Moama retains Three Jacks Trophy in tight tussle with Eagles

The Magpies, as usual, came out of the gates strong, thumping six majors in the opening quarter, including three unanswered goals through the middle of the period.

But it wasn’t without resistance, the Eagles, full of momentum, added two of its own to keep in the game at the first break.

The Eagles faith paid off in the second quarter with a resurgence that put the pressure right back on Moama, the Eagles kicking 4.2 to dominate the contest in the lead up to half-time.

Moama managed just 1.3 following a stellar first quarter, the margin sitting at just a goal at the half-time siren.

The Magpies found its form once more in the third term and looked rejuvenated after the extended break, adding three more majors to its tally while tightening on defence, keeping the Eagles goalless to extend its lead out to 24.

It appeared that the match came down to runs of form as Echuca United found its feet once more in the final frame, rallying back from a lean third quarter to kick 3.2.

While Moama slowed down the stretch, it still kicked a trio of majors down the stretch to hold on to it’s lead, one that had dwindled to 17 by the full-time siren.

Collecting its second and most meaningful win of the season came off the back of strong performances on both sides of the ball, edging out Echuca United 13.7 (85) to 10.8 (68).

Jake Ellery, Lachlan Carmody, Khy Stovell, Mitchell Lake, Fraser Verhey, Tobias Thoolen found themselves at the centre of the action across four quarters and earn themselves inclusions in Moama’s best.

Stovell in particular put another strong effort in with ball in hand, drilling four majors to lead all goal kickers, with Aron Burns following suit with three.

Bringing an end to the Eagles’ strong start to the season will do wonders for the new-look Moama outfit, after dropping it’s first game, have rallied back into contention.

Meanwhile, Echuca United shouldn’t feel too badly about the narrow defeat, with the side looking far stronger than its 2024 effort already.

Looking ahead, the Magpies will return to Moama Recreation Reserve in round four to host Finley, who were the side that stripped them of a Murray League finals berth last season and opened its account this round with a win over Deniliquin.

The Eagles are hitting the road in the round ahead and will travel to Cobram, who are one of just two sides yet to be beaten in 2025.