Mooroopna’s Caitlyn McLachlan kept Kim Borger quiet in the Cats’ landslide win.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
The invincibles are invincible no more.
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Shepparton has been defeated for the first time since 2024, succumbing in resounding fashion to Mooroopna in round three of the Goulburn Valley League netball season.
A tense opening term saw the Bears creep out to a one goal lead, but a staggering shift in momentum saw the Cats stamp their authority on the match, and deal a decisive blow to the previously unbeaten reigning premier.
As the Cats trailed by a goal, goalkeeper Caitlyn McLachlan and goal defence Dayna Williams reeled in the fire power of Kim Borger and Ruby Higgins, restricting the Bears to just seven second quarter goals as high-percentage shots at the net became difficult for Shepparton to obtain.
At the other end of the court, the Cats’ goalers Layla Ratcliffe and Ash Lancaster relished catching the Bears’ defence off-guard as Mooroopna transitioned quickly from its back third to goal circle, scoring 21 second term goals to apply the toughest scoreboard pressure the Bears had faced in over a year, leading by 13 at half time.
After the main break, the Cats continued the charge.
17 goals to eight furthered the lead, and while the Bears found a bit more accuracy in front of goal in the last term, Mooroopna still won the quarter by four, romping to a 26-goal win, 68 to 42.
Mooroopna’s McLachlan and Williams were viewed as best on court for their ruthless defence, while Ratcliffe was also recognised for her scoring output in goal attack.
Mooroopna's Asha Gray runs into space.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Mooroopna’s Caitlyn McLachlan kept Kim Borger quiet in the Cats’ landslide win.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Shepparton's Ruby Higgins was admirable in defeat as she stepped into goal attack.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Shepparton's Hannah Crawley is fed the netball.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Shepparton's Scarlett Byers scans the court.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Shepparton's Caitlyn Tuohey begins a new play from centre court.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Shepparton Keeley O'Dwyer shields her eyes.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
The Cats sit third on the ladder with an unbeaten three and zip record, behind by percentage to Euroa (first) and Echuca (second).
The Magpies eased by Benalla on Saturday 72 to 15, as did Echuca against Rochester, 64 to 39.
Shepparton United and Tatura secured their first wins of the season respectively, the Demons pipping Shepparton Swans by six goals and the Bulldogs breezing by Kyabram 63 to 23.
Seymour scraped by a plucky Mansfield by four goals to lock in a winning start across the early stages of its campaign, 2-1 heading into round four.
Mooroopna’s current undefeated status will be challenged by Shepparton United next week, while the Bears host Shepparton Swans at Deakin Reserve as they look to respond.
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