Echuca registers percentage booster against Pies

Echuca made a solid, if unspectacular, start, kicking the first two goals midway through the first quarter, though followed it with nine straight behinds.

A strong defensive effort mitigated accuracy concerns, Euroa held to a point as Echuca led 23-1 at the first change.

The home side found better scoring touch in the second term, booting four of the five majors in the period — only registering two behinds — to take a dominant 6.13 (49) to 1.1 (7) advantage into half-time.

Echuca had rarely annihilated its opponent this season, with its average winning margin after the first eight matches being about 40 points, but it saw an opportunity for a percentage boost in the second half.

The Murray Bombers produced their best quarter of the day in the third, laying on seven goals — which included six straight to close the period — as the Magpies were powerless to resist, only registering one major in response.

Euroa did improve in the final term, its best of the afternoon with an output of four goals, though Echuca still increased its margin from three-quarter time, winning the period with five majors and running out an 18.17 (125) to 6.4 (40) winner.

Echuca is still second on the ladder despite another win as Shepparton remains at the summit after beating Mansfield, though the Murray Bombers reduced the percentage gap between the sides.

Next up, Echuca will be the host again as Shepparton Swans travel to Echuca South Recreation Reserve, the side currently sitting third and undefeated since round four.