While it was a close contest for much of the match, Rushworth’s slow start of just one goal and a few behinds ultimately put it on the backfoot.
It was the opposite for its opponents Avenel who got off to a strong start, kicking five goals in the opening period to get out to a 22-point lead at the first break.
Just three behinds in the second quarter didn’t help Rushworth’s case as the Swans continued to pile on the points, kicking 4.5 to extend their lead to 48 by the half-time siren.
The Tigers came roaring back into the contest in the third term, nailing 6.4 to close the gap, while Avenel had its least productive stretch of play in the match at that point, managing just 3.1.
A neck-and-neck final frame made for good theatre, but unfortunately, the Swans’ stellar first half was too much of a hill to climb for Rushworth, who was 25 points shy at full-time.
The final score was Rushworth 9.15 (69) to Avenel 14.10 (94).
The trio of Liam Adlington, Riley Edwards and Luke Oakley all kicked a pair of goals each and made up the bulk of the Tiger’s attacking production.
Only Adlington was included on the best-on list out of the three, which was made up of Cooper Horsfall, Ryan Beale, Isaac Griffin, Liam Francis and Shaun Young.
Rushworth will have another chance to test its constitution after the Easter break, battling it out with Nagambie away from home in round three.
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