They outscored the Bombers 14-5 in the second term, 12-5 in the third and 16-5 in the last to waltz away with a 54-29 victory.
Defender Holly Ross showed why Rupanyup was excited to entice her away from Pimpinio this season, helping to subdue the dangerous duo of veteran goal shooter Shannon Couch and young gun Taya Quick.
Couch was kept extremely quiet by her high standards, scoring only 12 goals after averaging about 39 per game last season. There were no such issues for the Panthers’ goalies however, with Zanaiya Bergen, 29 goals, and Bianca Drum, 21, sharing the load in attack.
Swifts also earned their second victory of the season after coming from three goals down at half time to defeat Edenhope-Apsley at North Park.
Saint defender Rebecca Heath and Swifts goalie Rebekkah Seeary fought an engrossing battle, with Heath helping restrict the Baggies’ scoring opportunities in the first half before Seeary and her team scored 28 goals in the second.
Reigning premier Laharum also made the most of a strong second half, defeating Harrow-Balmoral 55-48 after leading by only two goals at the long break.
Demon Maddie Iredell celebrated her 300th club game in style, nailing a team-high 39 goals to lead the way, with Courtney Taylor lending support with 14.
Brittany Burns, 25 goals, and coach Emily Langley, 23, shouldered the scoring load for their team.
Taylors Lake’s resurgence under new coach Sharon Fedke continued in round two, with the Lakers seizing an early advantage against Pimpinio and holding onto it for a 55-45 win at Pimpinio Recreation Reserve.
Goal shooter Tayla Eltze was impressive for the Lakers with 22 goals, but it was midcourter Mia McGrath who was named best on court, while Tilli Menzel and Jayde Ellis were the Tigers’ top performers.
Strong games from captain Danielle Hanson and defender Keeta Scown were enough to earn Natimuk United a three-goal win on the road against Kaniva-Leeor United.
Hanson used her veteran nous to full effect through the midcourt, setting up Emma Uebergang for a game-high 39 goals, while Scown limited Cougars Ruby Gordon and Tahlia Pearson to 14 and 12 goals respectively at the other end.
Following the Easter break, round three will see Laharum host Pimpinio at Cameron Oval, Harrow-Balmoral travel to take on Kalkee, Natimuk United at home to rival Noradjuha-Quantong, Taylors Lake host Swifts and Edenhope-Apsley head north to Kaniva.
The entire April 16, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
