Kyabram came up just short against Echuca in a dourly fought contest under lights at Kyabram on Saturday night.

Another huge crowd witnessed a see-sawing duel, with the visitors getting home by nine points in a tight, no-holds-barred clash.

There were a lot of stoppages and there was never more than a straight kick or two between the sides all game on the scoreboard.

The Echuca defence stood firm, which proved a winning factor along with an aerial advantage.

Kyabram suffered another injury blow, with evergreen defender Jason Morgan coming off the ground in the third term clutching a hamstring.

He will be a massive loss if he has to spend much time on the sidelines, which is likely.

Kyabram again had its best four quarter contributors in uncanny defender Brad Whitford, along with the nippy Rueben Rode bobbing up and kicking two goals.

Rhys Clark worked his way into the game in defence and on ball and ruckman Zac Norris worked tirelessly again with plenty of support from Jack Russell, who like Herbert was tagged.

Early, Kaine Herbert and Riley Ironside were prominent, and co captain Aiden Robinson and tough defender Jack Parkinson imposed themselves at times.

But Echuca absorbed everything Kyabram could throw at them and had key playmakers in Mailik Gordon and Liam Tenace.

Kyabram co-coach Kaine Herbert said it was a hard fought game that both sides could have won, but the Bombers’ missed chances at goal proved fatal.

Frankly, the Bombers had several players who made no impact on the game.

They should know who they are and will have to lift a lot if Kyabram is to match it with the better sides this season.

Kyabram’s forwards also have to work a lot harder to keep the ball in their forward line to create more scoring chances.

The Bombers host the winless Euroa this Saturday and should be able to return to the winning list, but they are not good enough to take anything for granted.

My best for Kyabram were: Brad Whitford, Zac Norris, Jack Russell, Rhys Clark, Rueben Rode, Aidan Robinson.

Reserves

Kyabram’s reserves suffered their first loss for the season in another dourly fought affair.

Echuca was up to matching every score achieved by the home side.

The result was still in the melting pot early in the last term when only a goal separated the sides, but Echuca ran the game out harder than their hosts and held a comfortable 28 point winning margin at the finish.

The Bombers were well served by former AFL player Sam Sheldon, who must be coming under notice of the senior selectors.

Riley Gallivan and Adam Pulsoni were also prime movers along with Ben Railton while Ash Quinn was the pick of the forwards with three goals.

Connor Hooper, who is having a good season, also showed his silky skills at times.

Under-18s

Kyabram thirds also met their match against the unbeaten Echuca, going down by 37 points.

But those final scores were not an accurate indication of Kyabram’s effort, as it matched its rivals in general play but lacked players to finish off at the goalfront.

Classy on baller Isaiah Scoble worked hard all over the ground and was Kyabram‘s best player.

Defenders Oscar Carver and Oliver Barmett, midfielders Cooper O'Neill and James Priest, who kicked two goals, and Ben Chapman worked hard in the Kyabram forward line.

Kyabram coach Mark Patten wasn’t disappointed with his team’s first loss for the season.

‘‘In general play we probably matched them for 75 per cent of the game,” he said.

“We seemed a little overawed at times and lacking a bit of confidence against classy rivals, but I wasn’t too disappointed in our effort.”

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Friday, 30th October 2026

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