The only undefeated team left in the competition after ladder-leaders Shepparton United and Tallygaroopna battled out a draw on Sunday, the Lakers head into their first bye the team to beat after an eye-catching start to their new campaign.
Coming up against an in-form Dookie United squad on its home court, Nagambie put the Thunder to the sword in what was a clinical display of netball from beginning to end.
Nagambie coach Katie Sullivan said she was proud of her team’s efforts against a traditionally strong Dookie outfit.
“Coming into the match we knew that Dookie are always really competitive and have had the upper hand on us over the past few seasons, so to get a strong win against them this time around was really pleasing.” Sullivan said.
“I was hoping we’d be up by that five-to-six-goal margin, so to come away with a 20-goal win, it gives us a lot of confidence.”
After missing last week’s game, Sullivan was thrown right into the deep end, stepping in at centre for the entire match and putting in a clinical performance.
“Our normal centre was out this week so I played the full game,” she said.
“I much prefer to be on the sidelines coaching, but all in all I was just really glad with how we played.
“I thought we defended really well and quelled the influence of Dookie’s dangerous goalers, and then on offense we just took every opportunity and moved the ball well.”
Now set to enjoy a week off after six solid wins, Sullivan said she was very happy with how her team was placed heading into the middle portion of the season.
“It is a nice place to be at this point, but again, we are just taking each round as it comes and not trying to get too far ahead of ourselves,” she said.
“We have games against Shepparton East and Tallygaroopna coming up soon, so we are really excited for those to test where we are at.”
Elsewhere, Violet Town disposed of a plucky Stanhope side to reaffirm its top-four aspirations, securing a 58-37 win.
The Towners, on the back of a thrilling one-point win over Murchison-Toolamba last time out, made it their second win in as many games thanks to solid performances from their experienced core.
Mid-courter Jo Wild pulled the strings from centre court to earn best-on-court honours, while playing-coach Abbie Ellis continued her superb start to the season.
Murchison-Toolamba secured its second win of the season, fending off a gritty Undera side which remains winless so far this season.
Round six will resume this weekend, with Avenel to welcome Lancaster, while Merrigum and Girgarre will do battle on the Bulldogs’ home court.
Lastly, Longwood is at home to Rushworth, looking to bounce back from two tough defeats.
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