It’s a fascinating four indeed in the Goulburn Murray Women’s League.
Round eight served up the opposite of any perceived surprises, with three of the four leading contenders picking up wins to further tighten things at the top.
The two local hopes collided as Tatura hosted Shepparton United in Sunday afternoon action at Tatura Park.
The surprise, perhaps, was that the Bulldogs struck first on home turf via Storm Guthrie putting her side in front with the game’s opening major.
That would prove to be the extent of the home side’s joy, although the contest was kept close throughout the first three quarters through some wayward United goal-kicking.
A pair of goals in the final term proceeded to shore things up as the Demons kept pace with the leading pack by virtue of a 3.10 (28) to 1.0 (6) victory.
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Shepparton United’s Atong Dang claims the mark out in front. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 9
Shepparton United’s Jacelyn Hopkins stands the mark. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 9
Shepparton United's Tayla Sampson juggles control of the ball. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 9
Tatura’s Sarah Lange-Richards gets into space on the flank. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 9
Shepparton United’s Jacelyn Hopkins dishes off a quick handpass. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 9
Tatura’s Hayley Cooke is primed to gather the loose ball. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 9
Tatura’s Storm Guthrie celebrates after kicking a goal. Photo by Megan FisherImage 8 of 9
Shepparton United’s Simone Carkeek makes a contest with Tatura’s Sarah Lange-Richards. Photo by Megan FisherImage 9 of 9
Shepparton United’s Elissa Down scoops up the ball under pressure. Photo by Megan FisherUp north, the league’s distance derby saw Mansfield take the long, long trip to Victoria Park for the early Sunday kickoff, though ultimately in vain.
Paige Baksh continued on a stellar run of form around goals with three more taking her season tally to 33 as the Murray Bombers eased home 5.3 (33) to 2.0 (12), maintaining their grip on outright first place at 7-1.
With Mansfield left on six wins, the Eagles and Demons soon found themselves in busy company at 6-2 when Nathalia joined the winners’ circle in utterly ruthless fashion.
Purples spearhead Kiara Cooper ran the show as her side hosted Barooga, nailing nine majors and drawing closer to Baksh with 31 from just six games in a 17.15 (117) to 0.1 (1) rout of the New South Wales contingent.
Nathalia’s Abby Favaro maintained an impressive run of her own, contributing three goals in the thumping win to have now found the big sticks in all eight games this year.
In a clash of the league’s two bottom sides, Nagambie notched its second win in a tight finish against winless Rumbalara, holding its nerve to prevail 3.5 (23) to 3.3 (21).
In the Youth Girls, a trio of gigantic margins defined the day as top-three sides Echuca United, Shepparton United and Barooga held their opponents goalless in huge wins.