Echuca’s mammoth middle period puts Tatura to bed

Neither team could get anything moving on the attacking end in the first quarter, with both kicking one goal, Echuca able to nudge ahead thanks to two minor scores.

What was a promising opening effort from Tatura quickly turned into misery as the host could only slot 1.1 in the second period, while the Murray Bombers went on a six-goal rampage to blast forward with a 35-point lead at the major break.

The Bulldogs’ inability to generate offence continued as they settled for 1.3 as Echuca (3.2) piled on the hurt, taking a 46-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

In a symmetrical way, the final frame was eerily similar to the first, with both teams slotting one more goal each and change, with Tatura making no in-roads towards a comeback, losing by 47 points at home to the defending champion.

With the 11.11 (77) to 4.6 (30) victory the Murray Bombers retake second place over Rochester, trailing unbeaten Kyabram with four rounds remaining in the home and away season.

The return of Hugh Byrne and Kane Morris were big bonuses for Echuca as it looks to be at full strength come September.

Captain Mitchell Wales led from the front, being named best-on-ground for the Murray Bombers alongside Cameron Valentine and a trio of young guns making the leap in Hudson Kellett, Tom Evans and Jaxson McMinn.

Echuca’s next target will be struggling Benalla at Victoria Park in round 15 with the green machine looking for an unbeaten run the rest of the way.