HAWKESDALE-MACARTHUR has travelled to Alexandra Oval on Saturday to win the battle of the Eagles against Ararat Eagles in round 11 of the Mininera and District Football League, 12.7 (79) to 9.13 (67).

Accuracy in front of the big sticks was key to Hawkesdale-Macarthur winning, along with its constant pressure on the home side when not in possession, giving the visitors a much-needed win on the road and kept control of its third spot on the ladder.

A very even first quarter saw each team post three majors, as the visitors held a two-point lead at the siren, which was quickly reeled in by the home side during a dominant second term.

Ararat Eagles should have put the game to bed, dominating the term with 10 shots at goal to the visitors’ two, but only three of the 10 shots found the target and at the half Ararat Eagles led by 11 points.

Hawkesdale-Macarthur came out for the second half fully determined to take back the advantage, and a five goals to two term gave the visitors the lead again and from there they refused to be bowed.

Kicking 7.3 for the second half ensured Hawkesdale-Macarthur was in a strong position, with the defensive pressure applied after half time also having a big impact.

Lachie Glare (five goals) and Patrick Sinnott (four goals) were on target up front for Hawkesdale-Macarthur, giving the pair multiple avenues to goal.

Sam Hodgins was near perfect in the midfield, bagging a couple of majors in his best-on-ground performance.

“Ararat played a good tough brand of footy all game, we only won it at the end when Pat Sinnott kicked the last goal with about three to four minutes to go,” Hawkesdale-Macarthur coach, Xavier McCartney said.

“We only had one on the bench at the end of the match, and those two boys will be out for a little bit of time with a hamstring and concussion.

“I thought our midfielders really stood up in that third quarter and went a long way to winning that game for us there.”

The Hawkesdale-Macarthur side has a huge test this weekend with another road trip, this time to Lake Bolac Recreation Reserve to battle the Magpies.

Penshurst d Woorndoo-Mortlake

A 111-point drubbing at the hands of the Bombers at Penshurst Recreation Reserve has seen Woorndoo-Mortlake drop out of the top five after going down, 22.22 (154) to 6.7 (43).

Before the game the Tigers were fourth on the ladder - equal with Hawkesdale-Macarthur and Ararat Eagles - and while Ararat was defeated by Hawkesdale-Macarthur and Lismore-Derrinallum won, the loss of percentage was enough to see the Tigers tumble down the ladder.

That percentage hit should have been much worse after Penshurst kicked for goal poorly with 44 shots on goal with only 22 goals recorded.

Only the final quarter would have pleased the forwards, as they added 8.3 to end the rout, as the home side had no answers for the fast open running game that Penshurst produced.

Glenthompson-Dunkeld d SMW Rovers

GLENTHOMPSON-DUNKELD regained winning form at Glenthompson Recreation Reserve, accounting for SMW Rovers with a comfortable 53-point victory, 14.15 (99) to 6.10 (46).

In a tight first half, the Rams held a 19-point lead at the end of the second quarter, as the Bulldogs refused to be blown away.

It was the second half where the home side slammed home eight majors to only five from the visitors, allowing the Rams to forge away from the Bulldogs.

Jezza Woods, Ben Potter, Tyler Staude, Thomas Waters, Zach Burgess, and Lachlan Phillips were the best for the home side, as they battled hard against the Bulldogs who were much better than expected.

Other games

LISMORE-DERRINALLUM came from a goal down at quarter time to run over Great Western at Lismore Recreation Reserve, 18.16 (124) to 6.5 (41).

The victory and percentage boost lifted the Demons to fourth spot after starting the day outside the top five, while the Lions remains ninth.

LADDER leader, Wickliffe-Lake-Bolac, remained undefeated for the season after taking care of business against Tatyoon at Lake Bolac Recreation Reserve, 18.14 (122) to 6.8 (44).

The game was effectively over at half time with the home side eight goals ahead, and the Magpies carried the final margin to 78 points on the back of seven goals from Liam Zavaglia.

THE battle for the wooden spoon appears to be over after the Moyston-Willaura changeroom at Moyston Recreation Reserve rang out with the club song for the first time this season, as the Pumas defeated Caramut, 17.13 (115) to 6.8 (44).

The visitors were never in the hunt, as the margin between the teams was extended at every change of end, with Aaron Byron bagging six goals for the Pumas to lead the way.