It’s a saying with which many football fans are familiar.
It proved to be true for Echuca United on Saturday, as they ran out 80-point winners against Rumbalara in the Murray Football League on Saturday.
An even opening half saw the game in the balance at the main break, but a disciplined Eagles outfit kept the visitors goalless in the second half.
But it was the performance of the backline in the first half where the game was won.
‘‘Our back six was under fire from the word go,’’ coach Guy Campbell said.
‘‘Coming into the game we knew Rumba could score rapidly and they created plenty of opportunities.
‘‘We’ve down really well to keep their score well down.
‘‘The defensive aspect set up our entire day.’’
At the other end, Josh Mellington looked as if he would score every time the ball came into his area.
He ended the day with 8 majors, although it could have been many more as he also kicked eight behinds.
‘‘Sometimes you just have to sit back and enjoy what’s unfolding in front of you,’’ Campbell said.
‘‘The goals are just a reward for all of his hard work.
‘‘Josh doesn’t stop until the ball is well clear of his area.
‘‘It was the type of performance which showed why we got him to the club.’’
The Eagles nine unanswered goals came as no surprise to Campbell, who identified a weakness in Rumba’s armour in the lead-up to the match.
‘‘During the third quarter I felt like everything was on our terms,’’ he explained.
‘‘We noticed that Rumba have a bit of a history of fading out of games. As a group we knew we had to be within touching distance at half-time for us to take full advantage.
‘‘The way we controlled the game was a real step forward especially after last week.’
A local derby with Moama now awaits the Eagles on Good Friday, a game of huge proportions.
‘‘We’re looking forward to the challenge,’’ Campbell said. ‘‘It has always been really well supported and we’re expecting that again. Our boys are keen to show what they can do.’’
Friday’s game will begin at 2pm.
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