The two sides hadn’t played each other since that fateful day last September, with their first meeting for the new year playing out in much the same way.
Much like last year’s preliminary final, Lancaster led in the first quarter, this time booting five majors and holding off the Eagles who drilled four of their own.
Shepparton East snatched the lead back in the second period, adding five goals to its tally, while holding the Wombats to just two more in the lead up to half-time.
With just 11-points separating the evenly matched sides, Lancaster kept within striking distance while the Eagles pushed their lead out to 15 with a decisive fourth quarter looming.
The Wombats had a stronger final frame, nailing five goals in a clutch performance, and looked threatening to pull the rug out from under Shepparton East.
While the Eagles only kicked a trio of maximums in the fourth quarter, they held on just long enough to take the game by the slimmest of margins in a dark reflection of last year’s preliminary final heartbreak for Lancaster.
Morrie Serra led the way for Lancaster with three goals for his side, while Dylan Webster-Mill proved critical for the Eagles with six majors to his name.
Despite the tantalising loss, the Wombats still remain in a strong fourth position heading into round six where they will come up against contemporaries Violet Town next week.
