past weeks, the Murray Bombers were able to adapt to changes made as they kept their opponents contained.
Final score: Echuca 60 d Mansfield 24
Best: Lucy Eishold, Tina Rankin, Kelsey Hamilton.
Echuca under 17
Echuca's under 17s took the court showcasing their ability. Mansfield fought hard to shoot goals, but with consistent defense from Lilli Oliver and Alice Davidson under the ring, Mansfield struggled to get possession.
Great rotation in the goal circle by Maia Roberts and Jorja Oliver allowed Echuca to steam ahead to a 29–12 lead by half-time.
Coach Kristine Oliver's commitment to developing all her players saw Lilly Devlin, Claudia Sampson and Halle Gray bring a strong attack and accurate passes into the ring. Meanwhile Zayah James and April Eeles provided great defensive pressure.
Final score: Echuca 62 d Mansfield 21
Best: Lilli Oliver, Lilly Devlin, April Eeles.
Echuca under 15
Echuca dominated all positions on the court against Mansfield, with their defensive wall again proving particularly strong.
Ruby McGlone was again dynamite in goals, timing her leads and holding well. Holly Chadwick and Emma Judd were a force to be reckoned with in defence, reading the play perfectly to get turnovers.
Overall, it was a fantastic team effort and a great percentage boosting win for Echuca's baby bombers.
Final score: Echuca 66 d Mansfield 16
Best: Ruby McGlone, Holly Chadwick, Emma Judd, Jamie Davis.
Echuca United B grade
It was a tight game for sixth versus seven, with Eagles coming back strongly in the last quarter to take the win by one goal.
Final score: Echuca United 37 d Barooga 36
Awards: Abbey Callander, Izzy Polvore.
Echuca United C grade
It was a fitting final score for a evenly contested game. A great team effort saw United stay with Barooga for the entire game.
Final score: Echuca United 33 drew Barooga 33
Awards: Nikki Niku, Kiarna Denny.
Echuca United C reserve
United started strongly and kept their lead all game. The team's goalers fought hard for front positioning to get their shots in, while the midcourt applied constant pressure to back up their teammates.
United's defenders rounded out a full team performance, putting the pressure on and getting intercepts at every opportunity.
Final score: Echuca United 56 d Barooga 35
Awards: Steph Pearson, Georgia Denny.
Echuca United under 17
In a physical game against tough opponents, the Eagles fought hard until the final whistle.
Final score: Echuca United 27 lt Barooga 36
Awards: Kara Vanderline, Kallarnhey Turner, Kristy Nichol.
Echuca United under 15
In a great team effort, a number of new combinations paid off, with the Eagles celebrating a 20-goal win.
Final score: Echuca United 40 d Barooga 20
Awards: Chase Day, Grace Moyle, Cordelia Fry-Smith.
Echuca United under 13
A tough game in the sun saw the Eagles put up a good fight against strong Barooga side.
Final score: Echuca United 14 lt Barooga 29
Awards: Tallara Standley, L'val Turner, Abbey Stoubas.
Echuca United under 11
The Eagles fought hard on Saturday in a close game, running it out until the end. Coaches saw great passages of play, including set plays, and defensive pressure.
Awards: Bailey Smith (for great defence pressure down the court), Shaylah Olsson (for quickly and effectively switching between defence and attack), Matilda Smith (for coming forward on leads), Maggie Olilver (for intercepts down the court).