In wet and slippery conditions at Avenel Recreation Reserve, the Thunder were able to starve off the gallant home side to win 44-40.
The round 12 triumph was an important result for the Thunder, one that keeps them banging on the door of the Kyabram District League A-grade top two.
Avenel is quickly losing touch of the top six and the loss, its sixth of the campaign, leaves it 10th on the ladder.
United's playing coach Maddison Owen was proud of the way her side was able to tough out the win in trying conditions.
“It was a real battle. The conditions made it really challenging and luckily we were able to get over the line,” she said.
“I'm really happy with the result. We knew it was going to be tough. We got out to a lead and then Avenel fought back and got in front.
“And we managed to be in front at the end.
“It (the win) was so crucial. We have a mindset that we don't take anyone lightly.
“We treat each game like it's a grand final.”
United's defensive duo Laura Kelly and Georgia Caruana led from the front and earned the praise of their mentor.
“The conditions made it really tough, especially for defenders, and I thought they adjusted really well,” Owen said.
“They are a really strong pairing and have been standouts all season long.”
The Thunder now face a weekend off because of the bye.
● Tallygaroopna almost experienced back-to-back losses on Saturday.
The Redlegs, who were handed their first loss of 2021 last week, escaped with a nervy 31-27 win over Violet Town.
The side who delivered Tally its defeat, Shepparton East, was able to hold off a spirited Lancaster opponent.
The Eagles registered a 47-34 triumph on their home deck.
Meanwhile, Nagambie chalked up an important win over Longwood.
The Lakers ran out 50-21 winners, a result that sees them hold onto fifth spot.
Ladder-leader Girgarre enjoyed a comfortable win over bottom-ranked outfit Undera.
The Kangaroos enjoyed a 53-28 triumph away from home.
Lastly, Stanhope dished out a 60-14 drubbing over Rushworth to keep its finals’ hopes alive.
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