One of the most elusive players in the top grade, Graham’s hat trick was the catalyst to Southwest Fuels 5-2 victory over old sparring partners the Coota Hotel.

Not even the loss of fellow playmaker Karen Meale was enough to stop the winners, with Meale rolling an ankle in the latter stages of the game.

Young gun Charlee McPherson and the much elder, but equally as

dangerous Annie Tozer joined Graham on the scoresheet, while the Coota Hotel’s points came courtesy of a

diving effort from Lucy Pigram and a well executed finish by Katie Annetts.

The 6.30pm match on ground three saw a predictable result, with Pacific National Steam Trains keeping their unbeaten start to the season on track, however they had to work overtime to fend off the challenge from last

season’s B grade premiers Tumble On 3-0.

Local soccer star Jenna Collingridge showed her sporting versatility by scoring the first and last tries for the Steam Trains, her efforts split by a nice piece of work from Kristie Cook.

Marie Montgomery and Kristen Glanville again controlled the middle of the field for the winners, while Kady Flannery and Erica deBelin lurked dangerously out wide.

Despite not being able to crack the well drilled defence, Jackie Lienesch, Jade Campbell, Hannah Northey and Maddi Byrne all played well for Tumble On, with the latter enjoying the challenge of playing against

several of her leaguetag teammates.

The feature match on ground two also saw a couple of long time rivals go head to head with Central Rockets

taking on Thompson’s Olympians.

As expected in was a close tussle as desperate defence from both sides prevented several scoring opportunities, with Lily Hogan, Tara Barrett and Emily Thompson providing plenty of work.

Nancy Smith broke the deadlock when she finished off a well executed move, while late in the game Erin Buttriss scooted down the right wing to double the advantage.