Lions make great escape against Bulldogs amid round three KDNL action

By Oliver Shedden

Apr 29, 2025

Jacqui Gahan, Jemma Marie-Wright and Holly Nelson celebrated a strong third quarter against Lancaster. Photos: Oliver Shedden.

Stanhope escaped with a thrilling two-goal victory on the road over Merrigum to get its season back in the green heading into round four of Kyabram District League.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Following a back and forth battle between the two sides, the Lions managed to edge out their opponents to win the day, 30-28.

This victory has helped to lift Stanhope into the top four and position itself as an unlikely finals force in September after finishing in seventh and missing finals in 2024.

Jaleigha Hart looks for the pass under pressure from Allana Adams. Photo by Oliver Shedden

Meanwhile, Merrigum is still left to battle it out towards the bottom of the ladder and has been unable to get its season under way in 2025.

Both sides will be active in round for with the Lions looking to continue their win streak at home against Lancaster while the Bulldogs have an uphill battle on their hands as they travel to Central Park Recreation Reserve to take on flag threat Shepparton East.

Charli Westerveld moves the ball forward. Photo by Oliver Shedden

Girgarre v Lancaster

Girgarre continues its march to back-to-back premierships in the Kyabram District Netball League after vanquishing its fiercest rival Lancaster in round three.

The dominant victory means the Kangaroos continue their unbeaten streak to start the 2025 season while the Wombats now sit at 1-1 heading into round four.

Karla Ryan and Jacqui Gahan show good sportsmanship. Photo by Oliver Shedden

Lancaster were able to keep pace with the 2024 champions in the first quarter, down by six goals at the first break.

However, the Kangaroos got away from the home side in the second period, piling on 18 goals while holding the Wombats to just five to take a 19-goal lead at half-time.

Jadeja Davies goes for goal. Photo by Oliver Shedden

Girgarre continued to unleash carnage upon Lancaster, submitting another 14-goal effort in the third term while the Wombats managed just five more goals.

The situation did not improve for the Wombats down the stretch, remaining consistent in scoring five more goals to end their day with 25.

Cassie-Lee Westley looks inside the circle. Photo by Oliver Shedden

The Kangaroos refused to back down even with the win secured, the visitors adding 17 more to their tally to finish the day on 61.

The 36-goal win is a further reminder of the power of the 2024 premiers, who are in prime position to return to flag glory in 2025.

Emma Roberts on the attack. Photo by Oliver Shedden

Rushworth v Nagambie

Following the ecstasy of a down-to-the-wire, single point victory in round two, Rushworth wasn’t able to delivery a win in round three against Nagambie.

It was always going to be a tough ask for the Tigers to overcome the Lakers as they have been a perennial contender in years past and are positioned well to challenge for the crown in 2025.

Jemma-Marie Wright stretches to completely the pass. Photo by Oliver Shedden

As far as losses go, Rushworth would be happy with its efforts against Nagambie, falling just 10 goals short in a 34-44 defeat.

The Tigers will have the luxury of returning home to Rushworth Recreation Reserve to host Undera, where hopefully they can bring their season back to even footing.