The Tigers travelled to Longwood Recreation Reserve for the clash with the Redlegs, who sat level with them on the ladder.
Rushworth started the game well, but it was Longwood that came away with a slight edge after the first period, up seven after a three-goal-to-two term.
The Tigers started to lose touch in the second and, by half-time, the lead was up to 19.
Longwood continued to attack effectively throughout the second half, while Rushworth struggled to find its way to goal and the Redlegs would run away with the contest 12.12 (84) to 6.7 (43).
Rhys Cason was Longwood’s best from a scoring perspective, kicking three majors, matched by Rushworth’s leading scorer, Andrew Clarke.
Liam Adlington (2) and Ryan Beale also got their names on the scoresheet for the Tigers.
Beale was the Tigers’ best in the contest, with Clarke, Isaac Griffin, Nicholas Oaten, Shaun Young and Nico McKinley also featuring.
The loss could prove telling in Rushworth’s quest for finals football, as the Tigers (6-6) are now drawn into a three-way tie for sixth place with Avenel and Stanhope.
The Tigers do hold an edge of almost 40 per cent over Avenel and more than 50 per cent over Stanhope.
Rushworth is in for a critical contest this weekend as it hosts fourth-placed Nagambie (9-3).
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