Ararat Eagles have caused the upset of the season, downing premiership hopeful Rokewood-Corindhap in the RegionalOne Lexton Plains Football League.The win has elevated the Eagles off the bottom of the ladder, but has also placed them back into a position to challenge for a finals spot for the first time.
Aiden Bell was the architect in front of goal with six majors in the 15.5 (95) to 11.12 (78) win.
It was the youngsters who did the damage, with four of the best six still teenagers.
An exceptional final term of six straight goals helped keep Rokewood-Corindhap at bay, despite having nine scoring shots themselves in the last quarter.
Denis Biscan returned five goals, but that did nothing to erase the stunned look on supporter’s faces.
The loss may have far reaching effects for the Grasshoppers, as they once again show signs of failing to deliver at the business end of the season.
Illabarook has kept its hopes of a finals berth alive with a 36 point win over Natte-Bealiba, 12.13 (85) to 6.13 (49).
The Bulldogs led all day, but just prior to half time, only nine points separated the two teams.
However two goals in as many minutes before the main break was a turning point in the game, and one from which the Swans never recovered.
Scoreless in the third term was a disaster for the Swans, as Illabarook piled on five goals to hold an unassailable lead at the last break.
Josh Wheeler booted three goals against his former club, while Ryan Dunstan returned to the seniors after a week in the reserves to also register three majors.
Natte-Bealiba has slipped to last on the ladder for the first time since the corresponding round six years ago.
However they are still in with a chance of finals, but must win this week against Lexton.
Then they must beat giant killer Ararat Eagles in the final round.
Carngham-Linton has kept Lexton goalless after half time, inflicting a 123 point loss on a hapless Tiger outfit.
Clint Ladiges led the charge with seven goals, as the Saints scored 23.13 (151) to 4.4 (28).
Carngham-Linton showed no mercy, as it took another step toward the finals.
Lexton is still in the running for a finals spot, but will find it hard going, particularly having Navarre in the final game.
But a win against Natte-Bealiba this weekend might be all it needs.
Neil Miller was named best for Lexton, but little up forward proved costly again.
Four single goal kickers was all Lexton could muster.
Skipton has severely dented Navarre’s premiership hopes by thrashing them yesterday by 92 points, 20.17 (137) to 6.9 (45).
The Emus took total control in the second term, as they were too tall and produced far too much run for the disappointing Grasshoppers.
Skipton coach Tim McKay returned from knee soreness to kick five goals, while the shortest retirement in league history saw Navarre’s Wayne Driscoll kick two goals.
Next weeks games:
Saturday
Skipton v Rokewood-Corindhap
Illabarook v Carngham-Linton
Lexton v Natte-Bealiba
Ararat Eagles v Navarre
By Rhys Brehaut
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