Undera’s Claire Mitchell looks to secure possession under pressure from Stanhope’s Isabella Pate. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
There was a lower-table duel, between fellow Lions Stanhope and Undera, while Rushworth put up a big score and Merrigum struggled against the leader in round eight of Kyabram District League netball.
Stanhope vs Undera
Shanae Fischer sizes up a target.
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The most intriguing battle of the round, and the hardest-fought, was at the base of the table, between Stanhope and Undera.
Undera was yet to secure a win this year and sensed its best chance might be against the competition’s other Lions at Stanhope Recreation Reserve.
It wasn’t to be, however, as Stanhope defended the home court well in a tight battle, coming away with the points 33-27.
The win moves the host up a place on the league table, sneaking above Longwood into 11th, while Undera remains on the bottom, without a win from seven.
Stephie Moran tries to deny Isabella Pate.
Rushworth vs Murchison-Toolamba
The Tigers had little trouble repelling Murchison-Toolamba at home, keeping pace with the leading group.
The Grasshoppers decline to 2-5 after the big 59-19 defeat, having now lost three straight.
Rushworth stays level on points with top-of-the-table Shepparton East at 6-1, although the 6-0 Eagles have a game in hand after a recent bye.
Tanesha Nurse moves it forward.
Shepparton East vs Merrigum
The leader had too much in the tank for Merrigum at Central Park Recreation Reserve.
The Bulldogs did what they could, but were well handled 53-26, falling back out of the top six with a 3-1-3 record.
The Eagles are comfortably on top thanks to a percentage of 212.93, and a game in hand over its chief rivals.
Tia Harrison on the stretch.
Girgarre vs Longwood
The Roos had an easy time out against one of the league’s lower sides, picking up a second win for the season with the defeat of Longwood.
Despite the sides coming in level on points, the Redlegs were well below Girgarre’s level, the Roos running away with the victory 59-11.
The win gives Girgarre a boost on the table, pushing up to ninth, still a game and a half back from the finals.
Rhylee O'Rielly has possession for Stanhope.
In other round eight action, Nagambie was challenged by Avenel but knuckled down for a 53-34 win.
Tallygaroopna finished well on top of Violet Town 43-16 taking sixth place from Merrigum.
Lancaster had this week’s bye.
Lainey Short searches for a centre pass option.
Round nine sees some easy clashes for the top two as they battle the bottom two, with Shepparton East visiting Longwood and Nagambie on the road in Undera.
Rushworth takes on a Tallygaroopna side with momentum away, while Lancaster returns from the bye to host Violet Town.
Girgarre will visit Avenel in a lower-table clash, while Stanhope is also on the road at Murchison-Toolamba.
