Further cementing its position as one of the competition’s genuine premiership contenders, they travelled to Mansfield Recreation Reserve looking to keep the pace with fellow premiership frontrunner Euroa.
The Cats appeared to be in no mood for complacency, building an 18-8 lead at quarter-time before steadily extending the margin across each term in a clinical start right from the first whistle.
By half-time Mooroopna had pushed the advantage to 32-15 and with relentless defensive pressure and efficient ball movement through the midcourt, the visitors never allowed Mansfield back into the contest.
The free-scoring Ashleigh Lancaster tallied an impressive 51 goals in what was one of the standout performances of the round, as Annecy Lyon proved outstanding under the post, converting 11 goals with perfect accuracy for the Cats.
Coming into the clash, Cats coach Di Hanslow was candid as she sized up the threat posed by the Eagles in what she predicted would be a challenging away trip.
“Another tough one, another big game,” she said, as she admitted that she expected the hosts to not wilt easily ahead of the 130km trip down to Mansfield.
“There’s no easy games at the moment!”
Following the game, Hanslow was effusive in her praise of 15-year-old prodigy Layla Ratcliffe, who continued her sterling rise on the A-grade stage with a strong showing against a side that previously had been undefeated.
“Against quality opposition, Layla has just stepped up each week,” the Cats coach said of the teenager’s performance.
“Competing against senior players with years of experience on her shows her maturity and composure for someone so young.”
The result leaves Mooroopna undefeated through six rounds and sitting second on the ladder behind fellow unbeaten side Euroa.
The Magpies hold top spot courtesy of a superior percentage after their emphatic 81-49 win over Rochester.
Euroa and Mooroopna now sit on 24 points and appear to be setting the benchmark for the competition at this early stage in the campaign – as a potential major juncture in the trajectory of this season awaits next week.
As the Cats look to consolidate their premiership credentials in round seven, preparations for the clash between the two title-chasing sides will begin in earnest in the coming days.
Elsewhere in round six, Shepparton maintained touch with the leading pair after a dominant 86-26 victory over Kyabram, while Echuca edged out Shepparton United 53-43 in an important clash that keeps the Murray Bombers inside the top three.
Seymour also strengthened its finals credentials with a 51-43 win over Shepparton Swans, moving to a 4-2 record and consolidating fifth spot on the ladder.
Euroa and Mooroopna have issued a statement of intent at the top of the tree, while Echuca and Shepparton remain firmly in contention, despite dropping points in recent weeks.
Further down the table Seymour and Tatura continue to fight for critical positioning inside the top six.
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