COROWA-Rutherglen broke one of the Ovens and Murray’s longest droughts when it upset league heavyweight Yarrawonga 51-49 at John Foord Oval yesterday.
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The victory sent league officials scurrying through the record books with the Roos believing it was the first A grade win against their neighbours since 1996 or 1997.
Rebecca O’Connell’s team trailed by three goals early in the final quarter before storming home to pinch a memorable win.
O’Connell said it was one of the most satisfying victories she had played in.
“It was unbelievable,” O’Connell said.
“Yarrawonga is such a great side with a great bunch of girls and for our side to stay composed and keep our heads when it got really tight was an amazing effort.
“It’s been our best start to a season as a club and hopefully we can build on it.”
Goalkeeper Simone Hanrahan was outstanding in her battle with Bridget Cassar while Sophie Hanrahan shot 33 from 38 attempts at the other end of the court.
Yarrawonga led by five shots at quarter-time but were unable to break the Roos’ spirit despite strong performances from Kyle Leslie and Sarah Wollington.
Lavington tuned up for its eagerly-awaited clash with North Albury with a comfortable 48-19 win against Wangaratta Rovers at W.J. Findlay Oval on Saturday.
The Panthers’ defence was at their miserly best as they conceded four, six, three and six goals in each quarter to strength their position at the top of the ladder.
Coach Brooke Spinelli said it was a solid team performance.
“We were very happy with it,” Panther coach Brooke Spinelli said.
“Everyone played well.
“Wang Rovers are in a rebuilding stage so I’m not sure how much we can take out of it but we are travelling OK going into our game against North Albury.”
Lavington defenders Kate Yensch and Sarah Meredith were dominant while the Panthers were also impressed with the debut performance of 15-year-old Taylor Furborough.
She scored 16 goals in a half after playing in the under-16s earlier.
Wangaratta Rovers, who have only two players from last year’s side, lacked the experience of their opponents with Stacey Emma forced to work overtime.