Cable Fitzpatrick gets a handball away off the ground. Photos by Wayne Bradley.
In a complete turnaround from the opening round clash this season, Echuca United has confidently handled the Deniliquin Rams in Murray League football.
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The opening to the game was fairly muted, with both sides failing to make much of an impact on the scoreboard.
Final score: Deni Rams 7.8 (50) def by Echuca United 12.5 (77).
Goals: Brett Macdonald 2, Duncan Hughes 2, Miller Fitzpatrick, Charlie Hillier, Ben East.
The reserves have had a tough few weeks, at home and away, against some sides high on the ladder and struggled to put together the numbers due to absence and injury.
Against United at home, the team was looking to put their best foot forward in front of the supporters once again and they delivered a greatly improved performance.
The tackle pressure was up, every contest became a genuine contest and the game was a very evenly matched affair with Deni winning the inside ball and Echuca having the legs to do the damage once the ball got out.
Darcy McManus, in his first game for 18 months, provided a terrific target up forward and returned two goals while Michael Everett returned to show that he has lost none of his footy nous (and only a little of his fitness) in providing some great support in the centre.
Zack Thompson dominated all around the ground with a best on ground performance and his tenacity lifted his team.
Josh Todd provided drive from the wing, Jake Cavallaro was tough in the contest all day and the defence, led by the booming voice of Brian King playing at full back, were outstanding all day long.
With another couple of home games to go, the reserves set a standard for the rest of the season that they will look to build on.
Final score: Deni Rams 2.1 (13) def by Echuca United 15.17 (107).
Goals: Darcy McManus 2.
Best: Zack Thompson, Josh Todd, Cooper King, Jake Cavallaro, Brody Thomas, Brian King.
• Reports for other grades will be included in Friday’s edition.
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