Echuca claims eighth-straight over sleeping Lions

By Oliver Shedden

Jul 14, 2024

Jumping Jack Mchale kicks a goal under pressure from Seymour. Photos: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

While you’d expect Echuca’s scoreline to be higher against ninth-placed Seymour, the Murray Bombers still got the job done in round 13.

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It wasn’t always pretty for the home side, who got off to a slow start against the visiting Lions, with just a single extra behind giving Echuca a 2.3 to 2.2 lead at quarter-time.

The Murray Bombers found their form in the second quarter, kicking an accurate 4.1 while holding Seymour to a single goal and two behinds to take a 16-point lead at halftime.

The Lions regained composure after the half-time break, kicking three goals and limiting Echuca to three goals, with a single behind to remain within striking distance and enter the final frame.

Echuca’s Lachlan Watson soars over Seymour players to win the contest. Photo by Aidan Briggs

It wasn’t to be for Seymour, as the Murray Bombers outclassed the Lions in the fourth quarter, kicking five goals and sole behind to Seymour’s pair of goals and a trio of behinds to run away with the victory 14.5 (89) to 8.8 (56).

Cooper Barber was a revelation for Echuca round 13, kicking four goals for the Murray Bombers, his most since his season debut in round 6.

Sam Willoughby also had a day out, kicking three in the contest to elevate his side.

Tensions run high between Echuca and Seymour players. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Barber and Willoughby were joined by Lachlan Watson and mainstays Jack McHale and Benjamin Reid as Echuca’s best for the clash.

The Murray Bombers will have an interesting fortnight ahead. Next week, they will travel to face fourth-placed Mooroopna and then return home to do battle with fifth-placed Euroa in round 15.

Can either of these finals hopefuls topple an unstoppable Echuca outfit, which continues to prove it is the team to beat in 2024?