Murchison-Toolamba has been dealt its first loss of the season at the hands of the reigning premier on Saturday.
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Nagambie survived the challenge from the Hoppers to deliver Nick Iorianni's men a 17-point defeat in the round four contest.
It was a tight contest across the four quarters on Nagambie's home deck.
The host gained a slender lead at the first break and led by 13 points, which it never relinquished despite the determined efforts from the visitors.
Nagambie held a 10 and 12-point buffer at each of the following two breaks and was able to hang on in the last to clinch a 14.13 (97) to 12.8 (80) triumph.
Following the result the Hoppers drop from top spot on the Kyabram District League ladder to third, while the Lakers have shifted to fifth.
Nagambie co-coach Darryl Harrison was rapt to see his outfit walk away with the four points.
“We were really pleased with the effort and it was good to get the win over a quality side,” Harrison said.
“I thought it was a solid four-quarter performance from us. We were able to get a great start and lead by a couple of goals at the first break.
“To Murch's credit they stuck with us and never backed off, there was hardly any breathing room all match.”
Gun recruit Nick Waterson was best afield for the Lakers, while teenage ruck sensation Jonathan Moore was a standout with his work in the air.
Forward Patrick Rattray booted four majors which takes his season tally to double digits.
Harrison was full of praise for Waterson and Moore after the game.
“Jono Moore was outstanding in the ruck for us,” he said.
“He is only a teenager and he competed all day. And Nick was great through the midfield. We have been really lucky to welcome him and his brother along to the club.”
Stephen Burns led the way for Murchison-Toolamba, while teammate Luke Cecchin was a strong contributor.
After the opening month of KDL action, there looks to be two teams gathering plenty of interest as premiership contenders.
Lancaster and Avenel sit atop the ladder as the only undefeated teams and both enjoyed huge victories at the weekend.
The Swans powered past Undera by 99 points, while the Wombats enjoyed a 217-point victory over Longwood.
Zac Cerrone booted 10 goals to be the Wombats’ top performer.
However, Longwood's under-18s delivered fans something to cheer about with a classic 7.9 (51) to 6.10 (46) win over the comp's reigning premier.
The young Redlegs sit sixth on the ladder with two wins to their name.
Rushworth pulled through for its first win of the campaign.
Former AFL gun Dan Harris slotted six majors to hand his junior club a 111-point drubbing of Tallygaroopna.
Kieran Malone and Jackson Doyle shone in the win for the Tigers.
An eight-goal-to-two second half had Stanhope run out 36-point winners over Shepparton East.
Luke Mann was pivotal in the home side's fightback, while Jono Pearson banged home five for the Lions.
And Dookie United's Will Patone had a day out with eight majors in the Thunder's comfortable 177-point win over Ardmona.
Merrigum and Girgarre squared off on Sunday afternoon.
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