The pre-season fancy lived up to its billing, scoring for fun through both halves to blow away the hapless Reds, handing them a third straight loss to start their own campaign.
It took just four minutes for Tristan Zito to open the scoring for the Ibises, before Liam Nash slotted a one-on-one chance past Reds keeper Jordan Harvey on 19 minutes to double the lead.
Jordan Leocata made it three just minutes later, before Shepparton striker Louis Ruddock struck for a second straight game, tapping in from close range to make the score 3-1.
The Reds had found a way into the game and had multiple chances to pull goals back, with a brilliant half from Ibis shot-stopper Daniel Coombs keeping his side well in front.
And once the sides returned to the field after half-time, it was all Tatura; Leocata doubled up before Thomas Leech struck three goals in 25 minutes to make it 7-1.
And minutes from time, Nash saved the best until last, picking out the top corner from a 25-yard drive that gave the keeper no chance, to complete the 8-1 scoreline.
Things had not been made easier for Shepparton by Jorge Blemings’ second-half dismissal, sent from the field for dissent after an agricultural challenge.
Ibises coach Dom Cricelli said the first half had been shaky, but it had been smooth sailing from there.
‘‘It was a great start, but there’s obviously things we can improve,’’ he said.
‘‘Shepparton put up a good fight in the first half, but there were a few things we addressed at half-time that made a big difference to the result.
‘‘I don’t think we played to the plan we set out to play (in the first half), we got sucked in to the way Shepparton was playing, with long balls rather than passing it around.
‘‘It was huge our goalkeeper (Daniel Coombs) kept us in it in the first half, he made some really good saves and lucky for us we got it together in the second half.’’
Cricelli said the midfield trio of Nash, Cody Sellwood and Leech had worked wonders, but the one-sided scoreline took plenty of contributors.
‘‘It’s a great midfield with Cody, Liam and Thomas there, they jelled really well,’’ he said.
‘‘But everyone played well, there were a couple of goals from Jordan Leocata, and it was great to see Charlie Maude get his senior debut, he played a cracking first half and did really well.’’
Tatura faces Colts United at home on Sunday, while Shepparton has yet another challenge, travelling to take on Strathdale.
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