MFL | Harney haul in vain as Eagles fall to Lions

By Josh Huntly

Aug 7, 2022

Outstretched: Echuca United’s James Harney attempts to reel in a mark. Photo:Steve Huntley Photo by Steve Huntley

Echuca United started brightly against top-four Murray Football League outfit Mulwala until the class of the Lions saw them reclaim second spot with a 55-point win over the Eagles.

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Eagles’ spearhead James Harney led the charge for the home side with five goals in a soggy affair at Echuca South Reserve, but Mulwala retaliated with a strong second half to run away 14.15 (99) to 7.2 (44) winners.

United coach Farran Priest said while it was an improved result from the Eagles’ 100-point capitulation to the Lions in round five, ill discipline proved costly.

“We made a real emphasis on matching it in the midfield. Once we got a really good flow on we moved the footy quite well,” Priest said.

“It was disappointing from a disciplinary standpoint, stuff from us that gifted them four or five goals.

“We worked so hard and then they get a 50-metre penalty that puts them right on the goal line.”

Flying Lion: Mulwala's Dylan Robinson brings down a screamer. Photo: Steve Huntley Photo by Steve Huntley

A low-scoring first quarter saw the Eagles hold a 1.1 (7) to 0.3 (3) advantage before the Lions snapped themselves awake, booting five goals to hold a 17-point half-time lead.

United was then held scoreless in the third quarter as the Lions midfield, led by Sean Robinson and Jackson Gash, helped Mulwala extend its lead to a sealing 49-point lead at the final break.

Harney was at his electric best, with his five goals taking his season tally to 39 in his first season at South Reserve, while Kynan Sharpe again impressed.

“Jimmy is an absolute star, and a lot of people take notice of the player that he is,” Priest said.

“He never gets to contest the one-on-ones because he draws so many defenders to him, but he still manages to halve those contests.

“He’s never going to be out-marked and he’s always giving it 100 per cent. We’re super lucky to have him.

“Kynan Sharpe has had a super year, Lachlan Egglestone had a fair bit of it, he’s a super-hard-working wingman.”

The win see’s Mulwala leapfrog Tongala back into second spot on the MFL ladder, while Echuca United will have to wait until next week’s clash against Rumbalara to try and register win number two for the season.