Kyabram was humbled by a slicker Shepparton in Saturday’s penultimate round in Goulburn Valley League, but is still on course to play finals.

The Bombers were trounced by the ladder leader by 42 points and slipped from fourth to sixth spot on the ladder.

Rochester now has to beat Shepparton and have Kyabram lose to Euroa for the Tigers to have any chance of an eleventh-hour rise into the finals at Kyabram’s expense.

Rochester could also replace Mooroopna in the final six if it has a good win over Shepparton and Mooroopna falls to Echuca in the final round.

Shepparton Swans should hold their spot in the top six with a win over lowly Benalla in the final round.

The Bombers' deficiencies were glaringly exposed by Shepparton at Kyabram on Saturday.

The Bears were too big, too fast and too skilful in running away with the game after half-time.

The Bombers hung in for the first half, although trailing by 16 points at the main break, but the Bears kicked seven second-half goals to Kyabram’s three in an emphatic win to show they are a genuine premiership hope.

Class acts in Kade O’Dwyer, Luke Smith, Ash Holland, Trent Herbert, Bryce Stephenson, Lachlan Ludeman and Liam Duguid led the Bears' charge.

To be brutally honest, only a handful of Kyabram players were up to copping the heat Shepparton inflicted.

Take Brad Whitford and ‘Miracle Man’ Jason Morgan out of Kyabram’s defence and the loss would have been more embarrassing.

Whitford was probably the only player who could boast he beat his opponent on the day.

In his 300th game, Morgan was reliable again in a slick moving Shepparton attack.

On-ballers Jack Russell battled hard along with Kaine Herbert, Josh Dillon, Riley Ironside, Cooper Vick, Coby McCarthy and ruckman Zac Norris.

But Shepparton dominated the clearances at stoppages, had fewer turnovers and was generally sharper and slicker than the Bombers, many of whom struggled with the pace of the game.

And apart from bursts from young Charlie Isaac, highlighted by some strong marks, Kyabram’s forwards gave little.

You would think Kyabram can rebound to beat one of the season’s strugglers Euroa this Saturday to get its ticket to play finals, but it will have to make it happen rather than expect it to happen.

My best for Kyabram were: Brad Whitford, Jack Russell, Kaine Herbert, Jason Morgan, Zac Norris and Charlie Isaac.

Reserves

Kyabram reserves regained second place on the ladder with a fighting 32-point win over Shepparton.

The Bombers set up the win in the first half when they kicked 5.6 to the Bears’ 1.5.

Shepparton came at them hard in the third term, but couldn’t find the goals and veteran Ash Quinn’s last two fourth-quarter goals put the visitors beyond a late comeback.

Sam Sheldon used his experience in defence and through the midfield to keep Kyabram ticking over, while Riley Gallivan, Cooper Learmonth, Oscar Shortis and Jack Donaldson presented all game.

Ruckmen Brenton Brasier and Jayden Fitzgerald also did their job manfully as usual.

Quinn’s three goals and Will Wild’s two were also vital contributions in the low-scoring, dour struggle.

Under-18

Kyabram thirds received a father of a hiding at the hands of a full-strength and relentless Shepparton.

The young Bombers were brushed aside in every quarter by the rampant Bears, who romped home by 97 points.

The Bears had four players from the Murray Bushrangers to bolster their side, which would have to beat a warm favourite to win the flag.

Kyabram had few players who could match it with the Bears, but Ben Chapman, James Hargreaves, Antonio De Pasquale, Oliver Barnett and Wil Harrison tried hard in a badly beaten side.

Despite the loss, Kyabram held third place and should stay there with the winless Euroa to meet in the last home and away round this Saturday.

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Friday, 17th March 2034

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