ROUND one of the Masters’ football season kicked off on Sunday with the EMUs doing the twin towns proud by claiming victory.
Benalla made the journey to Echuca-Moama for the season opener, bringing with them the cold weather of football season.
Both sides took to the field with the temperature in the low teens and a steady swirling breeze around the ground.
With 10 new EMUs in the line up, the team presented with a positive attitude.
In the opening quarter the side were under a lot of pressure, but with solid defence from David Chapman, Billy Smith and Damo Hammond, Benalla only managed minor scores.
Midfield pressure was also superb, with Daryl Coates smothering Jack O’Brien’s normally silky smooth moves.
James Walsh was also pivotal in moving the ball quickly, often backing up with second and third efforts.
As the second quarter began to open up, the cobwebs were blown out and the team started to follow coach Bruce McCahon’s game plan.
Ruckman Justin Voss fed Jeff Abella, Oliver Orange and Lucas Walker to get the run out of the middle and deliver to the EMUs powerhouse forward line — Mick Moritz, Duane Kelly and Troy Arlow — who all made sure of their opportunities.
By the main break the EMUs had a slight lead but the game was still open.
The third and fourth quarters began to reveal the benefits of a long pre-season, with the EMUs dominating all over the ground, led by Robert O’Connor, Lucas Walker and Chris Hagan.
Lyndon Neville consistently presented around the ground, giving a tall option on the wings.
With the pressure on, Peter Spencer and Garner Smith were moved to the back line, settling the team down and driving the ball forward.
Newcomers Deane Saunders and Troy Ramsey’s performances brought smiles to the faces of the recruiters with some stunning displays of football skills, setting up several goals.
The old brigade in Neville Green and Kevin Dunque also held their own with some classic runs down the wing.
Chris Meehan delivered the ball with accuracy to Mick Moritz who continued to convert a decent percentage of these opportunities through the big sticks.
Overall it was a great effort with a great crowd of supporters and families.
Final score: EMUs 7.3 (45) def. Benalla 0.7 (7)