Lockington-Bamawm United restored some hope to its finals prospects, coming from behind to defeat White Hills at the conclusion of the first half of the Heathcote District Football League season.
After winning the league, the Demons have been battlers in 2025, and the Cats made no mistake when they hosted them at Lockington Recreation Reserve in round nine, despite leaving their run late.
There was nothing between the sides in the first half, as White Hills would sneak ahead by two points at the first quarter break, a lead they would maintain until half-time.
The Demons’ half-time team talk appeared to have worked, as the Demons finally broke free in the third quarter, winning the period 3.5 (22)to 1.3 (9) and leading by 15 at the final change.
However, the Cats would put it all together in the final term, blitzing the White Hills backline and firing through six majors in the last to the Demons’ one to pick up a valuable win, 14.7 (91) to 11.11 (79).
Bart Phillips and Jack Reiter were LBU’s scoring leaders, slotting four each, while White Hills found itself a bit of a one-trick pony, Patrick Eefting responsible for seven of the Demons’ 11 goals.
The win keeps LBU (3-5) in touch with a group of teams battling for fifth place.
L-G leads the group on three wins courtesy of a draw, with Elmore and the Cats half a game back.
The fixture list cycles back around from this week as LBU visits opening day opponent Huntly (6-2) at Strauch Reserve.
The Cats came away with the win on that occasion, 83-75, but the ensuing weeks would paint the Hawks as favourites to avenge that defeat.
Colbinabbin vs Mt Pleasant
In a clash of top four rivals, Colbinabbin did enough to knock over Mt Pleasant by 16 points, as the Mighty Mounts lost their way in front of goal.
It was the Grasshoppers’ early efforts that secured them the win, with 27 points, almost half of their game total of 56, coming in the first quarter.
A lead of 19 at the first change was improved by a point at the half, each side managing just one goal in the second.
The two teams were more active offensive in the third, but neither could establish an advantage, Mt Pleasant edging the period 20-19.
Mt Pleasant was within striking distance at three-quarter time, but neither side was able to kick a major in the final term, allowing Colbo to hold on for the win.
Nick Knight led the way for the Grashoppers, kicking four goals, while Sam Ryan supported with two.
Leitchville-Gunbower vs North Bendigo
Leitchville-Gunbower struggled to find the scoreboard in a low-scoring encounter with North Bendigo.
The Bulldogs got most of their work done early at Leitchville Recreation Reserve, building an 18-point lead in the first quarter of what would be a 21-point win.
North picked up the four points 7.6 (48) to 3.9 (27).
Heathcote vs Huntly
A dominant third period led Huntly to a win over Heathcote, 16.15 (111) to 10.14 (74).
The Saints led at quarter-time but the Hawks would snatch the lead by the half, before surging ahead with a 42-9 third term.
The sides traded majors in the fourth, but Heathcote couldn’t erode the Hawks’ lead.