MELTON South copped a big hit at the weekend, losing its first game of the season and nose-diving to fifth on the Ballarat Football League ladder.

South slowed as Ballarat piled on 13 goals to two in the second half to win by 66 points and climb to third. At the head of the ladder are four teams on three wins and a loss, while Sunbury sits on top with a perfect record. Sunbury cruised to a 76-point win against Darley.

Last year's runner-up East Point thumped Lake Wendouree, with Dan Jordan kicking 11 goals. East Point is fourth and premier Redan moved into second after it smashed Bacchus Marsh, 17.12 (114) to 6.8 (44).

In the Essendon District Football League, Tim Harvey slotted nine goals for Strathmore in its massive win against Keilor Park, 34.17 (221) to 3.4 (22).

Strathmore is on track for its third consecutive flag, on top and undefeated after five rounds. Greenvale is also undefeated after it crunched Doutta Stars, 25.10 (160) to 9.3 (57).

In the Riddell District Football League, Sunbury Kangaroos and Woodend-Hesket sit one and two, undefeated. Woodend-Hesket came from behind to win by 15 points over Diggers Rest. The Burras have only one win and still bear the scars from last year's grand final loss to Riddell. Riddell is third after belting Melton Central by 92 points.

In the Victorian Interleague Country Championships, the Wimmera Football League beat the Western Border Football League by 40 points.

Article first appeared: The Age May 21, 2007