IN the cloudy and brisk conditions of Shepparton’s Deakin Reserve, the under 18 Euroa team met with the Shepparton Bears who are top of the ladder.

Both teams came out firing from the centre, with teams hotly contesting all balls of play.

In the first eight minutes Shepparton were contained to five points, with Euroa working hard to move the ball up to their forward end.

Euroa’s first goal was superbly created by Will Creevey, executing a long run, dodging all opponents before an accurate goal kick.

Mitch Walters and Dublin Anderson in the midfield worked tirelessly all around the ground as well as both putting goals on the scoreboard.

Euroa's backline did not get a break and worked hard to change direction of play, slowing the momentum of Shepparton’s attack.

Throughout the game Shepparton players found their space well, with kicking accurately to their teammates, solid marking, and efficient use of a full bench rotation.

The final score was 114 Shepparton to Euroa’s 30.

The score did not reflect the hard-fought contests by Euroa throughout the entire game to the last second.

Euroa’s boys once again demonstrated their excellent fitness in this game, with only two on the bench and being able to run out the game with both speed and endurance. Their tackling was spot on all around the ground, and particularly in the fourth quarter their intercepts were solid, resulting in many turnovers towards Euroa's end.

Euroa 4-6-30 defeated by Shepparton Bears 17-12-114

Best players: Mitchell Walters, Will Creevey, Callan Howell, Maxwell Miller, Dublin Anderson

Goal kickers: Will Creevey (2), Dublin Anderson (1), Mitchell Walters (1)