Riverine Hearald |
The HDFL was characterised by many close games as LBU retained top spot.
A remarkable fourth quarter turnaround saw LBU stay one game clear on top of the Heathcote and District Football League ladder after defeating Huntly 13.12 (90) to 10.10 (70).
The Cats trailed by 13 points at the final break but fought hard to kick six goals to one in the last quarter to claim the 20-point win against the quality Hawks side.
Ady Dohnt (two goals) starred for the Cats throughout the day, while Jarod Bacon was also influential to finish with four majors and Carl Treacy was superb in defence.
Chris Gleeson made the most of his opportunities to kick four goals for the Hawks, while Cory Lobb, Josh Harris and Matt Klein-Breteler impressed.
■ A six-goal third quarter proved vital for Heathcote as they came from behind to win a thrilling match against Leitchville-Gunbower, 15.9 (99) to 14.14 (98).
The Bombers led by 27 points at the midway break — having had 12 extra scoring shots — but the Saints came back to lead at the final change and both teams kicked three goals in the last quarter.
Josh Illaretti and Brad Morgan combined for seven goals for Heathcote but it was the likes of Blake Coyle (two goals), Daniel Russell and Marc Millard (two goals) who really impressed.
Russell Lee, Shaun Douglass and Kade Merlo were the home side's best, who had 11 goal-kickers.
■ Elmore put up a fight but was unable to cause the upset of the season as North Bendigo triumphed 15.13 (103) to 12.16 (88).
Only four points separated the sides at the final break, but the Bulldogs' 3.4 to 1.5 earned them the win.
Damien Lock, Ryan Alford and Jordan Ford led the way for the visitors, with six goals to Jesse Evans and four to Michael Spooner also important.
Danny Bateman (two goals), James Drake and Brad Hewat (two goals) led the way for the Bloods.
■ The final match saw Colbinabbin win every quarter in its 16.10 (106) to 11.9 (75) win against Mt Pleasant.
Sam Hill booted six goals and Pat O'Brien three for the Grasshoppers as Tim Holobowski and Darcy Booth led the way, while Mitch Collins, Jarrod Findlay and Joe Whiting were mOunts' best.
Matt Gilmore also kicked four goals.
By Geordie Cowan
