Eagles assume favourite status with win over Roos

By Alexander Dabb

May 18, 2025

Shepparton East's Lauren James was at her brilliant best as the Eagles handed Girgarre its first loss of the year. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Round six of the Kyabram District League A-grade netball competition was headlined by a blockbuster preliminary final rematch between reigning premier Girgarre and Shepparton East and it did not disappoint.

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With both sides heading into the contest undefeated, all eyes were on the Central Park Recreation Reserve courts as the two heavyweights of the competition went toe-to-toe, and it was Shepparton East that emerged victorious, with the Eagles claiming a 37-34 win to remain the only unbeaten side after six rounds.

Girgarre's Danisha Wheeler looks to offload the ball.

It was a stunning victory by the Eagles, who fell to Girgarre by 10 goals on the penultimate weekend last season, and affirms them, for the time being at least, as premiership favourites for season 2025.

The Eagles were led by reigning club best and fairest Lauren James in the win, who continued her fine start to the year, while Sarah Maskell and Kate Durling were also influential, with the win a huge step in their quest to add another A-grade flag to hang alongside their most recent triumph in 2023.

Shepparton East's Sarah Maskell was influential for the Eagles. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Elsewhere, the 2024 runner-up Lancaster has continued its turbulent start to the 2025 season, with the Wombats going down 27-44 at the hands of Violet Town.

Girgarre's Grace Jackson-Kightly waits for a teammate to present. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The loss leaves the Wombats in eighth with a 2-3 record from their five games, with the Towners adding insult to injury by leapfrogging Lancaster on the ladder, assuming seventh spot with a 2-4 record, although they are yet to face the bye.

Shepparton East's Kali Frost lines up a shot. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Merrigum added to Longwood’s woes with a 44-34 triumph at Longwood Recreation Reserve, the Bulldogs claiming win number two for the season while the Redlegs remain winless.

Girgarre's Kimberley Hanratty scans the court. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Rushworth climbed into fourth spot with its fourth win of the season, recording a 49-27 win over Murchison-Toolamba at Rushworth Recreation Reserve, while Nagambie beat Undera by 25 goals, the 56-31 triumph seeing the Lakers safely into third spot.

Girgarre's Elizabeth Pangrazio and Shepparton East's Marni Thorne tangle. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Avenel is into fifth spot after a thrilling 42-41 win over Tallygaroopna at Avenel Recreation Reserve, the Swans improving to 3-2 for the year with the win.