The goal was all that separated the title favourites and was enough to end the Corowa-Rutherglen combine’s unbeaten start to the season.

In a game dominated by defences, the best for the winners were Jaiden Hamilton and Jo Maggs, while in attack Merryn Smith was always dangerous and constructive.

United was best served by the leadership of Chloe Jones, Tanya McGrath and Grace Ronnfeldt.

Magpies maintained their hold on fourth place with a determined 3-1 win over Wombats, while Wodonga put itself into semi-final calculations with a shock 2-1 win over reigning premiers Norths.

- It was a dominant display in the match of the day in the men’s first grade, with United stars Matt Sawyer and Tim Jones taking a stranglehold on the second half in an 8-1 demolition of Falcons.

United remains clear competition favourites and was best served by strong defender Jarrod Ambrose, midfielder James Foster and Jones.

Falcons’ best included tough defender Matt Evans, the constructive Tom Jewell and the hard-working Clint Henderson.

Wombats scored a solid 4-2 win over Magpies, while Wodonga maintain second place on goal difference with a convincing 5-0 win against Norths.