The Tigers’ triumph over Undera in round four was a long time coming, particularly with a host of new and returning faces, including 2024 Girgarre premiership coach Sheree Starling.
Under Starling, Rushworth has made a host of changes to spark momentum, including moving natural defender Montana Mylon into attack, a gamble that paid off just four rounds into 2025.
Mylon, combining with Janelle Doolan in the ring, piled on 56 goals throughout the contest, sinking Undera.
Tigers defenders Lilly Waasdorp and Ashlyn Materne have begun to link up and were effective in shutting down Undera’s offence, limiting the visitors to just 36.
Starling reflected on Rushworth’s 20-point win and her satisfaction with her team’s chemistry starting to take shape.
“Our defence has gelled together rapidly whereas our offence has been the thing that needed work,” she said.
“I’ve got a natural defender as one of our goalers this year, and it has taken Montana longer to get used to things in the ring.
“I’ve worked closely with her a Janelle to focus on building confidence in attack, and it certainly paid off on the weekend, and they worked really well together.
“They are both talented netballers and certainly have the ability, its just working things out together and gelling as a pairing.
“Our defenders Lily and Ash have come together straight away which has been fantastic.”
Starling also highlighted the team’s surge in confidence following the win and her desire for the side to continue pushing, particularly as they will face Tallgaroopna in round five.
“Coming out with a win has given the girls a massive boost in confidence and will be good for us going forward because stepping onto the court with a heap of confidence makes a big difference,” she said.
“The girls were happy with the win, but I didn’t let them enjoy it too much when we were up at half-time because I wanted them to keep giving 110 per cent throughout the whole game.
“This weekend will be a good test for us against Tallygaroopna, we are really looking forward to it and seeing where we are at.”
Lancaster v Stanhope
The Wombats bounced back from their loss in the 2024 grand final rematch against Girgarre in round three to get back on track with a win over Stanhope.
While it was no domination nor blowout, Lancaster did enough to comfortably beat the Lions 50-35 on the road.
The victory sees the Wombats re-emerge as a force and will be a good confidence builder as they look to tango with current league leader Shepparton East, a side that has not been bested in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Lions will continue trudging along into round five where they will come up against last year’s flag winner Girgarre in round five.
Merrigum v Shepparton East
Speaking of the Eagles, they remained steadfast in their desire to capture the flag in 2025 with a solid win over Merrigum in round four.
The Bulldogs continued their winless streak, falling to Shepparton East 56-24.
The 32-point loss is the second-biggest deficit for Merrigum this season, with the side looking to regroup ahead of its clash with Violet Town in round five.
Shepparton East will come up against fellow contender Lancaster in what is set to be a blockbuster battle for early-season bragging rights.
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