Rushworth’s Dylan Arnold gets a kick away under pressure.
Photo by
Holly Daniel
Shepparton East has bounced back to record a solid 30-point win over Rushworth in the Kyabram District League football, correcting course following a shock loss the previous weekend weekend to Longwood.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The 2024 runner-up proved too good for the Tigers at Central Park Recreation Reserve on Saturday, prevailing 9.12 (66) to 5.6 (36) in a low-scoring affair between two top six sides.
Shepparton East’s Jordan Gattuso is caught by a strong Rushworth tackle.
Photo by
Holly Daniel
The Eagles made a hot start on their home deck, recording eight scoring shots to two in the first term, yet for all the dominance led by six points at the first break, having kicked 2.6 to Rushworth’s 2.0.
It was a much better return in the second term, however, as Shepp East bagged three majors from four scoring shots while keeping the visitor scoreless, extending the margin to 25 points at the main break.
Jayden Dhosi was among the best for the Eagles in the win.
Photo by
Holly Daniel
But Rushworth has proven it can hang with the top sides this season, having come the closest of any to toppling reigning premier Murchison-Toolamba and turned up the heat in the second half.
The Tigers booted 2.3 to win the third term and stay within striking distance of the Eagles with a quarter to play, cutting the margin to 19 points and keeping the pressure well and truly on.
Rushworth’s Ryan Beale is spoiled during a marking contest.
Photo by
Holly Daniel
The Eagles wouldn’t let them get any closer, however, producing their best quarter of the contest in the final term to pull away again and deny Rushworth a scalp.
Jordan Gattuso (one goal) was best-on in the win for Shepp East and was joined by Tyler Pedretti, Sam Woodward, Jayden Dhosi and Boyd Reddrop.
Nico McKinley was Rushworth’s best in the loss.
Photo by
Holly Daniel
Brandon Cornish rounded out the best, booting a game-high three goals, with Hysen Ismet and Matt Rendina the other Eagles with multiple goals, finishing with two each.
It was a physical clash between the two top six sides at Central Park on Saturday.
Photo by
Holly Daniel
The win ensures Shepp East improves its record to 8-2 for the season and keeps it in third spot on the ladder, a win behind Lancaster in second, while the loss leaves Rushworth (5-5) right on the bubble in sixth, separated from ninth only by percentage.
Rushworth’s Dylan Arnold and Shepparton East’s David Mundi take it to the ground as they fight for possession.
Photo by
Holly Daniel
Elsewhere, the Wombats were at their devastating best, decimating Undera in a 24.20 (164) to 5.7 (37) victory, with Steven Grima booting six in the big win and skipper Charlie McLay leading from the front in a best-on-ground display.
Tallygaroopna added to Merrigum’s woes, securing a 16.7 (103) to 8.8 (56) victory on the road to keep the Bulldogs winless through 11 games despite the efforts of Darcy Collins, who booted a game-high six goals in a losing side.
Nagambie bounced back from a big loss to beat Girgarre 21.11 (137) to 11.10 (76) away from home, with Tom Barnes and Will Dalton leading the way with five each for the Lakers.
Stanhope beat Avenel 13.13 (91) to 11.7 (73) to join a throng of teams vying for the top six at 5-5 which stretches right down to Violet Town in ninth, which also recorded a win in round 11, beating Longwood 18.7 (115) to 15.7 (97).
