Bombers downed in opening round grading game

At half-time the margin was just 12 points in the Bears’ favour, but six goals to none in the final half saw them win the match 11.16 (82) to Kyabram’s 4.6 (30).

The match was part of a four round grading process for the under-16 competition where 13 teams will eventually be sorted into two divisions for a 10-week home-and-away season.

The Bears Gold and Maroon teams will contest the month-long qualifying period with Echuca, Kyabram, Shepparton Swans, Mooroopna and Euroa.

With the disbanding of the Goulburn Valley league’s under-16 competition, two divisions will eventually be formed within the Goulburn Murray Junior League.

In the other division, six teams from Tatura, Shepparton United, Alexandra, Leitchville-Gunbower, Seymour and Moama will also contest four grading rounds.

Two games were played at GV Creamery Oval in Kyabram on Saturday, Echuca and the Swans playing an earlier game. Kyabram will, however, have to travel to Euroa on Sunday for its second round match.

League administrator Emma O’Shaughnessy said the rest of the draw would be set for the final 10 weeks at the end of the four grading games.

There will be a division one and division two based on the results and conversations with clubs to see where they think they fit.

Consideration will be given to geographical constraints as clubs like Leitchville-Gunbower and Alexandra won’t be asked to travel to play against one another

Ms O’Shaughnessy said it was never a perfect science, but the league hoped to accomodate all the teams.

“We are planning to balance the divisions,” she said.

Kyabram plays Echuca in round three, at Victoria Park on May 7 and in the final grading game face the other Shepparton Notre Bears team at GV Creamery Oval.

Charlie Isaac kicked two goals for the Bombers on Sunday, while Lachlan Carver was its best player alongside Cooper O’Neill, Isaiah Scoble and Cooper Learmonth.