The day held special significance as the teams played for the inaugural Ditch/Bunga Trophy.
Both men have been instrumental in the formation and success of the Murray Crays Football Club.
Billy “Bunga” Smith, a proud EMUs Life Member, has a close connection with the Albury/Wodonga region and, along with Ditch, helped lay the foundations of the Murray Crays as we know them today.
As is customary in Masters footy, several players were unavailable, meaning the EMUs fielded a very different-looking side from the previous round.
The biggest change came from our fearless defensive leader, Damo Hammond, who voiced his eagerness (or perhaps demanded!) to move from his trusted half-back flank to the biggest position on the ground – full forward.
By the end of the first quarter, Damo had amassed four inside 50 marks from strong leads, kicked one goal (which could easily have been two), and was comfortably best on ground to that point.
Unfortunately, a badly rolled ankle from an opposition tackle ended his day far too early.
What a tease, see you in six weeks, Damo.
Strong performances from Nathan Marsh, Jesse Cuttriss, and Ollie Oranje through the middle provided our forwards with plenty of supply, while John Arthur, Adam Richter, and newcomer Jason Black stood tall in defence, repelling numerous forward attacks from the Crays.
At quarter time, the EMUs were ahead by 21 points.
The following quarter did not follow in the same way and was described by the coach at half time as two old women arm wrestling.
It was a quarter to forget, with the Crays winning on the scoreboard and closing the gap to the EMUs.
The EMUs responded superbly after the main break, maintaining relentless pressure while showing greater composure around the contest.
Paul Elso and Troy Ramsey consistently found the footy and used it well, while Phil Arnott continued his outstanding season by attacking every contest with his trademark hardness.
Dave Chapman bounced back after a bruising finish to his previous game and made important contributions, as did our ‘Phil Inn’ for the day Stu, who’s boxing student Ron O’Bryan had been constantly pestering him to throw the mighty EMUs jumper on.
The scoring in the 2nd half resembled a soccer score with only 2 goals kicked, both by the EMUs, as both sides defences dominated.
It was also due to the many tired players not used to the heavy ground conditions but, as we have seen all season, the EMUs boys have big hearts and finished the game as strong as they could, running out winners by 28 points.
Echuca EMU’s 6.12 (48) defeated Murray Crays 3.2 (20)
Awards -
Echuca Workers Club Best On - Nathan Marsh.
Caledonian Hotel - Dan Moylan.
Moama Bowling Club - Jesse Cuttriss.
Dominoes Pizza - Jase Black.
Oarsome Fitness - Paul Elso.
Echuca Stihl Shop Tool of the Week - Jon Beach.
EMU’s “Burn ya mates” - John “Kingy” Arthur.
Goal Kickers - Cuttriss x 3, Beach, Hammond, Phil Inn Stu.
Next up is the ever-popular Shepparton Footy Carnival, where Masters teams from across Victoria converge on Kialla Recreation Reserve for a day of footy and fun.
The EMUs will be there to represent.
If you think the EMUs and Masters Footy is something you would like to try out, training is every Wednesday night from 6pm at Echuca South Oval, new members (playing or non-playing) are always very welcome.
For more information, please visit - www.echuca.viccountrymasters.com, or contact/follow us through Facebook at Echuca Moama United Masters Football Club.
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