Kyabram District: Murchison-Toolamba lifts late to beat Shepparton East again

Reigning premiers Murchison-Toolamba has maintained its ascendancy against one of its biggest flag threats. See all the photos.

Murchison-Toolamba’s Dylan Baker kicked the match-sealing goal against Shepparton East in the Kyabram District league on Saturday in his first senior appearance since 2022.

Baker was promoted to the senior line-up for the crucial clash in the run home to finals and delivered on the faith placed him by Murchison-Toolamba coach Brett Foley.

Shepparton East hit the front at the 21-minute mark of the final term when Jordan Gattuso booted his second goal of the match.

Shepparton East’s Lachie Keady leads Murchison-Toolamba’s Luke Jones for the ball. Pictures Yuri Kouzmin

But the league’s leading goalkicker, James Lloyd, put the Grasshoppers back in front with only his third goal after being well held by Shepparton East defender Tim Karolidis.

Baker, who won the reserves goalkicking award last year with 64 goals, then sealed a hard-fought 10-point win by the reigning premiers, who will be hard to dislodge from top spot in the four remaining matches before finals.

Murchison-Toolamba was missing twin brothers Aidan and Andrew Lloyd due to injury and Alex Tattersall was out suspended.

Shepparton East’s Jordan Gattuso spoils Murchison-Toolamba’s James Milne.

Shepparton East cashed in with the breeze in the first term to lead by 26 points at quarter time before Murchison-Toolamba responded with six of its own in the second term to level the scores at half time.

James Milne, Ashton Cashion and Lachie Devine all played starring roles for Murchison-Toolamba and Jayden Dhosi was named Shepparton East’s best player.

Murchison-Toolamba also beat Shepparton East early in the season by 26 points in its first clash since last year’s grand final.

James Lloyd has 78 goals for the season with another century of goals a live chance.

Violet Town dropped out of finals contention with a shock loss to 12th-placed Tallygaroopna.

Shepparton East’s Dylan Webster-Mill crashes through two Murchison-Toolamba opponents, Aaron Miller and Brayden Cecchin.

Murchison-Toolamba forward James Lloyd was paid close attention by Shepparton East’s Tim Karolidis.

Murchison-Toolamba’s Lachie Devine holds onto the mark.

Shepparton East’s Lachie Keady gathers the ball.

Shepparton East’s Mitchell Pottenger is buried in a tackle by Murchison-Toolamba’s Kallyun Sanders.

Shepparton East’s Ryan Pfieffer tackles Murchison-Toolamba’s Liam Leahy.

Shepparton East’s Adam Serafini in hot pursuit of Murchison-Toolamba’s Aaron Miller.

Shepparton East’s Adam Serafini drags the ball in.

Murchison-Toolamba’s Lachy Seddon lays a perfect tackle on Shepparton East opponent Sam Woodward.

Shepparton East and Murchison-Toolamba are on track to meet again in finals.

Shepparton East coach Dwain Vidler.

Murchison-Toolamba coach Brett Foley.

Shepparton East’s Morgan Randall is surrounded by Murchison-Toolamba opponents.

Murchison-Toolamba’s Lachy Seddon tangles with Shepparton East captain Ryan Pfieffer.

Shepparton East’s Jayden Dhosi is tackled by Murchison-Toolamba’s George Brisbane.

Shepparton East’s Adam Serafini looks to pass the ball off.

Shepparton East’s Sam Woodward comes over the top to spoil.

Shepparton East’s Jaycob Karambrun takes off with the ball as Murchison-Toolamba’s Liam Leahy gives chase.

Originally published as Kyabram District: Murchison-Toolamba lifts late to beat Shepparton East again