Echuca United 2.2, 3.4, 5.9, 7.12 (54) def by Mulwala 2.2, 12.7, 15.9, 19.10 (124)
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Mulwala produced a dominant display after quarter time to run out convincing winners over Echuca United on Saturday.
In a moment that summed up the passion and intensity of the afternoon, Harry Meade ripped off his guernsey in celebration as Mulwala’s momentum surged and the crowd erupted.
It was an even contest early, with Mulwala kicking into a strong breeze in the opening quarter.
Despite the difficult conditions, the side matched Echuca United across the ground, applying strong pressure and moving the ball with purpose.
Scores were level at the first break, setting the stage for a pivotal second quarter.
What followed was a match-defining term, as Mulwala exploded into action.
With the breeze at their backs, the Lions piled on an incredible 10 goals to one, overwhelming Echuca United with relentless run, clean ball movement and clinical finishing.
From that point on, Mulwala seized complete control and never looked back.
Although Echuca United managed a few easy goals late in the final quarter to make the scoreboard appear more respectable, the result was never in doubt after Mulwala’s second-quarter onslaught.
William Cookson was once again outstanding, earning best-on-ground honours with another commanding performance.
In the ruck, Brody Tyson worked tirelessly to give his midfield first use, playing a crucial role in Mulwala’s dominance through the middle.
Up forward, Mitchell Kunigiskis was electric, finishing with eight goals in a superb display before his goal-scoring spree was cut short in the final term.
Across half-back, Kyal Tyson controlled the play superbly, consistently getting to the front and providing excellent run and drive out of defence.
The highlight came when the centre half-back found himself at the opposite end of the ground and launched a stunning 50m bomb from beyond the arc for his first goal in Mulwala colours, celebrating accordingly.
The moment even had the coaches jokingly questioning whether he belonged in the forward line or down back.
Zach Scott’s pressure was a highlight, laying numerous tackles that directly resulted in team goals, while Josh Tonna proved a rock in defence, repelling countless Echuca United forward entries.
It was a complete team performance from Mulwala, highlighted by a devastating second quarter that ultimately decided the contest.
Goals: Echuca United: H. Beveridge 4, C. Haub 1, N. McKenner 1, M. Lias 1,
Mulwala: M. Kunigiskis 8, S. Robinson 4, O. Conway 2, K. Tyson 1, W. Cookson 1, J. Mackinnon 1, C. Griffiths 1, J. Bland 1.
Best: Echuca United: S. Simpson, H. Beveridge, R. Sidebottom, R. Eden, B. Sawyer, M. Lias.
Mulwala: W. Cookson, B. Tyson, M. Kunigiskis, K. Tyson, Z. Scott, J. Tonna.
Reserves
Echuca United 2.4, 5.9, 9.11, 12.13 (85) def Mulwala 0.0, 1.3, 1.4, 1.4 (10)
The Mulwala Reserves ventured to Echuca on Saturday with a side made up of whoever could fit into a guernsey due to the club’s mounting injury list.
Unfortunately for the Lions, Echuca United arrived with a full squad, fresh legs and seemingly a personal vendetta against the scoreboard, running away 12.13 (85) to 1.4 (10) winners.
The lone highlight for Mulwala came courtesy of Dave Cornish, who rolled back the clock to kick the only major of the day.
Rumour has it Cornish celebrated so enthusiastically after the goal that he nearly did a hamstring.
While the scoreboard made grim reading, the effort could not be questioned.
The boys battled all afternoon despite having fewer rotations than a broken microwave plate.
At one stage there were so few players available that the interchange bench resembled a bus stop.
Jaxen Wheeler battled tirelessly, Tim Cooper cracked in all day, while Lockie Dwyer and Logan Cooper never stopped trying despite the ball spending more time in Echuca’s forward line than the local parking inspector.
Special mention also went to the backline, which saw so much action it probably qualified for overtime pay.
The Lions will regroup next week, ice the sore bodies, locate a few missing players and hopefully avoid recruiting directly from the retirement village again.
Thirds
Mulwala 1.3, 3.5, 6.7, 6.8 (44) def Echuca United 0.0, 2.1, 4.2, 5.5 (35)
It was a strong team performance from Mulwala, highlighted by the return of Makio Leith from senior duties, who came back and dominated.
Nate Leith was electric up forward, kicking five of Mulwala’s six goals in a standout display.
Fletcher Woodhead controlled the midfield, consistently winning the ball out of the centre and setting the tone for the game.
Bryon Dodd contributed well up forward and hit the scoreboard with a goal.
Levi Purtle worked tirelessly across the ground, while Harley Cooper impressed with his effort and impact around the contest.
Goals: N. Leith 5, B. Dodd 1.
Awards: McNamara O’Bryan $20 Award — Makio Leith, Paradise Kreecky $20 Award — Tige Sanderson, Beechworth Armoury Sock Award — Fletcher Woodhead, Papalia Pizza Award — Harley Cooper, Charlie Chicken Award — Levi Purtle, Mulwala Football Club Canteen Award — Bryon Dodd.
Fourths
Echuca United 1.10, 4.12, 7.14, 8.15 (63) def Mulwala 0.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.3 (27)
With one of the club’s long away trips to Echuca United, at least the boys were treated to a beautiful day for football.
The first quarter saw the ball stuck in Echuca’s forward end, with Mulwala’s defenders working hard under pressure and refusing to give in.
After a strong quarter-time address, the boys responded with a much-improved second quarter.
Through the midfield, Zeke, Raffa, Tate and Ben worked tirelessly to drive the ball forward, where Benji, Harrison and the forward line combined well to put Mulwala on the scoreboard.
As the game went on, it became less about the result and more about effort, resilience and putting training into action.
The boys showed great determination, worked together and never gave up.
It was a great reminder that effort and lessons learned are what help teams grow and come back stronger the following week.
Goals: H. Strauss 1, B. Ferguson 1, R. Leith 1, R. Leary 1.
Netball
A Grade
Mulwala 70 def Echuca United 31
The Lions stamped their dominance on the game right from the start, opening up a 10-goal lead by quarter time.
Great defensive rebounds and attacking play were rewarded on the scoreboard by the two Stephs.
The girls continued their momentum in the second quarter, creating numerous turnovers through strong defensive pressure all over the court and smart attacking plays that were a pleasure to watch.
Morgan and Iris supported the depleted side and settled in smoothly.
No matter what combinations were put on the court for the Lions, or what Echuca United threw at them, the girls rallied each quarter and continued to build on their lead to finish with a comfortable 39-goal win.
Adie Templeton played her best game yet for Mulwala, collecting countless rebounds and defensive turnovers.
Steph Hammond and Steph Ferguson were once again a pleasure to watch, keeping their composure and finishing the side’s hard work in style.
B Grade
Mulwala 30 def Echuca United 27
Mulwala’s B Grade came away with a hard-fought 30-27 win after a tough contest on court.
Defensively, the girls were very strong all game, applying consistent pressure and forcing turnovers at crucial moments.
There were some great passages of play through the midcourt and attacking end, with the girls working hard for each other.
After momentum shifted at stages of the game, Mulwala showed determination to fight back in the second half and regain control.
Despite the challenge, the girls worked hard to secure the four points and should be proud of the effort they produced.
There were plenty of positives to take away, along with some great areas to continue building on in the weeks ahead.
C Grade
Mulwala 35 def Echuca United 34
Report not submitted.
C Reserve
Mulwala 37 def Echuca United 34
The Lions were determined to return to the winners list and knew the clash against Echuca would be a tough challenge.
Echuca held the lead at quarter time, but the Lions steadily clawed their way back into the contest and fought hard to secure the win.
It was a genuine team effort, with every player fulfilling their role.
Annabel and Jem were outstanding in defence, collecting numerous intercepts and making the Echuca shooters work hard for every goal.
Kat moved well in the ring and shot accurately.
Hannah and Addye never stopped running through the midcourt, working tirelessly to feed the shooters.
The Lions should be extremely proud of the win.
Under 17s
Echuca United 55 def Mulwala 29
Coming up against strong opposition, the girls knew they had to give their all.
A strong first half, built on tireless defensive and attacking efforts, saw Mulwala trail by just eight goals.
A disappointing third quarter, where the opposition proved too strong, left the girls trailing by 24.
While the scoreboard may not have reflected the effort, the girls gave everything they had.
Their grit, determination and strong leadership from the captains and teammates through encouragement, motivation and belief in each other was wonderful to see.
The team should be proud of its efforts.
Under 15s
Mulwala 33 def Echuca United 16
Mulwala’s Under 15s produced a strong end-to-end performance to claim a 33-16 win over Echuca United.
It was a fantastic whole-team effort, with every player contributing and maintaining control across all four quarters.
The team’s connection and willingness to back each other in proved the difference on the day.
Sitting in a strong position, the girls now turn their focus to a home clash against Deniliquin.
Under 13s
Echuca United 26 def Mulwala 15
A trip to Echuca saw the girls take on the ladder leaders in a fast-paced and highly competitive match.
It was a fantastic game to watch, with Mulwala matching it with the top side for three quarters and trailing by just three goals at the final break.
Echuca proved strong in the last quarter, pulling away to secure an 11-point win.
It was a huge team effort all round, with goalers Indy Burnett and Charlotte Sim working hard together against Echuca’s strong and physical defenders.
Indy Burnett earned the Backpack Award, while Charlotte Sim took home the Devine Goodness Voucher.
The defenders and midcourt also played a solid game, keeping Echuca to just 16 goals by three-quarter time.
WA/WD Maddie Witton was another standout, playing her best game of the season and executing her role exactly as coach Nat had asked, earning herself the $10 canteen voucher.
The entire team should be proud of its growth, determination and teamwork, which continue to shine through every week.
It was a great game and an even better effort.