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.
