Murray Bombers fly high against middling Kyabram

By Oliver Shedden

Jun 23, 2024

Echuca’a Hugh Byrne celebrates after kicking a goal against Kyabram in round 12. Photo: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

The Murray Bombers, with their win over Kyabram on Saturday, have held on to top spot heading into round 12 of the Goulburn Valley League.

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The meeting at Victoria Park started strongly for the men in green, with Callum Parsons opening Echuca’s account within the first 10 minutes.

The Murray Bombers managed to kick a further two goals and four behinds to end the first period. Meanwhile, Kyabram couldn’t get much going, eking out a sole goal and a pair of behinds for the quarter.

However, the script flipped in the second period, with Echuca struggling up front. It collected a single goal and three behinds.

Kyabram got its mojo flowing down the other end, collecting three maximums and a behind, shrinking Echuca’s lead to four at the half.

But one low quarter couldn’t dim the Murray Bombers’ championship spirit, with five goals and four behinds an emphatic reply in the third term.

Kyabram couldn’t capitalise on their momentum at the break, only adding a pair of goals to their total, letting Echuca’s lead grow to 26 points entering the final quarter.

The final term proved to be an exciting one for both teams, who wanted to leave it all out on the field. Echuca wasn’t the most accurate, managing two goals to go along with seven behinds in crunch time.

Kyabram amassed a respectable three goals and two behinds in the final quarter. Still, its earlier lulls in scoring proved costly as the Murray Bombers claimed a 25-point win, 11.18 (84) to 9.5 (59).

Echuca should look to continue working on its goal-kicking as it had plenty of opportunities to bury the game, but its inaccuracy almost cost it, kicking a whopping 18 behinds to 11 goals.

Forward Liam Tenace continues to impress for the Murray Bombers, booting three goals.

Jack McHale, one of Echuca’s best for the match, also came in handy in front of goal, bagging a pair.

Star ruckman Kane Morris was also named one of the best, along with Cooper Barber, Jackson Stewart and Ben Reid, all making vital contributions to the side week in and week out.

Young gun Cody Walker, playing just his second senior game after retaining his spot from last week, again impressed with a solid all-round game and a goal to his name.

Echuca will look to make it seven on the bounce when it faces struggling Shepparton United in round 12 at Deakin Reserve.

For more Aidan Briggs photos, turn to page 18.