For the first time in more than 19 months there was no post-match ‘“ooray, hooray, hooray” for winner Shepparton East.
Lancaster provided the answer to a question that had stumped coaches across the competition since the Eagles fell to Tallygaroopna by eight goals in the 2022 preliminary final.
Not by any stroke of late fortune or a stunning rally to nick the four points from under Shepparton East’s noses, either.
The Wombats controlled from the outset, even amidst a swathe of injury problems before and during the game.
Without two regular defenders — or a bench, most of the time — Lancaster came through with emphasis to deliver a highly memorable 65-35 triumph.
Now 2-0, Lancaster coach Michelle Hill was pleased to see her side overcome personnel issues the way it did.
“It was a great team effort. We’re a very versatile side and the girls are combining really well together,” Hill said.
“We’ve started the year off with a heap of injuries, so we did well to get over the line by so many goals yesterday.
“Zoe Hayes got injured at training on Thursday, so I’m looking forward to having her and other girls back and having a bench.
“Hopefully, we’ll be even stronger then.”
The early withdrawal of Caddison Mulholland after a knee knock wouldn’t improve the Wombats’ selection headaches, with players doubling up after appearing in lower grades to get the dresses filled.
There’s plenty to look forward to with the talent on offer, though.
“I’m hoping Caddi will be okay for Rushworth next week. She’s been a great pick up for our club and her speed and knowledge help out a lot,” Hill said.
“Lexi Thomas played a really strong game yesterday and she keeps improving each week.
“Chicky Vick’s accuracy in goal gives players around her heaps of confidence and she was just on fire yesterday.
“Trying to make finals this year was our goal as we haven’t been there for years and there’s a really good buzz around the club.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what these girls can achieve.”
Not every result was quite as emphatic, with Violet Town and Murchison-Toolamba playing out a thriller.
By the barest of margins, the Towners held firm to notch their second straight win in a 30-29 nail-biter.
Nagambie would comfortably join the Wombats and Towners at 2-0 after dispatching Merrigum 56-31.
After something of a boilover cost Tallygaroopna in round one, the 2023 runner-up got on the board in its home opener with an eight-goal win over Dookie United.
Avenel put in an enormous shift to send Undera packing in a 70-31 rout for its first win of the year, while Longwood moved to four points with a straightforward 45-23 win over Rushworth.
The league’s Sunday outing had Girgarre advance to 2-0 on the road after taking care of Stanhope 36-25.
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