In a genuine slog in which it was near impossible to differentiate between players, it was the away side that overcame an 11-point three-quarter time deficit to win by the narrowest of margins.

In fact, Bacchus Marsh actually had four less scoring shots but still managed to steal the win, keeping the Lakers goalless after half time.

The result means the Cobras now sit equal with the Lakers in terms of premiership points, sitting just outside of the top six by percentage alone.

IN other matches on Saturday, Darley proved too good for Sunbury in what was billed as match of the round.

Played in opposite conditions to the appalling Wendouree surface, it was the Devils that had too much firepower at Darley Park, to extend their winning streak to five games with a 15.10 (100) to 11.10 (76) win.

Jake Edwards booted six goals for the Devils and Shane Page was named best on ground, while for the Lions, Ben Said helped himself to four majors.

Darley has now leap-frogged Sunbury and sits in fourth position, while the Lions slip to fifth.

AT Eastern Oval, Ballarat won its sixth match in a row with a comfortable 37-point dispatching of East Point.

The Swans jumped out of the blocks with the first four goals of the game (two of which came off the boot of Nigel Otto) and were never headed.

Nick Garner was named best on ground, while Travis Hoyle stood up tall as the replacement for ruckman Sam Conroy, who was picked to play for North Ballarat Roosters.

East Point's David Brady was the highest goal scorer on the ground with three majors, while Dave Slater and Jack Romeril fought hard all day.

REDAN returned to the winners' list with a 70-point thumping of Melton South at Melton Recreation Reserve.

After a slow start in which they trailed at quarter time, the Lions piled on the goals in the last three quarters to run out 20.10 (130) to 8.12 (60) winners.

Dean Chester wound back the clock with five goals, while Brenton Riordan and Ash Barker helped themselves to four goals each.

Frank Holzer was the only multiple goal scorer for the Panthers, also kicking four goals.

The Lions remain in second spot, while Melton South must finally concede finals are gone for season 2014.

AND in the final game of the round, ladder leaders North Ballarat City did everything that was expected of them, thrashing lowly Sebastopol by 124 points.

Shaun Lyle and Derick Micallef both bagged six goals apiece, while North captain Jason McNamara tore up the midfield in arguably his best game for the year.

There were few positives for Sebastopol, although youngster Toby Hutt again stood tall as one of the best players for the Kookaburras.

LADDER: NORTH BALLARAT CITY 44 premiership points, REDAN 40, BALLARAT 40, DARLEY 30, SUNBURY 28, LAKE WENDOUREE 24, Bacchus Marsh 24, Melton 22, East Point 20, Melton South 12, Sebastopol 4