THE EMUs took to the road to take on the Wodonga Crays for a weekend of football and fun.

Being played on the superbly presented Murray Bushrangers training ground this game was set to be a blockbuster.

First things are first, and with an overnight stay, the question was answered of what to wear on the night out, with the entertainment committee giving each player $10.

They had the opportunity to buy an outfit for their room buddy to wear that night.

Some obviously cared about their room buddy dressing in bright shirts, ties etc. and others presented with much more flamboyant outfits for the night.

The football rolled around, with coach Bruce McCahon out for the weekend due to choir practice commitments and Duane Kelly stepping into the role.

Wodonga came out strong, with the Crays forwards giving the EMUs backline a real challenge.

But reliable EMUs back men Peter Spencer, Garner Smith and Kevin Dunque worked well together keeping the Crays to just 4.6 in the first quarter.

When the ball did move up the ground Mick Moritz and Damien Hammond managed to convert for goals.

Returning from injury, Robert O’Connor took control of the wing, giving the much-needed running play and delivering with pin-point accuracy.

The quarter-time address praised some of the players and under tough conditions smaller man Troy Ramsey was commended for his efforts.

The second quarter saw a much more cohesive EMUs unit take to the field led by Jeff Abella, James Walshe and Chris Blakey.

Chris Hagan continued driving the ball forward and both Aaron Prewett and Dave Chapman converted for their first goals for the season.

Mick Moritz continued his first-quarter form converting several more goals.

At the half-time break the game was anyone’s to be won.

Duane Kelly made some major moves on the board, calling on Kevin Pascoe from the bench into the forward line to rove to the leading Mick Moritz.

The backline was also bolstered, with Troy Ramsey being moved from the centre.

The second half of the game was a well-fought match again, the Crays had some good passages of play with Tim Mooney and Dave Coleman linking to score in the third term.

But with the EMUs’ Chris Hagan, Oliver Sorange pushing the ball forward and Mick Moritz and Billy Smith scoring, the EMUs again finished the game with the desired result.

Following the awards, the team dressed up and enjoyed the local hospitality.

The next day the team took in some culture, visiting wineries en route home.

Bus driver Kevin Dunque discovered the impact of 100mm of rain to the shoulder of the road as the bus became a little bogged during one of the stops.

With only half an esky left on the bus the situation was becoming dire.

The EMUs spirit kicked in to enact the recovery of the eight tonne bus.

A great weekend was had by all.