Sport

GVL | Gallery | Cats get the chocolates, Rochester and Bombers share points

By Aydin Payne

Apr 17, 2022

Tight defence: Mooroopna’s Ashley Lancaster and Shepparton Swans’ Cara Woodman. Photos: Megan Fisher Photo by Megan Fisher

Mooroopna stamped its authority on the Goulburn Valley League’s A-grade competition on Saturday, April 16, with a resounding victory over Shepparton Swans.

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The Cats clawed their way to a dominant 46-19 triumph at home under lights.

Up against a Swans outfit missing star goaler Sophie Atkinson and ring defender Niamh Thorn, Mooroopna flexed its muscles to move 2-0 after the opening two rounds.

Mooroopna midcourters Bree Hanslow and Paigan Impey led from the front, while teammates Maddison Wong and Ash Lancaster made life difficult for the Swans’ inexperienced goalers.

A lack of movement to create space hurt the Swans which played into Mooroopna’s hands.

Both sides displayed relentless pressure in the first half which resulted in a back-and-forth game.

On the search: Shepparton Swans’ Klarindah Hudson looks for a teammate. Photo by Megan Fisher

Turnovers and intercepts dominated the first half, but it was Mooroopna that enter the main break with a 15-9 buffer.

Swans’ defenders Klarindah Hudson and Erin Hopkins battled hard and flew the flag for the visitors.

Mooroopna was able to break the game open in the third term and put the result beyond doubt.

Looking for an option: Mooroopna’s Dayna Williams. Photo by Megan Fisher

Unfortunately for Courtney Simpson and her Swans outfit, Hudson finished the game on crutches due to a lower leg injury.

The Swans now sit 11th on the ladder and face an away game against Shepparton next weekend.

Around the courts, the points were shared at Kyabram on Friday night.

Played under lights on Good Friday, April 15, Kyabram and Rochester battled it out in a thrilling 49-all draw.

Watching closely: Shepparton Swans’ Hannah Garner. Photo by Megan Fisher

After trailing early in the contest, the Bombers managed to fight their way back to pinch the lead in the last term, but Rochester dug deep to equalise and walk away with a share of the points.

Rochester coach Racheal Whipp said she was proud of the performance from her outfit.

“I was really pleased with how the group was able to grind out the game,’’ she said.

“It was a really physical match so to be able to hang in there and tough it out was pleasing.

“Our girls came out and got the early jump on Kyabram and led by six or seven goals.

“But full credit to Ky, they fought back and got in front late in the game.

“Although we lost three quarters I was just really proud of their ability to hang in there and keep their composure.”

Whipp praised the performance of one of her side’s youngest competitors.

Focused: Mooroopna’s Bree Hanslow. Photo by Megan Fisher

Goaler Teal Hocking stood tall with ball in hand and was judged Rochester’s best performer.

“I thought Teal played an outstanding game,’’ Whipp said.

“She took a few big hits that floored her but she kept her composure and shot beautifully.’’

Elsewhere, Echuca strolled to a convincing win against Euroa.

The Murray Bombers, led by Greta Pearson and playing coach Steph Vick, ran out 57-33 winners at Echuca’s Victoria Park.

Determined: Shepparton Swans’ Erin Hopkins. Photo by Megan Fisher

A 20-goal first term helped Seymour blitz Mansfield on Saturday.

The Lions chalked up an astonishing 75-16 triumph after scoring 20-3 in the opening quarter.

Jess Lallo, Nakita SInge and Courtney Aldous were Seymour’s best performers.

Benalla shocked onlookers with a 41-33 victory over Tatura on Good Friday, while Shepparton United got the job done over rival Shepparton by 15 goals.