Eyes on the ball: Shepparton East defender Sarah Maskell attempts to intercept the ball.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
And then there was one.
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Shepparton East remains the only unbeaten team left in the Kyabram District League A-grade competition following its dominant and impressive performance against Dookie United on Saturday.
In a hotly-anticipated top-of-the-table bout, it was the Eagles who came out 62-37 winners which continues their stellar run and shortens their premiership odds.
Shepparton East retains top spot, while Dookie occupies second place following the round 12 encounter at Central Park Reserve.
It took a special “team performance” to overcome its closest rival according to East coach Erynn Hueston, in a competitive game that wasn’t truly reflected on the scoreboard.
“We knew going in that it would be a tight game and thought it would have gone down to the last seconds but the girls just brought the intensity and high-level for four quarters,” Hueston said.
“The scoreline probably didn’t reflect the game I don’t think, it was a really competitive, clean game and they’re a fantastic team.
“I know I say it every week, but it really was a team performance ... everyone contributed and chipped in across all thirds of the court.”
Winding up: Shepparton East's Bianca Alessi.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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In the zone: Shepparton East defender Jessica Beaton and Dookie United goaler Monica Kelly.
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Megan Fisher
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Focused: Dookie United's Melissa Gibson.
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Megan Fisher
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Standout performer: Shepparton East's Kali Frost.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Give and go: Dookie United's Georgia Caruana.
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Megan Fisher
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All smiles: Dookie United's Maddison Owen.
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Megan Fisher
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All eyes on the ball: Shepparton East's Bianca Alessi and Dookie United's Hayley Symonds.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Precision pass: Shepparton East's Rebecca Rendina.
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Megan Fisher
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Eyes on target: Shepparton East's Maddison Newey.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Looking for a teammate: Dookie United's Lucy Holmberg.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
After a tight opening term, Shepparton East was able to “get on a run” in the second quarter.
Talented goaler Kali Frost (nee Guilmartin) was a standout alongside fellow goaler Maddison Newey ― with Hueston praising her two atttacking end stars for their connection on court.
Bianca Alessi, Kara Pattison and Rebecca Rendina were strong contributors through the midcourt, with Pattison showcasing her versatility by running through wing attack.
Sarah Maskell and Jess Beaton had their work cut out for them in the defensive end and were able to negate United’s quality shooters.
Hueston praised Frost’s input on the game and said the former Goulburn Valley League gun had a big impact on the contest.
“This is Kali’s first year back playing, but she’s been with us for majority of the year,” she said.
“She’s a bit of an all-rounder and can play anywhere really and can have an impact in any position. But I thought she made a big difference just in her ability to link-up in the midcourt and in the goal circle.”
In the remaining first week of the split round results, Merrigum claimed a huge scalp with a thrilling 42-41 win over Stanhope.
The Bulldogs are now six points adrift of Stanhope in sixth spot.
Elsewhere, Avenel was too strong for Lancaster (40-33) and Nagambie powered past Longwood by 26 goals.
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