A second-half barrage has earned Echuca United victory over Finley in Murray Football League.
The Eagles travelled to 2024 grand finalist Finley in round 12, but the Cats have been a shell of their former selves this season, and it was Scott Beattie’s men who were favoured to pick up the win.
Little was decided in the opening period, both teams warming into the contest and each kicking three majors.
United would edge the period by a point, but a four goals to one second term put the Eagles three goals clear at the main break.
The visitors found their best form after the break, almost tripling their first half score in the remaining two quarters, and adding 12 goals to the seven they managed over the opening hour.
The 2025 version of Finley wasn’t able to match the Eagles and they cruised to the win 19.9 (123) to 11.7 (73).
Ryan Stobaus fired five goals through for United, his best total of the year, while Dylan Friedberger was also good in front of the sticks with three.
Reid Crowe was Finley’s best scorer with three majors of his own.
After the league bye on July 5, Echuca United (4-8) returns to action against top four side Cobram (8-4).
The Eagles will host the clash at Echuca South Recreation Reserve on July 12.
The Game
Scores
Echuca United: 3.3, 7.4, 12.7, 19.9 (123)
Finley: 3.2, 4.4, 7.6, 11.7 (73)
Goals
Echuca United: Ryan Stobaus 5, Dylan Friedberger 3, Jackson Lewis 2, Matthew Lias 2, Grady Smith 2, Hunter Beveridge, Mitchell Lourey, Matthew Nettlefold, Sam Simpson.
Finley: Reid Crowe 3, Matt Jackson 2, Marcus Anderson, Nik Burns, Fraser Hawkins, Lachlan Kerr, Paul Massingham, Lachlan Webb.
Best
Echuca United: Matthew Lias, Ryan Stobaus, Jordan Hutton, Nicholas McKenner, Matthew Nettlefold, Dylan Friedberger.
Finley: Mitchell Carson, Jesse McDonald, Cruz Nash, Spencer Hawkins, Reid Crowe, Levi Webster.