Euroa sent a ominous message to the rest of the Goulburn Valley League A-grade netball competition on Saturday, May 7, with a shock win over the premiership favourites.
The Magpies delivered Shepparton United its first loss of the season with a 61-51 triumph at Memorial Oval.
The round five result sees Euroa leap-frog United up into third spot on the ladder.
With the help of talented recruit Emily Andrew, a Melbourne Vixens training partner, Euroa threw its hat in the premiership contender ring.
Kellie Davidson was a standout for the Magpies with her work rate through the midcourt, while Tylah Marchbank was relentless at goal defence.
United was led brilliantly by Laura Cole, along with Jessie Barnes and Bess Schnioffsky.
Euroa coach Ellie Warnock was over the moon with the memorable win.
“I’m very excited; I knew we had the ability and so did the girls but we had to make sure we all played our role,” she said.
“We were able to do that and we stuck to the game plan so I was very proud of the group.
“It was a pretty close first quarter but then we were able to get ahead in the second and we stayed in front for the rest of the game.
“Our main goal was just executing our centre passes into goals and taking whatever else comes our way.
“United are obviously such a strong and experienced team and it’s easy to get flustered against them but the girls just kept their heads down.”
Andrew, a gun goal shooter, slotted in to the line-up seamlessly and her acquisition to an already stellar line-up now has Euroa one of the teams to beat going forward.
Warnock revealed how she lured the talented shooter to Euroa.
“Emily is a training partner with the Vixens. She plays VNL and she also represented Victoria at the under-19 championships,” Warnock said.
“I’m friends with Eloise Southby, who has a lot to do with the Vixens and I asked her if she knew of any shooters that could come up and play.
“I told her ‘I think we have an amazing side that should play finals but with a tall goal-shooter we should really be able to contend’.
“Emily was incredible. It was like she had been playing with us for years, just the way we all connected on the court.”
Around the courts, Shepparton Swans secured their first win of the campaign on Saturday.
In a tense and gritty contest at Princess Park, the home side was able to hold on to record a thrilling 48-43 win over Kyabram.
Defender Erin Hopkins was a standout for the Swans with her shutdown role on Kyabram’s talented shooter Chicky Vick.
Meanwhile, there is no longer an undefeated side in the A-grade competition after Seymour handed Echuca a 55-41 defeat.
The Lions were too strong on their home deck, with superb passing and the ability to win one-on-one contests lifting them across the line.
Olivia Barry starred for the Lions, while Jacqueline James flew the flag for Echuca.
Shepparton clinched a whopping 78-28 triumph over Mansfield, while Mooroopna breezed past Tatura 48-18.
A dominant first half saw the Cats have the game wrapped up by the main break.
Dayna Williams was on song for Mooroopna, while Shelby Britten and Ash Lancaster provided quality support.
Elsie Boyer battled hard for Tatura in the loss.
Rochester secured a gutsy road win over Benalla.
The Tigers chalked up a 48-34 victory.