GVL | Echuca clinical against wounded Lions

By Josh Huntly

May 8, 2022

Well-oiled: Echuca were clinical in their 36-point win over Seymour. Photo: Steve Huntley Photo by Steve Huntley

Echuca notched up its fourth straight win in round five of the Goulburn Valley League, accounting for Seymour by 36 points at Kings Park.

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The Murray Bombers led at every change off the back of a fast start against an under-strength Lions outfit, running out 15.10 (100) to 10.4 (64) winners.

Echuca jumped out of the blocks with a five-goal first quarter and added another five in the second to lead by 45 points at half-time.

Seymour resurrected some credibility by winning the third and fourth quarters, but the experience of Echuca proved a bridge too far for the Lions, who are without several star players.

Echuca’s midfield was dominant led by Liam Tenace and Kane Morris in the ruck, while Dan Willis and Ruory Kirkby hit the scoreboard down forward.

Sam Willoughby helped the Murray Bombers win the clearance battle while Ben Reid and Logan Prout ensured Echuca caught the Lions on the hop with its rebound play out of the backline.

Seymour’s Michael Hartley provided a rare highlight in the form of a third-quarter screamer, but his performance would be one of few highlights for the Lions on a dour day.

Seymour, now with just one win from five games, will be hopeful of regaining several stars in the coming weeks, including Morrison Medallist Jack O’Sullivan.

Despite the loss, Seymour is the first team this season to crack the 10-goal mark against Echuca.

For Echuca, the win marks a 91-point turnaround against the Lions, who had the better of the Murray Bombers in a 55-point win last time the two sides met.

A 4-1 record means Echuca sits fifth in the GVL, tied with Kyabram, Mansfield and Rochester, while Mooroopna sits atop the ladder as the final undefeated side in the league.

But it’s unknown if Echuca will share that tag, with an appeal regarding its round one points deduction set to be heard by officials sometime this week.

Echuca had a clean sweep in the football stakes, with the Reserves and under-18 sides coming away with wins.

The Murray Bombers weathered a strong Seymour challenge to claim a 9.8 (62) to 6.4 (40) victory, its second of the season.

Echuca Thirds, meanwhile, continued their blistering start to the season, moving to 5-0 on the back of a 12.11 (83) to 2.3 (15) win.

Corbin Anderson, Hugh Byrne and Kobyn James each kicked two goals while Elijah Bruns, Rory Carlile, and Kobey Allsop performed strongly to keep the Murray Bomkbers in first place on the ladder.