Winter Sport Preview 2021

Riverine Herald, Friday, March 19, 2021—PAGE 19

riverineherald.com.au

SPORT’S OFF THE GROUND — FINALLY ALMOST a year ago to the day, the sporting fields of Echuca-Moama fell silent — a result of COVID-19 restrictions.

While the community has slowly returned to some form of normality, our winter sports line-up was left to watch on for their entire season.

But now, they’re back.

In the coming weeks balls will be thrown, hit, kicked and bounced.

Whips will crack on our race course and wheels will spin on the bike paths.

And we will be there every step of the way — covering every story and every angle for the 2021 winter season.

Today, we update you on what you have missed, and what to expect from local sport this season.

Let the games begin.

Border Raiders’ Fletcher Kelly shows of his skills as the Border Raiders prepare for the 2021 season. The club is one of many returning to the field for the first time in over a year. Liam Nash reports, page 20.

Photo: Cath Grey

PAGE 20—Riverine Herald, Friday, March 19, 2021

riverineherald.com.au

wintersports

Dormant Raiders ready to rally

By Liam Nash JUST as the Moama-Echuca Border Raiders soccer club began to ascend from the ashes, COVID-19 halted everything.

A dormant period for the senior men’s side was overturned in 2019, with a smash and grab season resulting in a finals appearance to complement its third-place finish in the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League Championship.

Now, with soccer finally back on the horizon, the Border Raiders are champing at the bit to hit the park once more.

“The players are excited. Many are looking to bounce back from last year and have found plenty of energy,” club president Pat Hicks said.

“A lot of guys have realised how much they’ve missed playing and are keen to get back into it.”

As for aspirations, it’s clear the club aren’t looking to descend into darkness any time soon.

Hicks highlighted his side’s ambition to go one further than 2019 and have something shiny adorning the mantlepiece come the season’s end.

“We are definitely looking to build on 2019 and hit that top four again,” he said.

“The men will be coming after silverware — whether that be the championship, premiership or both.”

Movements have been minimal at the Border Raiders over the off season.

Hicks noted while some experienced heads had departed, the side would not be left in the lurch thanks to a welcome insurance policy - youth.

“There have been a couple of seniors move on from our 2019 side, but there have also been a few young guys — Josh Bavich, Rory Van de

KEEN TO KICK ON: Moama-Echuca Border Raiders are gearing up for a big BASL campaign in 2021.

Photo: Cath Grey.

Zand and Luka Van de Zand — who have come up and have been training well,” Hicks said.

“Ryan Perry, who was one of our leading goal scorers in 2019, has moved on.

“We managed to keep one of the Arkinstall boys, Lachlan, but his brother Cooper has left for Bendigo.

“We’ve picked up Stephen Donoghue, who is looking solid up front. He has an eye for goal and has a good touch.”

With the BASL kicking off on April 11, the Border Raiders will look to get the most out of March to best prepare for a possible repeat of the dazzling 2019 campaign.

For the women’s side, a COVID19-induced year off may not have been the worst outcome.

The Border Raiders have slowly slid down the ladder in recent years, missing out on finals in 2019 and 2018 after qualifying the year previous.

This time around, Hicks said a batch of hungry juniors vying for a senior spot would invigorate the side after the footballing drought last year.

“Last season they were probably a little low on numbers, but they balanced that out by putting in a lot of effort,” he said.

“This year they are similar to the men’s, in that there are lot of juniors looking to filter in.”

Lastly, Hicks eluded to a club-wide movement at the Border Raiders aimed at unifying soccer at the twin towns.

Shifting the traditional Sunday senior fixtures would see soccer spanning the entire day on Saturday — a strategy Hicks was eager to implement.

“We are looking to host as many Saturday home games as possible so we can get the juniors and seniors playing on the same day — trying to make it one event,” Hicks said.

“That is the big thing we are focusing on at the moment.”

GVL VL L Champi Champion ion Club 2018 and 2019 A proud history - An exciting future.

The Echuca Football Netball Club competes in the Goulburn Valley League – the region’s premier football and netball competition.

Echuca’s accredited coaches are dedicated to the development of junior football and netball talent. Given the senior coaches’ credentials, excellent facilities and Echuca’s unrivalled local reputation for professionalism, Echuca Football Netball Club provides a great environment to improve your football and netball skills in an enjoyable, supportive and family friendly atmosphere.

The Echuca Football Netball Community is excited to be competing again and looking forward to a successful 2021 season.

We have fantastic support from all our sponsors and are extremely grateful for their affiliation with our club, we particularly acknowledge our premier partner The Moama Bowling Club.

Echuca Football Netball Club has a flourishing junior program including Auskick, U12’s, U14’s, U16’s and in conjunction with other local clubs we want to develop a strong youth girls competitions.

The Senior Department includes five grades of football – Seniors, Reserves, U18’s, U16’s and Women’s teams. On the netball courts we are fortunate to have 3 strong senior teams and juniors including U17’s and U15’s.

We invite you to be part of the Echuca Football Netball Club, a club with a proud history – an exciting future.

For all other information visit www.echucafnc.com.au or email: admin@echucafnc.com.au

Echuca Football Netball Club. Victoria Park, Crofton Street Echuca.

Riverine Herald, Friday, March 19, 2021—PAGE 21

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wintersports

River Rats spread out

Club in two comps

By Brayden May THERE’S a renewed sense of excitement continuing to grow at the Echuca Moama Hockey Club.

Big changes are on the horizon for the River Rats, who are getting set to compete on two different fronts in 2021.

The club is set to enter senior teams in the Regional Hockey League and Goulburn Valley Hockey Association.

Club president Adam Thompson said there had already been a number of positives in pre-season.

“Playing in the RHL gives us a great chance to play against some stronger opposition,” he said.

“We’ll be entering men’s and women’s A grade teams in that competition, which will conclude in the middle stages of the year.

“Then we will turn our focus back to the GV competition where we will start with a men’s B grade side.

“I think it’s just fantastic we will

DOUBLING UP: Echuca Moama Hockey Club's Olivia Mathers and Ash Phipps are ready for a busy 2021 season.

Photo: Cath Grey

have the opportunity to play sport again after a long lay-off.”

Given there had been uncertainity regarding whether people would return to sport in 2021, Thompson said numbers had continued to be strong.

“We’ve been having a relatively strong turnout at training but we’re always on the lookout for more players,” he said.

“If anyone is interested in giving hockey a go, they are more than welcome to come down to training sessions.”

The River Rats junior players are also set for a big program, with the club’s Hookin2Hockey starting in recent weeks.

“This has always been a popular thing among the younger members of the club,” he said.

“It gives them the perfect introduction to the sport and it’s all about learning the basic skills and having a bit of fun.

“From there we hope to see them move through our junior ranks because we have a strong focus on developing from within.”

The River Rats ramped up preparations for the season with a practice match against Waverley on Saturday, March 13.

EVERYONE’S CLUB First game of the season

has been brought forward to Sat 27th March v Deniliquin Rams to “Showcase” our new facilities to the community.

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PAGE 22—Riverine Herald, Friday, March 19, 2021

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wintersports

EDNA casts wide net

Great time to be on court indoors

By Meg Saultry

By Meg Saultry

ECHUCA and District Netball Association is ready to step back on court and shoot a few goals this year.

Currently in the midst of its senior and mixed netball competitions on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, the association is moving full steam ahead towards the return of its Saturday competition on April 24.

Coming off the back of a barren 12 months of no netball, EDNA president Betty McCoomb said the ability to play the game again this year had been welcomed by all.

“Everyone’s been enjoying it after the year off, everyone just wants to play,” McCoomb said.

“Our representative teams have been training from the beginning of February, so it’s great to see them out there. Quite a few were selected last year but didn’t get to do anything.

“To get back out there, everyone is really excited. The courts had been very quiet.”

The returning Saturday morning competition will cater towards primary-aged children, with a combination of skill sessions and game scenarios offered.

Then, Year 7 and above players will hit the courts in the afternoon for their own competitive games.

And as players get reaccustomed to the rigours of sport, McCoomb said the association would continue to set a

LET’S play ball.

The Echuca Basketball Association is back bigger and better this year after weathering the storm that was numerous COVID-19 lockdowns.

One of the first sports to return to the schedule last year, the association has already become accustomed to the unreliability of playing sport.

But it’s done little to dampen the spirits of those at the courts.

“We’re sort of in the know now. It’s out of your control. People are more understanding, whereas the initial thought was why wasn’t basketball being played?” President Lisa Baker said.

From a successful shortened CBL season to its current senior and junior domestic seasons, players are just enjoying the privilege of playing basketball.

And the time away from the court has seen the association go from strength to strength.

“We knew it would be big. We’ve got a lot of kids playing, we’ve got the best numbers we’ve ever seen for Aussie Hoops,” Baker said.

“I think it’s because of people just not getting anything to do last year.”

Baker said it wasn’t just junior engagement reaching new heights, but parents were also getting themselves into the mix.

“We’ve had lots of parents down helping and volunteering,” she said.

“We’re a very fortunate club, we’ve got good people in the club. It’s just so good to see everyone back on the court.”

Throughout the colder months, the association will continue to offer its domestic competitions, as junior representative training finishes next month.

With CBL training not back before August, the association is offering a chance for players to come down on Tuesday nights for a shoot around and scrimmage.

“It’s just an open shoot around from 7.30pm to 9pm. You pay a small fee, come shoot, have a scrimmage and meet new people,” Baker said.

For more information, contact the club through its Facebook page under Echuca Basketball Association.

FUTURE STARS: Annabel Pickles, Sarah Head and Ava Irwin can't wait to get back playing netball as part of the Echuca District Netball Association.

Photo: Cath Grey strong base within its players who want to rise up the ranks into football and netball clubs.

“Those clubs gain players from our pathways once they get to that under-15 age, but they get the grounding they need here. We’ve got a really good relationship with those local clubs,” McCoomb said.

“And our representative players, they are able to play at those clubs and come back here to do

their commitments here. It’s just about helping everyone grow.”

However, one of the biggest issues facing the association continues to be the recruitment of umpires, with more experienced or badged umpires greatly needed.

“I think it’s like everywhere, we’re desperate for umpires,” McCoomb said. “We have some regulars, but not enough spares if they need a night off.

“And we have a lot of our junior players wanting to learn and get involved but we can’t use them yet, they can only do lower levels.”

For more information on playing, umpiring or getting involved in Echuca District Netball Association at any level, phone the EDNA office on 5480 1725 or email edna1@iinet.net.au To register for the Saturday competition, head to edna.org.au

Y M M U R D H SPORT WIT With sport, it is always important to remember: 1. It’s a game 2. The players are human 3. The umpires are human 4. The coaches are human 5. No one is playing for sheep stations

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Riverine Herald, Friday, March 19, 2021—PAGE 23

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wintersports

Masters play footy for fun

By Andrew Johnston THE Echuca Moama United EMUs have spread their wings for 2021.

After wanting to see players from the wider region pull on the colours for the past few years, the club is finally seeing growth into other towns.

“We have two players joining us from Tongala,” coach Lucas Walker said.

“We’ve also got a few new players from Mathoura, and excitingly a few guys have joined the club from Leitchville-Gunbower.

“It’s great to see so many guys, many of whom have all played football with or against each other at some point, pull on the colours and have a run.

We have numbers above 30 this year, which is fantastic for our club.”

The Masters, who push their ‘‘footy for fun’’ motto every second week on the field and every Wednesday night at training, are far from done though.

“We’d love to see more people come down and have a look at the club,” Walker said.

“And we’re more than happy for you to come down and take part in training, enjoy the night and have a beer with us — it’s a great environment just to enjoy yourself.”

Chill out with martial arts

By Liam Nash

A 10-lesson trial offering three disciplines – Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Zen Do Kai – complete with an optional 30-minute introduction is available for those keen to begin training in the art of self defence in Echuca-Moama.

Head coach and owner Matt Wickham has assembled a friendly team of qualified instructors to help members advance through the belt ranks.

Throughout the host of classes that are offered, older members can expect a comprehensive workout ranging from

PUNCH on with life at Wickham’s Martial Arts Centre.

With the cooler months approaching, there is no shortage of training programs heating up at the centre, catering for all ages and walks of life.

A motto of ‘train today, train for life’ encourages kids, teens and adults to hit the mats and embark on a fulfilling martial arts journey.

For those pondering which style to pursue, Wickham’s have all the bases covered.

warm ups, pad work, sparring, ring craft and more.

By progressing through the ranks, participants will their improve skill and fitness levels and in turn reap the associated physical and mental health benefits.

In addition to the programs Wickham’s Martial Arts Centre offer, reception is stocked with a range of martial arts attire.

Whether the end goal is recreation, or for competitive purposes, all ambitions can be nurtured under the roof of Wickham’s Martial Arts.

On course for regular golf

By Brayden May

LOVING IT: EMUs coach Lucas Walker and president Justin Voss in the lead-up to the upcoming season.

Photo: Cath Grey On the field, the EMUs are ready for a big season, which kicks off later in the month.

“A lot of our players have been commenting on how fit they feel at the moment,” Walker said.

“We are here to play for fun, of course, but guys have put the work in over the pre-season and are in a lot better shape for it, which is one of the added bonuses of the game.

“We start our season off against the GV Giants in the Buck McPhee memorial game, paying tribute to a great mate and someone who has had a big impact on masters footy throughout the Goulburn Valley.

“And from there we get down to playing and to enjoying our football with our mates.”

HAVE you ever thought winter might not be the best time to play golf?

Well, then you need to think again because the action is only heating up at Rich River Golf Club in the coming months.

Sales and marketing manager Paul Lavars said the venue had something to offer for people of all abilities.

“Whether you’re having a hit with your mates or take things a little more seriously, both our courses are a fantastic place to play,” he said.

“We’re very lucky in Echuca-Moama to have a lot

of clear days during winter which means people have the chance to play in near perfect conditions.”

And if you don’t feel confident enough to get out on the course just yet, professional coaching is available.

The club offers a range of lessons, all of which can be found on its website.

But if you just want to hit a few balls in anger, then the driving range may be the perfect place for you.

“The range is a great way to relax without the stress of aiming for a fairway or hole,” Lavars said.

“We have a range of packages available from 20

balls for $6 up to 80 balls for $15. With 17 bays on offer, there is plenty of room for even a group to get together.”

And if that’s not enough, take your game indoors to the golfing simulator which has only added to the Rich River experience.

“It’s one of the great investments we’ve made over the past few years,” Lavars said.

“You’ll be watched by one of our professional staff, but you’ll also be getting a realtime replay of your shot.

“The technology is even great for people looking for a bit of fun because you can play on real courses.”

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PAGE 24—Riverine Herald, Friday, March 19, 2021

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wintersports

Helping those hammies THROUGHOUT the season, Echuca-Moama physiotherapist Pat Arnold will give advice to locals on how they can keep their bodies safe.

First he speaks about the importance of hamstrings.

HAMSTRING injuries are the bane of many an athlete’s existence.

Sports that involve sprinting, kicking and fast stretching all have high rates of hamstring tears.

In the AFL, on average, five to seven players from each club will ‘do a hammy’ each year.

In my experience this number is often even higher in local football.

While most hamstring injuries take the usual ‘four to six weeks’ to get better, some take much longer and can even require surgery.

Most local clubs are only one or two hamstring injuries to important players away from a

promising season suddenly being on the ropes.

Clearly, reducing the chances of you and your teammates injuring a hamstring is superimportant to a successful season.

Well, I am here to tell you that you can significantly reduce this risk.

Multiple studies across several different sports have shown that completing the ‘Nordic hamstring lower’ exercise regularly over the course of a season will significantly reduce the number of hamstring injuries.

These studies found that clubs that implemented this exercise as part of their warmup or warm-down had 70 to 75 per cent fewer hamstring injuries than clubs that did not.

How does it work?

Our hamstrings work hardest, and are most likely to fail when they are required to slow down a fast moving leg (like when we sprint, or just after we kick a ball) or body (like if we

GO EASY: The ‘Nordic hamstring lower’ exercise exposes the hamstrings to heavy contraction in a controlled environment. Over several weeks the muscles adapt and become stronger, and thus are less likely to tear on game day.

Photo: Cath Grey are pushed in the back while running).

This exercise exposes our hamstring to this type of heavy contraction in a controlled environment.

Over several weeks the muscles adapt and become stronger, and thus are less likely to tear on game day.

I recommend two sets of five reps, ideally done as a whole team during the warm-down.

Be aware, the first couple of times you do it you might have delayed muscle soreness for a few days afterwards, so don’t go too hard too quickly, and don’t do it for the first time on a Thursday night before round one.

Riverine Herald, Friday, March 19, 2021—PAGE 25

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wintersports

Cyclists raring to go

By Meg Saultry STRAP yourself in.

Echuca Moama Cycling Club is gaining speed ahead of its annual Crit Festival next month.

Just weeks out from its most prominent event, committee member Clint Flanigan said everyone at the club was raring to get the festival up and running after missing out last year.

“Unfortunately, COVID put a stop to it last year, so we’ve replanned it for this year,” he said.

With four senior and two junior grades battling it out at the Moama Velodrome and Crit Circuit on Saturday, April 17, entries upwards of 80 cyclists looks likely.

“Aside from Casey Fields (in Cranbourne), this is the only purpose-built closed-road crit track,” Flanigan said.

“It’s pretty tight. We cap each event at 20 so you’re a high chance of placing if you have the opportunity.

“With a bit of luck, we’ll have riders from Melbourne, Bendigo, Shepparton and into NSW. It’s good for us.”

Following the festival, the club will then head into its winter season, with most of its activities based on the road.

With members already ticking up the kilometres this summer, Flanigan said it was fantastic to have cycling back on the agenda this year.

LOOKING AHEAD: Echuca’s Phillipa Bush will be one of many home-grown entries in next month’s Echuca Lawn Tennis Club’s Easter tournament.

Photo: Cath Grey

Tournament to draw a crowd

By Meg Saultry

NEARLY AT THE FINISH LINE: Echuca-Moama Cycling Club will finally get to hold its Crit Festival next month after last year’s was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Photo: Richard Bailey “After last year it’s sensational, a lot of people missed it,” Flanigan said.

“Our numbers, thus far over summer, has been well in excess of what we’ve seen in the past.

“And the thing is as well, because exercising in groups was limited so much, even if you didn’t compete, you’d be able to train locally in some of the groups — but even that got

nailed because you couldn’t train with more than one other human.

“It limited everyone, and a big part of cycling is socialisation more than the competition.”

Flanigan said the club was open for anyone interested in joining.

“One of the beauties of cycling is it’s a bit like golf — you can pick it up one week

and drop it the next, then pick it up again,” Flanigan said.

“It does provide a bit of a benefit if you work weekends, or you can’t commit to every single Saturday in winter, there is the option of doing that instead.” ● For information on Echuca Moama Cycling Club visit echucamoamacyclingclub. com.au

AFTER a successful summer season, Echuca Lawn Tennis Club is preparing to serve up another cracking course of competition at its annual Easter tournament next month.

Typically bringing upwards of 1500 people to town when it is at full scale, the tournament, which runs from April 4 to 6, is again expected to draw players from across the state to the twin towns.

But with less court access than previous years, the event will look and feel a little different, moving from a knockout competition to a round-robinstyle draw.

With more than 250 entries across a full schedule of events, including A-grade to D-grade singles, doubles and mixed, as well as an under-18 draw and

Kick, Punch or Wrestle

family event, club president Brian Gledhill said preparations were now in full swing a fortnight out from the tournament.

“We’ve got some strong players coming,” Gledhill said.

“Even though it’s not a knockout, everyone is quite happy to come back and play. They enjoy the venue.”

With the competitiveness surrounding the open grades expected to be at an all-time high, Gledhill said there was still a focus on having fun throughout the weekend.

“We typically find that with our family mixed and lower grade doubles, everyone is having a laugh and really enjoying it,” he said.

The club will be running its canteen throughout the tournament.

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PAGE 26—Riverine Herald, Friday, March 19, 2021

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wintersports

Women’s event to boost game’s profile

By Meg Saultry NEXT month’s Women’s Country Bowls Carnival in Echuca-Moama will be an exceptional event.

Not just because of the fierce competition on the greens — or for the vibrant social atmosphere off it.

But by virtue that the event was never even planned for 2021 to begin with.

With the carnival held every two years in alternating regions of Victoria, just weeks out from EchucaMoama’s 2020 event, it became collateral damage amid a developing global pandemic.

But never fear, the week was merely postponed, with Echuca-Moama en-

dorsed to host its carnival this year instead.

And with most of the planning already done back in early 2020, event chairperson Pat Schram said preparations for next month's event were well in hand.

“The support from the community has been pretty amazing,” she said.

“We had grants from Campaspe Council and Murray River Council last year that have been rolled over, all our sponsors were happy to continue their support and Echuca-Moama Tourism has been great reorganising people’s plans.”

With prizes totalling $8000 on offer, Schram said the carnival was the

CROSSIES

perfect mix of competition and socialisation.

“It’s well worth winning, it’s what you play for — to win grand finals. So it will be highly competitive,” Schram said.

“But it’s also about getting together and having a good time.

“We have about 350 women coming and will have our welcome event on Sunday at Rich River with entertainment, nibbles and drinks.

“And I’m sure the players will be out doing things, eating out, doing some tourist things.”

After the difficulties of last year's lockdowns, Schram said further focus

on the social side of the carnival was more prudent than ever.

“It’s about friendship and seeing people you don’t often see,” she said.

“You only see these people maybe twice a year at championship weeks or the Vic Open, but they are your mates because of that.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health coming out of COVID-19.”

The carnival's fours event will see bowlers compete at City of Echuca, Moama and Rich River's bowling clubs, before the pairs event will be spread across Campapse Valley's country clubs such as Deniliquin, Elmore and Lockington.

The carnival will run from April 18 to 23.

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ROUND ‘EM UP WITH THE

DENI DROVERS The Drovers field a men’s team in the Southern Inland Rugby Union (Romanos Cup) competition. Players travel from right across southern NSW and northern Victoria – including a carload from Echuca-Moama.

Training is held Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6.30pm at Rotary Park in Deniliquin (next to Sports Stadium). The 2021 season is scheduled to kick off early April.

10 Apr:

Drovers v Tumut

5 June:

Griffith v Drovers

24 July:

Drovers v Wagga City

17 Apr:

Reddies v Drovers

12 June:

Bye

31 July:

Albury v Drovers

24 Apr:

WAC v Drovers

19 June:

Tumut v Drovers

7 Aug:

Waratahs v Drovers

1 May:

Drovers v Leeton

8 May:

26 June:

Drovers v Reddies

14 Aug:

Drovers v Griffith

Hay v Drovers

15 May:

Wagga City v Drovers

3 July:

Drovers v WAC

21 Aug:

Finals

22 May:

Drovers v Albury

10 July:

Leeton v Drovers

28 Aug:

Semi Finals

29 May:

Drovers v Waratahs

17 July:

Drovers v Hay

4 Sept:

Grand Final

For more information, or to get in touch with the club, call coach Mark Thompson 0427814377, or find the Drovers on Facebook. ! facebook.com/denirugby

FOCUS: The Women’s Country Bowls Carnival in EchucaMoama next month will be a big event for the twin towns.

Photo: Cath Grey

Riverine Herald, Friday, March 19, 2021—PAGE 27

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wintersports

Juniors making a return

By Meg Saultry IT’S fair to say, everyone is keen as mustard to get back playing junior Aussie Rules football after a year away from the game due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With training and practice matches beginning to ramp up, excitement continues to bubble over on the playground as the first bounce draws ever nearer.

From Auskick right up to under-17 and youth girls’ football, there continues to be plenty of opportunities to get involved at the grassroots level at Echuca, Echuca United and Moama this year.

Echuca junior football president Justin Hatfield said getting the club’s junior program back up and running in 2021 was of great concern.

“For the club as a whole, juniors are the most important part; they’re the future of the club,” Hatfield said.

“And more than that, it’s great to see the kids back and exercising and enjoying being

with their mates. They’ve all got big smiles on their faces.”

At Echuca United, junior president Daryl Poole had felt a similar buzz around the Echuca South oval as kids returned to the club.

“Just to see our under-10s and 12s running around, you’ve got the youth girls around the oval, obviously everyone is social distancing but it’s good to see heaps of action on the footy field,” Poole said.

And with the continued boom of the women’s game, Poole said the Eagles were enthusiastically building up the foundations of their youth girls team.

“It doesn’t matter if you haven’t picked up a football before, we just want to provide a fun and inclusive environment where girls want to come back again because they have enjoyed themselves,” Poole said “If anyone is interested, come on down.”

With Moama Recreation Re-

ECHUCA & DISTRICT NETBALL ASSOCIATION

GLAD TO BE BACK: Echuca United’s Gaby Drage, Moama’s Xavier Mallick and Echuca’s Eliza Fraser in the lead up to the junior football season.

Photo: Cath Grey serve receiving a major facelift to its facilities, Magpies junior president Ben Hearn said players and parents were doubly excited to set foot back in the clubhouse.

But as teams settle across different leagues with contrasting start dates, Hearn said the club was working hard

to find the right balance in its return to training.

“We’ve kicked off training with different age levels, but we’re doing it in a step fashion,” Hearn said.

“We don’t want kids training too far out of the season.

“The main thing for us is participation. Getting girls and

Mon - Fri: 9am - 3pm 5480 1725 High Street South, Echuca edna1@iinet.net.au edna.org.au

plenty of reward from that; don’t miss out on that opportunity,” Poole said.

“Anyone who wants to be more involved, come down and get the kids involved,” Hatfield added.

“Just make yourselves known. We can find a spot for them.”

EDNA 2021 CALENDAR

Registrations are now available for the SATURDAY competitions.

FEBRUARY 16 – MAY 25 TUESDAYS: SUMMER / AUTUMN SENIOR

their skills. This module guides players to advance to new levels, as they progress with their game.

FEBRUARY 17 – MAY 26

MAY 1 – AUGUST 14

WEDNESDAYS: SUMMER / AUTUMN MIXED

APRIL 24 – AUGUST 21 Office Hours: Phone: Address: Email: Website:

boys back playing footy and involved in a team sport.”

With numbers building as the season fast approaches, clubs are continuing to recruit players and volunteers right up to the first siren.

“Just getting involved and having an active involvement with your kids’ sport — there is

SATURDAY — SENIOR: Players year 7 to veterans enter own teams

APRIL 24 – AUGUST 21

SATURDAY — PRIMARY: Players register individually and are placed into teams to participate in a structured program encouraging development of

SATURDAY — NET SET GO PROGRAM: 5-7 year olds skills based program targeting co-ordination & ball skills.

JULY 27 – NOVEMBER 9 TUESDAY — SPRING SENIOR

JULY 28 – NOVEMBER 10 WEDNESDAY — SPRING MIXED

AUGUST 26 – NOVEMBER 11

MAY 23

WEDNESDAY SPRING JUNIOR: After school competition. Players aged 8 year old – Year 9 enter their own teams.

MAY 28

NOVEMBER MON 15 & 22, THU 25

SUNDAY — ANNUAL TOURNAMENT Attracting teams from across the State.

FRIDAY — ANNUAL PRIMARY TOURNAMENT Fun & participation for district schools

Representative team selections for players wishing to represent EDNA in 2022.

PAGE 28—Riverine Herald, Friday, March 19, 2021

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Riverine Herald, Friday, March 19, 2021—PAGE 29

riverineherald.com.au

wintersports

Rockets fuel up to re-launch activities

By Meg Saultry

RACE ON: Echuca will host some big race meetings this winter.

Track firms as a lure for trainers

By Andrew Johnston ECHUCA Racing Club will be as busy as ever over the winter period.

With the track in excellent condition, and with a number of local trainers putting forward strong wet track runners, it should be an excellent time on the track.

“We have three meetings in just over six weeks across April and May and jump outs scheduled for April 20,” club general manager Garry Armstrong said.

“We also have a meeting set for July 3, so it will be a busy set of meetings for us.”

Good race numbers and high quality riders are expected, with

10-race cards the likely outcome for the upcoming events.

Armstrong said Echuca was always a favourite venue for trainers during the winter season.

“We're expecting nine and 10-race cards, with big fields,” Armstrong said.

“Once tracks get wet down south, trainers come here looking for a firmer winter track, which they normally find at Echuca.

“The fact of our better track then lends its self to stronger racing, with many up and coming metro-trained horses coming here to tick off that maiden or three year-old race.

“It will be pretty normal to see

stables like Maher–Eustace, Greg Eurell, the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr team, Danny O’Brien and Peter Moody, to name a few, here with strong numbers of runners.

“And it excites us that we are able to bring those trainers and those quality horses to race at our track.”

And it's through the hard work of the club that this can happen.

“The great facilities that the ERC offers is another attraction to visitors, owners, patrons and ERC members,” Armstrong said.

“After the Echuca Cup and the January track renovation, the track will be in great order as we head into the next winter racing season.”

Everything you need to know for the season ahead Don’t miss the region’s largest football and netball magazine inside the Riverine Herald on Friday, March 26.

The McPherson Media Group prides itself on providing the best football coverage in country Victoria and this year will be no different.

The Goulburn Valley League remains a staple of the magazine, with extensive coverage of the Murray Football League, Kyabram District Football Netball League and Picola District Football Netball League.

Brought to you by

KEPT grounded for most of last year, the Echuca Moama Rockets are ready to launch back on to the football field with a renewed vigour.

Senior coach Mark McGann said enthusiasm from players was at an alltime high ahead of a new season.

“I’m taking phone calls from players every day asking when we are starting. Everyone is keen as,” McGann said.

“Last year was basically written off – we called it early, just with our group of players being a bit more vulnerable (to coronavirus).

“But setting up for this year, everyone is ready to get back into the fold so it should be a good year.”

Offering an inclusive environment for players of all abilities to enjoy the game of Aussie Rules, the community football club — like many others — has been in hibernation for 12 months.

But even with limited chances to get together, McGann said last year didn't go entirely to waste.

“We managed to keep a bit of contact going with social media and at the start of last year we held a sixweek soccer program with the Raiders, so there was some benefit out of last year,” McGann said.

With a senior fixture expected to be unveiled any day now, McGann said the Rockets were also looking forward to re-establishing its Auskick program for its junior talent.

And to kick things off, the club will hold a come-and-try day for Auskick on Wednesday, March 31 at Twin

‘

We’re all about fun and socialising; that’s the main aim with our football.

’

— Mark McGann, Rockets coach Rivers/Echuca Specialist School from 4.30pm-5.30 pm.

“At this stage we’ll have our come and try day for Auskick, then there will be a 2-3-week break and then a 10-week program starting after school holidays,” McGann said.

With old and new players welcomed to join in on the fun, McGann encouraged anyone interested in giving the game a go to get involved — no matter their age or gender.

“Now we’re back on the track, we’re just drumming up the enthusiasm,” McGann said.

“We’re all about fun and socialising; that’s the main aim with our football.”

“We welcome both men and women and players from as young as five up to 40 and over.

“We like to say we’re the community football club – so the community is more than welcome to come and watch our games or help out with sessions as well.”

Anyone interested in registering for the Rockets Auskick program can head to playhq.com/afl/register/ 9a3447.

PAGE 30—Riverine Herald, Friday, March 19, 2021

riverineherald.com.au

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