In fact, the throng of red, white and blue supporters that packed the west end of Deakin Reserve’s court couldn’t even remember the last time a Bulldogs A-grade team defeated United.
Talk between the Tatura faithful suggested that the drought against the Demons stretched back almost two decades.
So when the final hooter blared in the round six Goulburn Valley League encounter, to signal Tatura’s memorable 13-goal triumph, there was no wonder why the cheers that rung out were similar to those experienced when September rolls around.
And that is where Tatura, which sits unbeaten along with Mooroopna, looks destined to head for the first time in more than a decade.
Speaking after the match, Boyer said the playing group and club would cherish the 48-35 victory — which delivered the Bulldogs the Family Care Shield for the first time since its inception.
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Image 1 of 10
In traffic: Tatura’s Elsie Boyer.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
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I didn’t touch the ball: Shepparton United’s Jasmine Condliffe.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
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Big reach: Tatura’s Jasmine Fraser.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
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In the zone: Tatura’s Julia Clarke.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
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Focused: Shepparton United’s Liv Kirby.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
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Searching for a teammate: Shepparton United’s Diaz Barzen.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
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Defensive leader: Tatura’s Molly Boyle.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
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I’m open: Tatura’s Emma Quinn calls for the ball.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
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Give and go: Shepparton United’s Laura Cole.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
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Quick pass: Shepparton United’s Bess Schnioffsky.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
“In the time I’ve ever been involved at Tat we’ve never won one game in the netball against United, not one game, in all of the grades,” she said.
“To be able to take a win is so exciting for the club.
“I’d love to see a few more of our teams be competitive today, but we’ll happily take this win.”
The game was an enthralling and tense affair across the four quarters.
It was a tight contest in the first term with unforced errors dominating the match, but it was the away side that entered the break with a slim 14-13 lead.
The second quarter was where the Bulldogs were able to break the shackles, with goal attack Julia Clarke scoring 10 goals on her way to a best-on-court performance.
Gun recruit Jasmine Fraser was swapped from shooting to the defensive end, which allowed Stephanie Smith-Gorrie and Clarke to get on top in the attacking end.
Boyer highlighted the importance of versatility in her side, with a range of players able to play multiple positions, which has allowed her squad of eight to be ”less predictable”.
Boyer’s daughter Elsie starred in wing attack and centre, while Molly Boyle — in her first year back at the club — was a standout with her intercepts.
Shepparton United defender Liv Kirby was strong under the ring and on rebounds, while Jasmine Condliffe provided strong support.
Tatura enters the interleague bye with a perfect record in place and, although Boyer stressed the need to take it one week at a time, the talk of finals is beginning at the kennel.
“I was chatting to one of the girls this morning and I said ‘if we win today, we are thinking of finals’, we can confidently say we can play finals,” she said.
“In saying that, we have got tough teams coming up and every team is tough, that wasn’t an easy win … 13 goals can turn around if you’re not disciplined the next time we play them.
“We just have to keep building and developing and focusing on each week at a time.’’
Around the courts, Echuca chalked up an extraordinary 69-goal thumping of Benalla.
Bianca Willis was a standout with 43 goals as Echuca ran out a 92-23 victor at home.
Seymour triumphed at home in a gritty 48-40 win over Shepparton Swans, while Shepparton recorded a huge 67-41 victory over Mansfield.
Mooroopna remains unbeaten following its 51-33 triumph over Rochester and Euroa skipped away to pencil in a 59-32 win over Kyabram.