In what was always billed to be a blockbuster contest, the up-and-coming Tigers battled it out with 2024-runner's up Lancaster.
In a match that went down to the wire, Sheree Starling’s Rushworth pulled off a stunning one-goal upset to leave Elly Westerveld’s team reeling.
The final score was 37-36.
Lilly Waasdorp, Montana Mylon and Kacey Barlow were all listed as best-on-court for the Tigers, while Lancaster’s Jadeja Davies was given the nod by her coach.
The match changes the composition of the ladder, with Rushworth jumping into the top four, while Lancaster has slid to seventh.
The Tigers will have the fight of their season in round nine when they come up against 2024 premiers and second-place Girgarre.
Meanwhile, Lancaster will be in for an up-hill battle when it faces fifth place Avenel.
Stanhope v Violet Town
The Towners gave the Lions the fright of their life in round eight when they came within four goals of an upset in round eight.
However, Stanhope managed to hang on throughout the fourth quarter to claim a 39-34 victory at Violet Town Recreation Reserve Court One.
Felicity Hall, Sarah Lange-Richards and Shanae Fisher were awarded best-on-court for their efforts in the win.
The Lions will have a prime chance to get in the winner’s column again when they face bottom-dweller Longwood in round nine.
Girgarre v Longwood
Speaking of the Redlegs, Girgarre had no issues getting over the top of them in round eight, cruising to a 34-goal victory.
If the Kangaroos can do one thing, it’s score goals, dropping 63 in the contest, while Longwood could only manage 29.
Grace Jackson-Kightly and usual suspect Jacqui Gahan were the Kangaroos’ best in the contest.
Merrigum v Avenel
Merrigum was the unlucky pup in round eight, suffering a relatively close defeat at the hands of Avenel.
The fifth place Swans were too much for the Bulldogs, getting away to a 50-39 finish at Avenel Recreation Reserve.
Merrigum will have a tough tussle next week, returning home to face Nagambie in round nine.
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