Lancaster couldn’t stack up to Shepparton East in the top-of-the-table clash.
All six of the likely finals sides faced off with each other in a unique round 14 of Kyabram District League netball.
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The schedule spat out a remarkable set of fixtures that saw one play two, three play four and five play six in a critical preview of the approaching finals series.
Shepparton East v Lancaster
The top-of-the-table clash saw Lancaster, the big improver since last season, try to face up to the unbeaten might of defending premier Shepparton East.
However, despite the Wombats’ best efforts, the Eagles would continue on their path towards more championship glory, dispatching what appears to be their closest challenger by a decisive 49-31 scoreline.
The result saw Lancaster slip from the top two on percentage, while Shepparton East is assured the top spot with a two-game break and a big percentage lead over its nearest chasers.
The Wombats still hold a game in hand over Nagambie above them and could regain the important top two position if they close out the year perfectly.
Nagambie v Rushworth
Rushworth dropped to fifth after falling to Nagambie.
The battle between top four sides at Nagambie Recreation Reserve swung the Lakers’ way, dealing a significant blow to Rushworth’s chances of a top four finish.
The Tigers were a step behind their finals rivals, going down 41-54 and sliding back into fifth place.
Rushworth is still in a strong position to make the finals, two games clear of seventh, but has now suffered a fourth loss against other finals-bound sides.
Nagambie advances to second, but has played one more game than every other member of the top six.
Merrigum v Tallygaroopna
Merrigum has won five straight games, taking down Tallygaroopna by three goals.
The Redlegs had been a giant slayer over the past month, but Merrigum held firm to relegate the visitor to a second loss in a row at Merrigum Recreation Reserve.
In a tight match-up, the Bulldogs kept Tally at bay down the stretch to log a narrow 40-37 victory.
Having now picked up five consecutive wins, the Bulldogs pushed up into fourth spot and have confirmed at least a finals berth.
Tally is likely to join them but needs to hold off the late push of Avenel to maintain sixth.
Girgarre v Violet Town
In the mid-table, Violet Town took the trip to Girgarre, the Roos looking to finish their down year with some momentum.
The sides were neighbours on the table and the game played out accordingly, the host eventually prevailing in a close contest, 43-37.
Girgarre holds on to eighth place with the win, but finals appear out of reach for the 2025 grand finalist.
Violet Town remains one place back in ninth.
Avenel v Undera
Undera’s struggles for a breakthrough win remained unrewarded after an unsuccessful trip to Avenel.
The Swans, clinging to a faint hope for finals, were motivated to win and showed it, comfortably taking the points 58-36.
Even should it score an unlikely win late in the season, Undera will be the league’s wooden spooner with only two more games on its schedule.
Avenel needs a lot to go right, but remains a mathematical chance for finals.
In the remaining match of round 14, Murchison-Toolamba accounted for Longwood away from home 34-24, while Stanhope had the bye.
This weekend will feature another blockbuster finals clash as Merrigum looks to make it six straight against rebounding contender Lancaster.
Rushworth hosts Girgarre in a Sunday fixture, while Stanhope faces a difficult battle against Nagambie at home.
Avenel will travel to Murchison-Toolamba, while Violet Town is at home to Shepparton East, Tallygaroopna welcomes Longwood and Undera has the bye.
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