Gallery | Shepparton announces itself as bona fide Goulburn Valley League flag material

Di Hanslow's Cats have been one of the most dominant sides of the past few seasons but were pitted against the Bears, a team ready to stamp their authority on the league.

Both clubs gathered at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve on the main oval prior to the match beginning for a moving Anzac Day tribute accompanied by the famous bugle and last post.

The nighttime fixture saw some of the Goulburn Valley’s top netball stars take centre stage under lights.

Mooroopna’s Dayna Williams and Ash Lancaster and Shepparton’s Borger, Molly Kennedy and recently returned from national championships Mackenzie O’Dwyer attached their bibs and shook hands as play got underway in a flurry.

In a key one-on-one battle at the Bears' attack end, Borger said she used some previous experience to help her in a meteoric clash against Williams.

“I have been playing against Dayna at VNL as well so that has been handy to have a couple extra games on her to learn how she plays and things like that,” Borger said.

“She is a beautiful little player and one for the future as well I think.

“I love to play against someone like her as it is a bit of a challenge for me as an older player to see if I have still got it or not.”

Shepparton nudged ahead early, looking that extra bit cleaner and slicker.

As the ball was guided through the mid-court by O’Dwyer, Borger in attack was in the flow zone as she netted goals for fun.

The Robin to Borger’s Batman was fresh-faced goaler Ruby Higgins, a Bear with a bright future according to Borger.

“For me, the standout was young gun coming up from B-grade Ruby Higgins,” she said.

“Stepping into that goal attack role, ‘Rubes’ has been coming through our junior programs and she really stepped up tonight.

“I was really keen to get her out there a bit more and I think it was the perfect opportunity too, as she stood up really well to the physicality, the speed, the pace and was able to exploit her defender in her beautiful drives in and finish off her shots.

“As a coach, I couldn’t be prouder.”

The Cats had a noticeably different on-court lineup to their imposing side of the past few seasons.

Centre Rhani Hendy and goal attack Claudia Plattfuss will only continue to grow with more on-court A-grade experience.

When half-time was called, Shepparton took a healthy seven-goal (24-31) lead as the prospect of a victory on the road at Mooroopna (one of the toughest tasks in Goulburn Valley netball) was in play.

As the third quarter rolled on, Shepparton’s ascendancy and belief grew as it quickly became clear that the Bears’ game style would hold up against a quality side.

The Bears held an 11-goal (34-45) lead heading into the final quarter and remained around that distance for the rest of the match.

When the final whistle was blown, Shepparton walked off the court 45-56 victors.

Borger said a win such as this can give the Bears — a side starved of success — great confidence in their ability.

“(A flag) is something that is always in the back of your mind as a coach or as a player,” she said.

“We are, I think, the only club that hasn’t won an A-grade premiership, so that carrot does dangle over our heads every year.

“For me, I am already looking forward to Echuca next week.

“But definitely it is always at the back of your mind.”

Around the Goulburn Valley League courts, Tatura secured a thrilling two-goal victory over Shepparton Swans on Friday night.

Euroa flexed its muscles against Seymour at home, securing a 69-48 win to cement its spot as favourites for the A-grade flag.

Shepparton United has moved into fifth spot on the ladder after it defeated Kyabram 59-34.

Echuca secured a 16-goal victory against Benalla on the road, meanwhile, Rochester escaped with a four-goal win over Mansfield at home.