Echuca back to winning ways with victory over Eagles

The Murray Bombers clearly had a point to prove in the opening quarter, bursting out of the blocks to put 6.4 (40) on the board, while restricting the Eagles to just a single point in an emphatic response after blotting their copybook last weekend.

But Mansfield, having been convincingly beaten by Echuca in round one by 82 points, had a response of its own, slamming five goals through in the second term to just two from the Murray Bombers, reducing the margin to 21 points and maintaining a heartbeat at the half.

However, Echuca did everything required of it in the second half, extending its lead to 33 points with a three-goal-to-one third quarter.

The two sides were fairly evenly matched in the final term, kicking two goals apiece, with Echuca securing the 36-point win.

Skipper Kane Morris returned to the Echuca line-up and was a welcome inclusion, making an instant impact as the Murray Bombers’ best, while Jack McHale and Liam Tenace (two goals) both continued their hot runs of form.

Cooper Willoughby and Cameron Valentine (one goal) were also influential.

Corbin Anderson, Riley Smith and Jackson Stewart each kicked two goals, while Cooper Barber, Hugh Byrne, Tighe O’Brien and Baxter Slater each had one.

The win ensures Echuca finishes round six comfortably in second spot on the ladder, a game behind the undefeated Shepparton Bears but a game ahead of Rochester in third.

The Murray Bombers will look to consolidate that position next week when they host Shepparton Swans, before a week off courtesy of the league-wide break.