Tatura’s Abbie Newman and Isabella Pellegrino race Shepparton South’s Lucy Kinnane to the ball.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Grainne Egan is rapidly emerging as a standout recruit in Bendigo Amateur Soccer League.
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The Tatura striker only needed two minutes to convert for the Ibises in their McEwen Reserve showdown against Shepparton South and, despite a stern defensive effort from the plucky black and white brigade, Egan’s second goal in the 21st minute served as a spirit-breaker before half-time.
She completed her hat-trick, the second of the star recruit’s season, halfway through the second stanza and, despite a consolation goal from South’s Maya Vukcevic, Tatura netted the full three points to stay atop the table and herald itself as a title contender.
And from coach Damien Rosella’s perspective there’s still plenty of improvement in the tank.
“When you get three points and you know you didn’t play at your best, it’s still a great result,” Rosella said.
“A few of the girls were down, but it’s still a pretty good result. South are a young team and I think they shut us down early.
“To score the goals and get the three points is a great achievement.”
Egan’s second hat-trick of the season has launched her to joint-leading scorer with seven goals from three games, while Delana Trask and Abbie Newman also earned plaudits from their coach.
“To be top of the table after three rounds is good, knowing you’ve got (Strathfieldsaye) Colts and Spring Gully who are up there as well,” Rosella said.
Isabella Pellegrino and Lucy Kinnane jostle for possession.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Shepparton South’s Maya Vukcevic dribbles.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Isabella Pellegrino passes.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Tess Buckley gets on the move.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Mia Calder takes the ball up the pitch.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Tatura debrief after amn eventful first half.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Aleisha Nardella takes possesion.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Tatura’s Abbie Newman and Shepparton South’s Lucy Kinnane lock horns.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
At Strathfieldsaye, Shepparton United picked up its first win on the back of braces from Olivia Loverso and Janna Lawson, handing the Colts a 5-2 defeat on their home turf and jumping to fourth in the process.
Spring Gully put Eaglehawk to the sword with a 6-1 result, while the Border Raiders and La Trobe University fought out a 2-2 draw.
The League 1 women adjourn for the League Cup semi-finals this weekend, which will be contested by United and Tatura at McEwen Reserve to decide who meets Spring Gully or Strathfieldsaye in the final.
In the men’s competition, Shepparton United has rocketed to the top of the standings after another significant mauling, this time over Strathdale.
United unleashed a goal-scoring barrage at Beischer Reserve, hammering home six unanswered goals and rocketing its goal difference to an impressive plus-16.
However, hot on the hammer is Shepparton South, which inflicted a rare defeat on reigning champion Tatura.
Craig Mathieson’s opening strike was cancelled out by Tristan Zito on the stroke of half-time, before a Liam Nash chip gave South the lead.
With eight players on both sides walking the tightrope of a yellow card, Trey De Palma’s 81st-minute winner provided South the breathing room it needed and a second consecutive win.
Shepparton’s first win of the season has also improved its position, overturning a 1-0 deficit courtesy of a Mario Peche Morote strike and Hussain Algazali brace to claim an inspired 3-2 win over La Trobe University.
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