Border Raiders have well and truly announced themselves as a League 2 women’s challenger after unseating ladder leaders Kyneton at the weekend.
The Raiders toppled the previously undefeated Rangers 4-2 in Woodend, drawing level at the top of the standings after seven rounds.
It was Asha Davies to the fore again for the Raiders, firing through all four goals.
The visitors didn’t have to wait long for a goal, as Davies struck within the first minute of the game.
Another in the 16th minute handed the Raiders a 2-0 lead heading into half-time before Davies confirmed her hat-trick shortly after half-time.
Despite a late brace to Kyneton’s Sian Hooppell, Davies’s fourth and final goal in the 70th minute confirmed victory for the Raiders.
The striker now leads the competition with 23 goals from seven games, with a game-high of 10 against Golden City earlier in the season.
Despite drawing level with Kyneton on win-loss (5-1), the Raiders remain in second place via goal difference.
Meanwhile, an undermanned Raiders men’s side suffered a frustrating 1-1 draw against Golden City Rams.
Alan Smith’s 18th-minute strike was cancelled out by the Rams’ Lachlan Hogan just before half-time, and despite dominating play in the second half, the Raiders simply couldn’t pierce a determined Golden City defence.
“The first half we were very sluggish, we kept peppering the goals but couldn’t get anything in,” Raiders coach Jonathan Keele said.
“Rory Van De Zand and Austin Linehan were exceptional in our midfield.”
The Raiders have now drifted seven points outside the top four, with a crucial clash against ladder leaders Golden City this Sunday at Jack Eddy Oval.
Ladders
CVL 2 Men: Golden City 18, Swan Hill 16, Shepparton 16, La Trobe Uni Red 15, Border Raiders 7, La Trobe Uni Black 6, Deniliquin Wanderers 4, Golden City Rams 3, Shepp Lushi 0.
CVL 2 Women: Kyneton Rangers 15, Border Raiders 15, La Trobe Uni 12, Castlemaine Goldfields 9, Swan Hill 4, Golden City 1, Epsom 0.