Echuca dynamite from the jump against Shepparton United

Despite injuries to a host of Echuca’s top-end talent this season, the side’s strong reserves and under-18 units have stepped up big time to keep the three-time champion well in contention.

Travelling to Deakin Reserve to face the struggling Demons, the visitor made its intentions clear early, running rampant in front of goal in the opening quarter, launching nine through the sticks.

With that, the game was essentially over before it really began, with Shepparton United slotting a pair of goals in reply to create a 42-point first break difference.

Even with a strong reply from the Demons in the second period (4.2) it did little to chip away at the significant lead, particularly with the Murray Bombers adding another two goals to the tally.

A relatively even third term did little to change the status quo as both sides kicked three between the sticks with the extra chances falling Echuca’s way.

With the lead holding steady at 36, could Shepparton United produce a comeback and stun the defending champ?

No. No, it could not.

With only two goals added to each team’s score down the stretch, an extra behind to the Murray Bombers added an extra point to the lead in a low-scoring fourth quarter.

At the end of the day, the 16.14 (110) to 11.7 (73) victory started and finished in the opening period of play.

Hugh Byrne (5) continues to shoulder the scoring brunt in the forward line, with Sam Reid (3) showing his experience.

Both found themselves among their team’s best, with Jackson Stewart, Liam Tenace and Curtis Townrow rounding out the group.

As the Murray Bombers look further ahead to round 11, more consequential meetings loom in the coming weeks, the first being against Seymour at Victoria Park.