General News
17 June, 2025
Tigers hold off fast-finishing Burras
Minyip Murtoa fell just one goal short of earning its first premiership points of the season, going down 41-40 to Nhill.
Near-freezing conditions tested both sides from the first whistle, with the speed of the play increasing as the players became accustomed to the conditions.
While the Burras had more attempts on the goal in the first quarter - 19-17 - the hosts went into the first break behind 12-8.
As both sides made adjustments during the second quarter, play opened up.
Nhill made the most of the changes, shooting 13 goals from just 16 attempts, and went into the main break with a 25-16 lead.
Tigers' goal shooter Ruby James tallied up 17 goals at halftime; at the other end, Burra's ace Jessica shot 12 goals from the same position.
With three players on the bench, Minyip Murtoa continued to make adjustments to its line-up.
This time, the changes unsettled Nhill's momentum; the Tigers could only amass five goals in the third quarter, while the Burras added 11, and the score was 30-27.
With the margin cut down to just three goals, the home side was playing with confidence.
Nhill scored first blood, snaring quick goals to take a 38-32 lead halfway through the quarter.
However, the Burras were able to dig deep and reverse the flow of play, scoring eight of the following 11 goals to bring the margin to a single goal with 90 seconds remaining.
Minyip Murtoa had the last three shots on goal but couldn't convert, losing by the narrowest margin.
James finished with 29 goals (72.5% accuracy) for Nhill, while Charlotte Foulds added 11 (58%).
Burra Newell ended the game with 25 goals (62.5%), while captain Lucy Brand added 11 (69%).
The win saw Nhill jump to sixth place with its second win of the season.
In other games, ladder leaders Horsham Saints defeated Ararat 87-42.
Jorja Clode finished with 59 goals (92%), while Abby Hallam added 28 goals (85%). Rats recruit Maggie Astbury top-scored for the home side with 22 goals (74%).
Horsham stayed within distance of the Saints with a 60-44 win on the road against the Southern Mallee Thunder.
Imogen Worthy continued her strong form with 37 goals (76%) for the Demons, while co-captain Georgia Batson's return to goal attack saw her net 23 goals (82%).
In the final game of the day, Dimboola won on the road against Warrack Eagles 58-31.
Nicole Polycarpou and Olivia Beugelaar combined for 49 of the Roos' 58 goals, while Amber O'Connor was a shining light for the hosts, scoring 19 goals for the Eagles.