Sport

Tigers seize control after early Eagles lead

By Matthew Kappos and Owen Sinclair

Jul 14, 2025

Callum Parsons tracks the Luca Allen run. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Echuca United looked poised to deliver a Murray Football League upset after the first quarter of action at Echuca South Recreation Reserve, but a quality Cobram outfit under skipper Sam Beasley proved too much for the Eagles.

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The Tigers punished inaccuracy in front of goal from the Eagles in the first term, but United turned things around by booting two before the siren to end the first term with a 16-8 advantage.

Ryan Stobaus looks to shut down Samuel Beasley. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Cobram would put on four straight in the second to regain control of the game, but the Eagles were still in the hunt at the main break, trailing by 10.

The third quarter was back and forth, but the Tigers again came out ahead, leading 45-60 at the final change.

Paulie Degei applies the pressure on Echuca’s Grady Smith. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

After facing a relentless onslaught from one of the league’s top four sides, the Eagles finally ran out of steam in the fourth term and Cobram was able to run the home side over with five unanswered majors in the last, tidying up nicely with a 6.9 (45) to 14.10 (94) win.

Kristian Bovalina debuted for the Cobram Tigers senior side at the weekend. Photo:: Cobram FNC. Photo by Contributed

It was a special day for young Tiger Kristian Bovalina, who ran out for his seniors debut.

Kyle Coates gets a hold of Callum Parsons. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Tyron Baden was the leading scorer, slotting three through the big sticks for Cobram, while Jackson Lewis and Oliver Poole were the Eagles’ best with two each.

Matthew Lias plays it forward. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Mitchell Boyd and Matthew Lias headlined United’s best players, while Luca Allen was Cobram’s best-on-ground.

Cobram finds itself holding on to fourth in the league standings, with a potential late-season surge to displace Mulwala at third place on the table as they encounter Finley next weekend.

In the reserves action, Cobram’s Noah Sneddon celebrated his 150th club game in style when his side delivered a thumping win over their hosts at the Eagles’ nest, with an eight-goal bag from Matt Demaio helping the Tigers secure the win, 1.2 (8) - 24.9 (153).

Noah Sneddon goes for the big drop punt in the reserves. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Meanwhile, a single major by Jae Bowden was the only consolation for Barooga as Tongala claimed a 148-point win at Barooga Recreation Reserve, 1.4 (10) - 23.20 (158).