But it would prove to be an anticlimactic affair, as the Hoppers romped to a 53-point victory at Nagambie Recreation Reserve, removing all doubt about their back-to-back credentials and reaffirming their position on top of the ladder as the only unbeaten side remaining in the competition.
The Lakers would have been confident of causing a boil-over on their home deck heading into the clash, but immediately found themselves on the back foot, as the Hoppers claimed the early lead to enter the quarter-time break ahead 3.4 (22) to 2.3 (15).
However, by half-time both sides had recorded 11 scoring shots, although inaccuracy plagued Nagambie in the second term as Murchison-Toolamba managed to increase the margin to 20 points.
Despite six shots at goal registering scores compared to four from the Hoppers, the Lakers were unable to find a major in the second term, yielding 0.6 for the quarter while Murchison-Toolamba was clinical in front of goal, slotting 3.1, taking a 6.5 (41) to 2.9 (21) lead into the main break.
After a strong opening half earned it some breathing room, it would be in the premiership quarter that the reigning premier would strike the hammer blow, putting the result beyond doubt with a blistering display.
Six goals to one in the third term saw Murchison-Toolamba open up a 50-point buffer with a quarter to play, putting the contest to bed in emphatic fashion after a spirited opening half from Nagambie kept it in the contest.
The Hoppers would extend the margin by a further three points in the final term, but it meant little, as they put an exclamation point on the opening portion of the season with the 13.11 (89) to 4.12 (36) victory.
Trent Laverie was Nagambie’s best in the loss, booting a goal, while Aaron Miller was named best-on-ground for the Hoppers, with Ashton Cashion and James Lloyd both booting a team-high three goals in what was a real statement.
Elsewhere, Longwood has levelled its win-loss record at 4-4 and crept onto the verge of the top six following a 35-point victory over Girgarre at Longwood Recreation Reserve.
The 15.12 (102) to 9.13 (67) victory saw Redleg Rhys Cason go goal-for-goal with Roo Billy Barnes, as each booted seven majors for their respective sides, but Longwood ultimately proved too strong, jumping up to seventh spot on the ladder, just 0.32 per cent behind Violet Town in sixth.
It was a Saturday to forget for the Towners, who were dismantled by a visiting Stanhope to suffer a 118-point defeat at Violet Town Recreation Reserve, going down 19.25 (139) to 3.3 (21).
In the remaining Saturday fixture, Avenel rebounded from a big loss in round seven to dish out a walloping of its own, slamming through 28.23 (191) to Merrigum’s 7.7 (49) at Avenel Recreation Reserve.
The Swans made up the percentage they lost last week and then some, with Alex Crnko (nine goals) and Nicholas Goodwin (seven goals) combining for 16 majors to put the struggling Bulldogs to the sword in the 142-point thumping.
There were two clashes on Sunday afternoon also, with Lancaster trumping Rushworth by 21 points, while Undera claimed a 25-point victory over Tallygaroopna.
Netball
Round eight of the Kyabram District League A-grade netball competition has seen the challengers all take a step in the right direction, as pacesetter Shepparton East watched on from the sidelines.
A bye for the Eagles meant reigning premier Girgarre was the highest-placed side that took to the court at the weekend and the Roos flexed their muscle in a one-sided contest over a winless Longwood at Longwood Recreation Reserve.
Girgarre looked back to its devastating best against the Redlegs, recording a big 63-29 victory on the road to improve to 6-1 for the year and solidify its second place on the ladder, with the only blemish coming via a three-goal defeat at the hands of the Eagles.
The win also takes the Roos’ total goals scored to 413 through seven games, equal with Shepp East, with the two sides also possessing percentages of more than 200, setting themselves apart from the rest of the competition and making them favourites at this stage to square off against each other in the decider.
But Nagambie is hot on the heels of Girgarre in third, also possessing a 6-1 record following an 11-goal triumph over Murchison-Toolamba at Nagambie Recreation reserve.
The Lakers prevailed 57-46 in a hard-fought contest on their home court to remain within touching distance of the top two, continuing their good run of form that has seen them go unbeaten since dropping their opening round clash against Violet Town.
It’s a missed opportunity for the Hoppers, also, who could have levelled their season at 4-4 heading into the league-wide bye, however, they now drop to eighth on the ladder following the loss with a 3-5 record after the opening eight rounds.
Having suffered a heartbreaking one-goal loss to Murchison-Toolamba the previous weekend, Avenel wasted no time returning to the winners’ list, securing a 50-39 victory over Merrigum at Avenel Recreation Reserve.
The Swans head into the bye with a positive ledger at 4-3, consolidating their position to finish the round inside the top six, while the Bulldogs slip to 2-6 following the loss.
Saturday’s closest contest saw Stanhope edge out Violet Town by four goals in a thrilling contest, snapping a losing streak that goes back to round three.
The Lions clinched their third win of the season in the 39-35 victory, and their first in three games, with the last time they were ahead at the final whistle being a 30-28 triumph over Merrigum on April 26.
For Violet Town, however, it’s yet another close loss, with the Towners having now lost three contests by six goals or less, seeing them slump to 2-6 as they enter the bye.
There were two clashes on Sunday afternoon, with Tallygaroopna beating Undera 52-31, while Rushworth claimed a thrilling 37-36 victory over Lancaster.
