Riverine Herald |
Echuca finally won its first game of the season with a comprehensive display against Shepparton Bears at Deakin Reserve, winning 11.15 (81) to 3.11 (29).
The Murray Bombers won every quarter on their way to the triumph, led by a superb display again from Simon Buckley, Tom Stevens (four goals) and Tom Monahan.
Rhys Archard also kicked three goals.
Nik Rokahr, Sam Bowmaker and Taylor Young were the best for the Bears.
■ Rochester answered its critics with an important 22-point win against Shepparton United, 18.4 (112) to 13.12 (90).
Star forward Grant Weeks booted seven goals and Luke Gestier five alongside him in the result, while Ash Watson, Brayden Dorrington and Brady Green led the way for the side.
Matt Forys and Jason Eagle each kicked four majors for the Demons, while Chris Down and Brad Henderson never stopped trying.
■ Kyabram provided the biggest upset of the round with a low-scoring win away against high-flying Benalla, 7.17 (59) to 5.11 (41).
The Bombers led by 25 points at half-time and despite only kicking two goals in the second half, held on to win by 24 points.
Tom Sheldon was superb for Kyabram, with Josh Linton equally impressive, while the irrepressible Paul Newman booted four majors.
For the Saints, Jack Ellis and Brett Pollard tried hard, while Alistair Jacka kicked three goals.
■ Mooroopna prevailed in the closest game of the round with a five-point win against Seymour, 17.10 (112) to 17.5 (107).
The Lions kicked seven goals to four in the opening term and held an eight-point lead at the final break before the Cats kicked six last-quarter goals to snatch the win.
Shane Lynch, Mark Blake and Mitch Keddell starred for the home side, while Daniel Lewis (five), Rob Osborne (four) and Ignatius Vallejo (three) led the way in attack.
For Seymour, Brendan Liddell, Jason Cole and Robert Douglas led the way, with the goals going to Saad Saad (four), Dom Russo (four), Hugh Robertson (three) and Paul Colbert (three).
■ Mansfield returned to its run of honourable losses with a 24-point defeat away at Tatura, 15.19 (109) to 13.7 (85).
Bulldog Nick Grigg was the leading goal-kicker on the ground with three majors, while Linc Wellington, Rian McGough and James Wall starred.
Michael Handby, Daniel Moloney and Adam Boshevski were the best for the Eagles.
■ Shepparton Swans kicked 11 goals to four after half-time as it defeated Euroa 18.18 (126) to 9.7 (61).
Daniel Campbell, Hayden Best, Kaiden Antowicz and Brodie A'Vard shared 14 goals between them, with Quade Johnstone, Mitchell Ball and Jessie Finnen the best for the Swans, while Robert Staff, Matt Ivill and Zac Gleeson were the best for the Magpies.
Craig Bamford also kicked three goals.
By Geordie Cowan
