The Wombats secured a much-needed and decisive victory over Longwood to level out their season and remain in the finals frame.
In what was largely a one-sided affair, Lancaster walked away with the victory, 44-18.
The 26-point victory will inject some confidence into a turbulent side that is only now just finding its groove.
“Our girls are gelling together well now, we had a little bit of an unsettled start to the year with people being away and a couple of injuries,” Lancaster coach Elly Westerveld said.
“We are starting to find a routine and getting everyone back on deck, so it’s onwards and upwards from here.”
Westerveld outlined the return of key players as being a reason for victory, as well as a strong defence.
“We’ve got a recruit, Renee Ashmore, she is a goaler and is a previous premiership player for Lancaster, and she has come back to help us out so she’s easing her way back in,” she said.
“We had Lex Thomas back in goals as well.
“Our defensive end played well and gelled nicely together, with Jadeja Davies and Charli Westerveld given best-on-court.”
Westerveld highlighted her side’s need to be more aggressive in attack but also praised the versatility of the team while looking ahead to a looming match-up with Rushworth.
“There’s always stuff to work on, but we are mainly looking to continue our attacking efforts down the court,” she said.
“We have a versatile team this year, so if something isn’t working, we are able to change it up and swap player position, which worked well for us against Longwood.
“We’ve got Rushy next week and that’ll be a tough game for us, but hopefully the girls can continue with the momentum from last week and get over the line.”
Girgarre vs Violet Town
The Kangaroos continue hopping their way to a possible back-to-back premiership with a dominant display over Violet Town at Girgarre Recreation Reserve.
While the Towners showed some fight, they could only reach half of Girgarre’s full-time score as the Roos pulled away.
The final score was 50-25.
Kangaroos player-coach Hollie Nelson was named best-on-court in the contest, while Jacqui Gahan was given the incentive award.
Girgarre will hit the road in round eight, where they will go in as overwhelming favourites against current wooden-spooners Longwood, who are yet to win a game this season.
Rushworth vs Merrigum
The Tigers made it four from four with another strong display in round seven, this time against Merrigum.
While the game was relatively close, the strength and unity of Sheree Starling’s side proved the difference as Rushworth ran away with a 19-goal win.
The final score was 47-28.
Ashlyn Materne, Ruby Oliver and Mikaela Hanson were recognised for their efforts throughout the game.
The Tigers will look ahead to an intriguing contest with the Wombats in round eight.
Stanhope vs Shepparton East
Stanhope has continued its recent slide in form with a resounding defeat at the hands of current league-leaders Shepparton East.
There wasn’t much in the way of tense competition in the match as the Lions were never really in the contest, losing by a staggering 59 goals.
The final score was 15-74.
Sarah Lange-Richards and Shanae Fisher were named as part of the best-on list for Stanhope.
The Lions will hit the road in round eight as they take fellow two-win team Violet Town in an attempt to get their season back on track.