As far as fast starts go they don’t come much better than how Echuca got its second semi-final under way against Euroa at the weekend.
The Murray Bombers produced a first quarter of near total domination, setting them up for an eventual 18.18 (126) to 8.4 (52) win which sealed their spot in the Goulburn Valley League grand final.
The Pies could not find an answer to Echuca’s slick and efficient ball movement early, with this clearly shown on the disposal count (97 to 57) and marks (26 to 10).
Echuca almost doubled the contested possession count (45 to 24), with similar figures also shown in the uncontested possession count (54-33).
The Murray Bombers went at 74 per cent efficiency by foot in the first term and of their 32 handballs, 84 per cent of them were on target.
Keeping speed on the ball was a clear focus, with Echuca’s on-ballers Andrew Walker, Matthew Lias and Mitchell Wales all collecting eight handball receives.
To top it off, Echuca was supreme going forward and doubled Euroa’s inside 50 count in the first term (16-8).
The grand finalist gathered seven marks inside the arc, while its opponents could not manage a mark inside 50 until the second quarter and, even then, only collected five for the entire game.
By the numbers
Echuca’s first-quarter blitz
Disposals
Echuca 65
Euroa 32
Marks
Echuca 26
Euroa 10
Contested possessions
Echuca 45
Euroa 24
Uncontested possessions
Echuca 54
Euroa 33
Inside 50s
Echuca 16
Euroa 8
Forward 50 marks
Echuca 7
Euroa 0
Hit-outs
Echuca 12
Euroa 5
Kick efficiency
Echuca 74%
Euroa 50%