Echuca’s Seb Monahan is tackled by Kyabram’s Hunter Fawcett. Photos: Jordan Townrow
Both entering as minor premiers Echuca’s reserves and under-18 football sides made a strong start to their Goulburn Valley League finals campaigns at Moon Oval on Saturday.
Reserves
Luke Edwards with the kick.
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The Murray Bombers are into a grand final qualifier after battling to victory over Kyabram by 23 points.
Echuca didn’t have it all its own way throughout the first half, as the Bombers booted the first two majors of the match.
Miller Griffiths is chased by Logan Orr.
Echuca then kicked three straight and took a 24-12 lead into half-time and increased its lead to 19 early in the third quarter.
But Ky stayed in the contest, being within nine points early in the fourth period, before the Murray Bombers found another gear late in the contest, booting the final two goals to run out as an 8.14 (62) to 6.3 (39) winner.
Luke Oellermann looks for a teammate.
Mitchell Bell, Dylan Payne, Connor Armstrong, Ky Henson and Hudson Kellett were Echuca’s best, while Luke Edwards led all goal-kickers with three on the day.
Echuca will now take on Shepparton in its next finals clash.
Mitchell Gugliotti tackles Jessie Johnstone as he gets the ball away.
Under-18
Echuca will also play off for a spot in the under-18 grand final after the younger Murray Bombers cruised past Shepparton by 44 points.
Ky Henson watches the ball to take the overhead mark.
The side was challenged throughout the opening two quarters as it only led by a goal at half-time, but came out firing after the main break.
Echuca booted five goals in both the third and fourth quarters as it outscored Shepparton 64-26 in the second half to run out as 14.8 (92) to 7.6 (48) winners.
Riley Murphy attempts to tackle Brenton Brasier.
Liam Beasley and Baxter Cowley were the Murray Bombers’ top goal-kickers with three each, with both named on the best alongside Kristian Fitzsimmons, Jett Kervin and Ben Henson.
Echuca now meets Benalla, the winner booking its place in the decider.
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