Sport

Mooroopna’s women continue upward trend in the WVL2, while Cats’ men ‘earn’ first win in the GVHA

By Liam Nash

Aug 13, 2024

Mooroopna’s Alicia Cornelius netted twice during her side’s 5-0 win over Gippsland Strikers at the weekend. Photo by Megan Fisher

Mooroopna Hockey Club’s women are priming at the perfect time.

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The Cats were unbeaten from their previous treble of games heading into Sunday’s Women’s Vic League Two clash with Gippsland Strikers and three became four at the expense of the eastern outfit.

Mooroopna sailed to a 5-0 victory over the Strikers at the State Sport Centre to consolidate fourth spot on the ladder, putting 16 points difference between them and Gippsland in fifth.

A dashing team display was capped by Alicia Cornelius, who drilled home a double, while other strikes came courtesy of Abigail Vaivars, Lauren Varapodio and Hannah Vibert.

With two rounds left in the regular season, Vibert’s outfit will seek to earn its 10th win of the campaign when meeting sixth-ranked Melton this Sunday.

However, Mooroopna’s women weren’t the only Cats to put points on the board.

In the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association A-grade men’s ranks, Mooroopna earned its first win of the season — but unfortunately, it wasn’t by the Cats’ own industry.

Strikers’ second forfeit in as many weeks meant Mooroopna was awarded a default victory to quadruple its prior points tally for 2024.

Meanwhile, ladder leader SYC continued its assault on the competition with a 5-3 beating of Echuca-Moama thanks to braces from Alex Dowe and Leigh Forte.

For the River Rats, Ashley Phipps, Ryan More and Regan More each hit the back of the net during the loss.

Finally, the local women’s action saw Echuca-Moama women emerge with a healthy 9-0 triumph over SYC as Courtney Thompson cashed in with a five-goal haul.