NORTH Albury moved into the top three with a come-from-behind eight-goal win over Wangaratta at Bunton Park on Saturday.
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The Hoppers trailed narrowly at every change but produced a 15-goal-to-five final quarter to register an impressive 53-45 victory.
Kimberly Opdam and Chloe Senior were four-quarter contributors for the Hoppers while Grace Senior was outstanding in attack with 41 goals.
North Albury coach Paula Cary said the Hoppers were forced to throw things around in order to reverse their one-goal loss to the Magpies at Norm Minns Oval earlier in the season.
Opdam moved to centre in the last term and her speed proved a problem for Wangaratta while Paige McMillan’s shift to goal attack from goal shooter was another masterstroke.
Wing defence Jordan Farrugia stood up in the second half, with her pressure causing plenty of turnovers.
Defenders Nakita Singe and Sara-Jane Farrell were able to make some crucial tips in the last quarter opposed to Magpie attackers Amanda Umanski and Carly Perso.
“It was a very rewarding win,” Cary said.
“It was a very tight game.
“We made a few changes and things went our way.”
The result sees the Hoppers replace the Magpies in third position but they will have to work hard to hold onto the double chance with a trip to J.C. Lowe Oval to take on the undefeated Yarrawonga on the horizon.
In a boost to the Hoppers, Molly Goldsworthy is set to return from an overseas trip to take on the competition heavyweight.
“You can’t say we won’t give Yarra a good run – we will just see how things go,” Cary said.
“It’s a different game with different match-ups.”
Wodonga Raiders made it back-to-back victories with a 52-33 win over Albury at Birallee Park.
Kirby Logie and Leah Carter turned in strong performances for the Raiders to ensure there would be no let-down after their upset of Wodonga.
Lavington spoiled Kylie Murphy’s 250th match for Wodonga with a 37-goal belting of the Bulldogs at John Flower Oval.
Sarah Meredith and Ainslee O’Connell were standouts for the Panthers in the 63-26 victory.
Wangaratta Rovers shook off a determined Corowa-Rutherglen to win 51-36 at W.J. Findlay Oval.
Caitlin Conroy and Jenna McLeod impressed for the Rovers, who pulled away in the second half after leading by just three goals at the main break.
Yarrawonga made it 15 wins on the trot with a 59-28 win over Myrtleford at McNamara Reserve.
Laura Bourke and Sarah Wollington featured prominently for the flag favourites.