The Border Raiders claimed a smashing 6-1 win over Castlemaine Goldfields FC on Sunday, a result that paired with Kyneton’s 2-1 loss to La Trobe, saw them move into top spot in their pool — at least for now.
Kyneton is appealing its result after La Trobe allegedly fielded ineligible players, and if its loss is overturned, it would see Kyneton top the group and advance to the final instead of Moama Echuca.
Knowing they needed a win against Castlemaine to have a chance of reaching the final, the Border Raiders were dominant from the get go — they found the back of the net six times in the first 45 minutes, with the result beyond doubt at half time.
Asha Davies has been dynamite up front this season and the Border Raiders star netted not one, not two, not three, not four but five goals against Castlemaine, with Greer Thomson scoring Moama Echuca’s sixth.
The goals bring Davies’ season total to 16, with eight goals scored in the league and eight in the cup.
The wet weather and tricky conditions slowed the Raiders’ dominant attack in the second half, and the visitors were able to snag a goal of their own.
It was little more than a consolation goal, however, with the home side still cruising to an emphatic victory.
Tatura will be awaiting either Moama Echuca or Kyneton in the cup final after booking its spot in the decider with a 4-0 win over Epsom FC on the weekend.
If the Border Raiders go on to face the Ibises, it will no doubt be a tantalising cup decider, with the two sides both claiming a win against the other during the regular season.
Moama Echuca was a 3-1 victor over the Ibises back in round two – handing them their only loss so far this season – but Tatura handed an admittedly understrength Raiders side a 5-1 defeat back in June.
Tatura sits second on the league table on 21 points with seven wins and one defeat. Moama Echuca is in third spot, five points behind the Ibises with five wins, three losses and one draw in 2022.
The cup final will be held at Biescher Park in Strathdale on Sunday, August 7, with kick-off at 11am.
