Cobram star Tyron Baden’s eight-goal haul helped the ladder-leading Tigers run away to a big round 15 win over Echuca United at Scott Oval.
The Eagles suffered an 88-point defeat to the Tigers, falling 13.13 (133) to 7.3 (45).
Cobram jumped out to a 31-point lead at quarter-time, holding the Eagles scoreless in a fast start to the match.
The Tigers then extended their lead to 45 at half-time, despite United putting on four goals.
The Tigers ran away with a nine-goal-to-three second half to remain a game clear atop the Murray Football League, while the Eagles conceded their 14th defeat of the year.
Baden was well-supported by Jack Wilson, Bailey Roberts and Matthew DeMaio, while Jesse Garner, Kynan Sharpe, Tehumarie Callander led the way for United. Justin Cantwell and Peter Quanchi each snared two goals for United.
Eagles coach Farran Priest conceded the Tigers were too fast for his side, but found positives in the Eagles’ midfield work.
“Cobram at Cobram is a very daunting thought, especially the side that they are,” Priest said.
“Getting that confidence in what we’re trying to achieve is what we were focusing on.
“I think at some stages we took it to them. We won a lot of centre clearances, which is something we’ve really been focusing on. They were just a bit faster around the ground.”
Despite a lean period for the side since its maiden win over Numurkah, Priest said Garner had gone to a “new level” in the past three weeks, while Sharpe had strung together a strong two-month stretch of football.
It was Callender’s role on Tigers sharpshooter Darcy Pridham McCormack that drew Priest’s admiration.
“T.J. (Callender) kept Darcy Pridham-McCormack goalless, which was a massive win for us because he kicked seven or eight against us last time,” Priest said.
Victory keeps Cobram one game ahead of the chasing pack, while United remains in 11th spot with a 1-14 win-loss record.
The Eagles will break for the split round bye before facing the winless Rumbalara in round 16.
The Game
Cobram: 4.7, 10.11, 15.14, 19.19 (133)
Echuca United: 0.0, 4.1, 4.2, 7.3 (45)
Goals
Cobram: Tyron Baden 8, Lewis McShane 4, Matthew DeMaio 3, Sam Beasley, Hayden Davis, Adam De Cicco, Nathan Hartley
Echuca United: Justin Cantwell, Peter Quanchi 2, Lachlan Egglestone, Jesse Garner, James Harney
Best
Cobram: Tyron Baden, Jack Wilson, Bailey Roberts, Matthew DeMaio, Daniel Clarke, Hugh Hyde
Echuca United: Jesse Garner, Kynan Sharpe, Tehumarie Callander, Benjamin Makepeace, Peter Quanchi, Justin Cantwell