Sport

Cats bring home premiership

By Contributed

Sep 22, 2026

Finley’s under-14s premiers. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Finley started Saturday’s Murray Leaugue fourths grand final at Moama strongly, and took a 31-14 lead into half time before Echuca United came hard in the second half.

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The final quarter was full of pressure but the boys dug deep, backed each other and held on for a memorable six-point win.

Finley's Samuel Hay chases Echuca United's Jarel Atkinson-Combe in the under-14 Murray League grand final. Photo: Rechelle Zammit.

And when that final siren sounded, 16 years of waiting was over.

For the first time since 2010, a Finley under-14s side had brought the premiership cup home.

This was their reward for the cold, wet training nights, the early starts, the sore bodies, the hard work and all the little sacrifices made along the way.

Bobby Elliott and Jed Flanagan chase after the ball.

These boys had earned their moment and created a memory they will carry for the rest of their lives.

A huge congratulations to Finley captain Samuel Hay, named MFNL Best on Ground after a brilliant performance on the biggest stage.

Sam Hay and Arlo Scott in the ruck contest.

Everyone played their role. Everyone contributed. The cup is back in Finley!

Final score: Finley 8.2 (50) def. Echuca United 6.8 (44).

Goals: Orlando Orsida 3, Flynn Rourke 2, Jed Flanagan 1, Levi Jakeman 1, Will Harris 1.

Best players: Samuel Hay, Hudson Daniel, Jed Flanagan, Lachlan Urquhart, Shayne Kunzekweguta, Orlando Orsida. Although you could genuinely have named all 22.