A huge result has had a familiar name return to the top of the Central Victorian League 1 Men’s ladder — at least for now.
Shepparton South is back in first place after a thumping 9-0 victory over Spring Gully on Saturday night, thanks to a stunning second-half goal spree.
Leading 1-0 at half-time, the home side blasted home eight goals in the second stanza at McEwen Reserve in Shepparton, with Nicholas Mori netting an amazing double hat-trick.
Mori scored six goals for South, a tally that not only led his side to victory, but also catapulted him into the lead of the league’s golden boot race.
Mori’s first three goals came five minutes apart, the start of a spell that had him rustle the onion bag six times in 17 minutes.
Joel Aitken scored South’s first and ninth goals of the night, while Jamie De Smit was also on the scoresheet with his ninth goal of the season.
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Cutting it back: Luke Viney makes a pass to a Shepparton South teammate. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 8
On the pitch: Shepparton South's Jamie De Smit. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 8
On the run: Trey De Palma sprints after the ball. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 8
Close control: Sean Grant with the ball at his feet. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 8
In the thick of things: William Keenan tries to dribble through traffic. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 8
Eyeing options: Justin Cirillo looks upfield for a pass. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 8
Ready to pounce: Sean Grant has eyes for the ball. Photo by Megan FisherImage 8 of 8
On the move: Sean Grant bursts through the middle of the park. Photo by Megan FisherIt was the perfect result for Shepparton South as the side bounced back from its first league defeat in more than 20 months against Eaglehawk a week prior.
The emphatic win has South move ahead of local rival Shepparton United on the table, with the latter out of action at the weekend after its game against Strathdale was postponed.
United now has a game in hand over South, with its clash against Strathdale to be played during the league’s catch-up round in early July.
Like South, Tatura also picked up its fourth win of the season at the weekend after defeating Eaglehawk.
A pair of first-half goals from Tristan Zito was the difference between the two sides, with the Ibises prevailing 2-0.
Sitting in third, Tatura is one point behind South and United.
The Ibises are also ahead of Epsom on goal difference, with the Scorpions defeating Strathfieldsaye Colts United 5-0 in the weekend’s other League 1 result.
In League 2, Shepparton has notched its fourth win in a row in impressive fashion after defeating Border Raiders 4-0.
Josh Dimit and Dhiya Al Mugotir both hit the back of the net north of the border in Moama, giving the visiting Shepparton a 2-0 advantage at the break.
Irfan Haveric extended Shepparton’s lead to three, before Dimit’s second of the afternoon capped a key win away from home.
Shepparton’s winning streak has seen it march up the table, propelling the side into second spot after seven rounds of action.
Shepparton sits two points behind league leader Golden City, which has a game in hand.
City had an impressive win of its own on Sunday, defeating Shepparton Lushi (formerly known as Shepparton Jaguars) 9-2.
In other League 2 results, La Trobe University Red defeated Golden City Rams 7-0, while Swan Hill was too good for Deniliquin 3-1.