Match Reviews | We witnessed one of the closest rounds this BFNL season with games going down to the wire as the battle for spots in the top 6 gets tighter by the week.

Reigning premiers Melton bounced back to the winners list with a hard fought, five-point win over North Ballarat at Mars Stadium.

It was the lowest winning score of the BFNL season to date.

Conditions warranted a contest in the 'hard watch' category but credit to both sides who fought it out from start to finish with the endeavour worthy of a final.

Unfortunately, the game was essentially a 'territory battle' with little room for the usual flare we're used to.

When Max Faulkner (two goals) put North Ballarat in front with eight minutes to go, the Bloods were looking down the barrel of a fourth straight loss, but unlikely hero Lochie Ericson was elevated to momentary stardom with a finish you're more likely to see on a dry day.

Quite a number of players had tried and failed from a similar position to Ericson earlier in the day, but the premiership player owned his opportunity and sealed the game.

It was a genuine 'arm wrestle' that prevailed with the Bloods entourage simply relieved to be in front at the final siren.

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