Nagambie and reigning premier Murchison-Toolamba had top billing in round eight of the Kyabram District League football season, with both sides entering the clash undefeated to set up a scintillating top-of-the-table clash.
But it would prove to be an anticlimactic affair, as the Hoppers romped to a 53-point victory at Nagambie Recreation Reserve, removing all doubt about their back-to-back credentials and reaffirming their position on top of the ladder as the only unbeaten side remaining in the competition.
The Lakers would have been confident of causing a boil-over on their home deck heading into the clash, but immediately found themselves on the back foot, as the Hoppers claimed the early lead to enter the quarter-time break ahead 3.4 (22) to 2.3 (15).
However, by half-time both sides had recorded 11 scoring shots, although inaccuracy plagued Nagambie in the second term as Murchison-Toolamba managed to increase the margin to 20 points.
Despite six shots at goal registering scores compared to four from the Hoppers, the Lakers were unable to find a major in the second term, yielding 0.6 for the quarter while Murchison-Toolamba was clinical in front of goal, slotting 3.1, taking a 6.5 (41) to 2.9 (21) lead into the main break.
After a strong opening half earned it some breathing room, it would be in the premiership quarter that the reigning premier would strike the hammer blow, putting the result beyond doubt with a blistering display.
Six goals to one in the third term saw Murchison-Toolamba open up a 50-point buffer with a quarter to play, putting the contest to bed in emphatic fashion after a spirited opening half from Nagambie kept it in the contest.
The Hoppers would extend the margin by a further three points in the final term, but it meant little, as they put an exclamation point on the opening portion of the season with the 13.11 (89) to 4.12 (36) victory.
Aaron Miller was named best-on-ground in the triumph for the Hoppers, with Ashton Cashion and James Lloyd both booting a team-high three goals in what was a real statement.
Elsewhere, Longwood has levelled its win-loss record at 4-4 and crept onto the verge of the top six following a 35-point victory over Girgarre at Longwood Recreation Reserve.
The 15.12 (102) to 9.13 (67) victory saw Redleg Rhys Cason go goal-for-goal with Roo Billy Barnes, as each booted seven majors for their respective sides, but Longwood ultimately proved too strong, jumping up to seventh spot on the ladder, just 0.32 per cent behind Violet Town in sixth.
It was a Saturday to forget for the Towners, who were dismantled by a visiting Stanhope to suffer a 118-point defeat at Violet Town Recreation Reserve.
Already facing a 42-point deficit at half-time, Violet Town was held goalless in the second half as the Lions piled on 11 unanswered majors, storming to a 19.25 (139) to 3.3 (21) victory, which propels them up to eighth and in the fight for the top six, equal on points with three teams ahead of them, including Violet Town and Longwood who are yet to have the bye.
In the remaining Saturday fixture, Avenel rebounded from a big loss in round seven to dish out a walloping of its own, slamming through 28.23 (191) to Merrigum’s 7.7 (49) at Avenel Recreation Reserve.
The Swans made up the percentage they lost last week and then some, with Alex Crnko (nine goals) and Nicholas Goodwin (seven goals) combining for 16 majors to put the struggling Bulldogs to the sword in the 142-point thumping.
There were two clashes on Sunday afternoon also, with Lancaster trumping Rushworth by 21 points, while the result between Undera and Tallygaroopna was unavailable at time of print.
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