The Thunder overcame a spirited Grasshoppers outfit to register a 44-34 victory at Murchison Recreation Reserve.
A match-winning third term was the difference between the two outfits in the round four clash.
On the move: Dookie United’s Hayley Symonds.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
With the scores locked at 20-apiece at the main break, United broke the game open with a classy third-quarter performance.
The visitors almost doubled their first half score in one quarter alone.
It was a giant task for the hosts to claw back the lead in the last term which saw United walk away with a 10-goal triumph.
Arms up: Murchison-Toolamba’s Georgia Foster defends.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
“We kept ourselves in that first half, it was a really tough game,” Dookie co-coach Georgie O’Connor said.
“We probably looked like we didn’t go out there with enough energy. We looked a bit flat.
“But at that half time break we really pushed to get up in that third term so it was really good.
“That was our best third quarter we’ve played all season. Our third quarter seems to be the one where we run out of legs.
“It pretty much pushed us into the last quarter to get the win. I was very happy with the girls with that (third quarter).”
Eyes on the ball: Dookie United’s Laura Kelly attempts to catch a rebound.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
O’Connor praised the performances of Laura Kelly and Hayley Symonds post-match.
Kelly was instrumental in the defensive ring, while Symonds provided plenty of drive through the midcourt.
“Our best on today was Laura, in the defenders’ circle, she provided plenty of pressure all game,” O’Connor said.
“And then Hayley in the midcourt, she burned all day and just ran all day so it was really good performances from those two girls.”
Focused: Murchison-Toolamba’s Tacita Lloyd lines up a shot on goal.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
Around the courts, Lancaster managed to hold on in a thriller against Longwood.
The Wombats escaped Longwood Recreation Reserve with a tense 37-35 triumph.
Eyes on the target: Dookie United’s Gemma O’Sullivan attempts a shot on goal.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
Elsewhere, Merrigum and Avenel chalked up their maiden wins of the campaign.
Merrigum waltzed home 58-42 over Violet Town, while the Swans glided to a 62-36 win over Undera.
Nagambie remains unbeaten following its 51-21 victory over Stanhope along with Shepparton East, who defeated Girgarre 52-15.
Tallygaroopna was at home to Rushworth in the sole Sunday game.
Give and go: Murchison-Toolamba’s Emily Wood passes the ball.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
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