Sunday the 20th the EMUs went to Bendigo to face the B-52s at White Hills Oval for round 4 action in blustery conditions to celebrate Men’s Health Round.
The EMUs had what was a three-goal breeze in the first quarter but were unable to use it to the best of their ability with deliveries going overhead to their key forwards. Bendigo’s use of the ball was much cleaner than the EMUs and they were able to turn the ball into their forward line with some precision to make the first major score of the day. EMUs defenders were put under a lot of pressure but were once again strong through Adam Richter, Garner Smith and Pete Spencer. Neville Green found himself with a kick for goal from 40 metres out and unfortunately couldn’t make the distance, but the ball somehow found its way onto the chest of Justin Voss in the goal square who used the opportunity to post the EMUs first major. Jacko O’Brian was looking dangerous across the half-forward line putting a lot of pressure on B-52 defenders and unable to convert on a couple of attempts on goal. By the end of the first the EMUs were down a couple of goals.
The second quarter saw Bendigo continue their good usage of the ball, able to penetrate their forward 50 consistently but EMUs defenders kept their strong pressure on their attack and were unable to convert on the scoreboard as often as they wanted. Chris Hagan’s run all around the ground gave Echuca some excellent rebounding into their forward half. EMUs were unable to record a major on the scoreboard though the second quarter. A promiscuous snap across the body from Justin Voss didn’t register a score as Bendigo were able to add a couple to their total.
The third quarter saw the EMUs come out stronger and more attacking. Their pressure around the ground turned up and their usage improved. Chris Meehan was strong around the ground, tackling and presenting strongly in the forward line. Lucas Walker’s move from the forward line to the wings gave the EMUs some extra carry as he Chris Hagan linked together consistently to drive the ball forward. Pete Spencer was a major difference across the half-back line with Bendigo finding him intercepting their forward entries on several occasions. Bruce McCahon was on the end of a footrace to soccer a goal off a boundary clearance to get the EMUs score ticking over. Jason Cartledge roved a pack for a fantastic snap 35 out to score another goal for Echuca. Neville Green added to the scoreboard with a major adding to Echuca’s total. A few other missed opportunities from Echuca could have seen them narrow the margin between them and Bendigo and were three goals behind at the three-quarter time break.
Echuca began to clear the ball through the middle with more strength as Bobby O’Connor moved into the middle and the EMU’s continued to put pressure on Bendigo’s defenders with forward entries. However, Echuca was failing to hold onto the ball on those entries and worked very hard for any score they were able to register. Bendigo’s scores came easily on rebounds out of the backline where Echuca’s grit and determination were what allowed them to score. Lucas Walker broke free and struck from 50 metres out off a step into the breeze (maybe even on his non-preferred) to get a goal on the board for the EMUs. Moving Jacko O’Brian into the backline in the third quarter proved a solid move as his tackling aggression in the second half saw the ball turned over into Echuca’s favour several times. Bruce McCahon had opportunity to add to his score total and bring the margin closer as the siren sounded but the pressure was too much, and he scored a behind as the siren sounded.
Despite coming home strongly, the EMUs were unable to close the gap on the scoreboard losing by a couple of goals on what was a great game of football. Echuca are home on June 2nd, kicking off at 2:30 from the Echuca South Recreation Reserve.
GOALS: 1 – Justin Voss, Bruce McCahon, Jason Cartledge, Neville Green, Lucas Walker
BEST: Chris Hagan, Chris Meehan, Pete Spencer, Bobby O’Connor