In what could end up being a 2025 grand final preview, it was a top-of-the-table clash between Colbinabbin and North Bendigo, with the low scoreline reflecting the fierce competition and tricky conditions.
Neither team could buy a goal in the first quarter at Colbinabbin Recreation Reserve, with the Bulldogs getting their noses slightly in front with four behinds to two.
This goalless run continued into the second term, which was quickly shaping up to be a gruelling fight, with North Bendigo doubling up with four behinds while the Grasshoppers managed just one.
Both teams finally got one through the middle in the third quarter, with Colbo (1.3) fighting back to bring the difference to just three points with a quarter to play.
The Grasshoppers weren’t able to continue with their third quarter form and were left scoreless down the stretch, with the Bulldogs’ 3.3 getting them over the line by 24 points.
Colbo should get back on to the winner’s list next round, with a date at White Hills Recreation Reserve against the Demons on the agenda.
Mount Pleasant v White Hills
Speaking of White Hills, it was no match for a Mount Pleasant side that seems to be peaking at the right time.
Duelling at Toolleen Recreation Reserve, the Mounts kept the Demons to no score throughout the first half.
Meanwhile, the host went on a rampage, kicking 2.6 in the first quarter and 4.7 in the second to hold at 31-point advantage at the half.
White Hills finally hit the scoreboard with a goal and a behind in the third term but by that point, Mount Pleasant had run away with it, adding 4.3 to its tally to balloon the lead out to 71 with a quarter still to play.
The Demons jagged two goals back, while the Mounts settled for 1.5 down the stretch to sail to a 68-point victory.
The 11.21 (87) to 3.1 (19) victory means that Mount Pleasant has leapfrogged Colbo into second position on the ladder with just three games in the home-and-away season remaining.
The Mounts will journey to Strauch Reserve to take on fourth-placed Huntly in round 16.
Elmore v Heathcote
In a clash towards the bottom of the ladder, the Saints got an upset win on their home deck against Elmore in round 15.
Heathcote’s six-goal first quarter got the jump on the Bloods, but they hit back with three majors of their own.
Both teams slotted a pair of majors in the second quarter, with Elmore shaving two points off the deficit by half-time.
Both teams toiled in the third term, with the Saints getting the edge, the lead now 25 with just one quarter remaining.
In a last-gasp effort, Elmore held Heathcote to no score and kicked 2.4 to go close, but it was for naught as the Saints did enough across the first three quarters to win by nine points.
The 10.4 (64) to 8.7 (55) loss put a major dent in Elmore’s quest for finals, with a contest against surging LBU at home up next in round 16.
