GVL | Magpies’ season in the balance after Echuca demolition

By Zac Standish

Apr 17, 2022

Battling hard: Echuca's Daniel Willis breaks a tackle. Photo by Steve Huntley

It’s only two weeks into the GVL season and premiership fancy Euroa’s campaign hangs in the balance.

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After suffering a 27-point defeat to surprise packet Mansfield in round one, the Magpies were completely outclassed by the Murray Bombers on Saturday afternoon, falling 13.15 (93) to 7.8 (50) at Victoria Park.

Wanting to see improved effort around the contest after his team was shell-shocked by the Eagles in round one, Euroa coach Scott Rowan would have been buoyed by what he saw in the first term, as his team battled hard to take a three-point lead into the first change.

The big boys fly: Euroa and Echuca players get ready for action at a stoppage. Photo by Steve Huntley

But that is where the positives ended for the boys in black-and-white, as the Murray Bombers upped their intensity in the second term and put the Magpies to the sword with four unanswered goals.

Taking a 21-point lead into the second half, Echuca would continue the procession in the third term, adding another five majors to Euroa’s one to have the lead approaching 50 at the final change.

With the game all but over, Euroa showed a bit of fight in the final term, reeling off four goals to keep the margin to a somewhat respectable 43 points by the final siren.

Clean at the contest: Echuca's Mitch Wales takes possession and clears the ball. Photo by Steve Huntley

Jack McHale was the star of the show for Echuca, enjoying a dominant day through the midfield, while Ruory Kirkby was the focal point up forward, kicking three majors.

The ever-consistent Andrew Smith battled hard all day for Euroa in the ruck to be judged the Magpies’ best, while Jayden and Jacob Gleeson were also prolific.

For Echuca, the win was extra sweet, after the club was stripped of four premiership points on Friday afternoon following two unregistered players taking the field in both the club’s seniors and reserves victories over Rochester last week.

Taking the game on: Echuca's Ben Reid clears the ball to a teammate. Photo by Steve Huntley

Now clearly the team to beat in the GVL, the Murray Bombers will be looking to continue their momentum as they make the tough trip to Kyabram next week.

Meanwhile Euroa will be desperate for its first victory of the season as it welcomes Seymour for a critical Sunday afternoon clash.