HEYWOOD has well and truly found its stride in the 2023 South West District Football League, with their 12.15 (87) to 8.5 (53) win over Dartmoor their third in a row.

The Lions claimed the advantage early by way of a 34-13 first quarter, and it was a lead they continued to build upon in the second.

The Giants hit back in the third, trimming the lead back to 21 points heading into the final term, but Heywood held strong to ultimately run out with a handy win.

Trevor Firebrace, Jason Walker, Nyawi Moore, Josh Ferguson, Nathan Hardingham and Jack Fadersen were Heywood’s best, while Jayden Polaski, Kaleb Bowd, Lachlan Polaski, James Boulton, Rhys Malseed and Nathan Bell played well for Dartmoor.

The result means Heywood jumps the Giants for fourth place on the ladder, and Dartmoor, who were once top-flight contenders for the premiership, have been left just one game ahead of sixth place.

Saints win nail-biter over Meres

Branxholme-Wallacedale claimed a come-from-behind win over Heathmere on Saturday, taking an 11.8 (74) to 11.6 (72) victory.

The Meres took the lead in the second term, and led by two goals heading into the final term, before the Saints hit back to take a slim advantage into the last quarter.

It all came down to the final moments, with the Saints claiming a mark deep in the forward line before the subsequent goal gave them a two-point lead which ultimately proved the difference.

Heathmere coach Adrian Hann said his side was disappointed to not have come away with the result, but maintained there were still positives to come away from it.

“It was ours all day, but we just couldn’t quite hold on… it was still a very good outcome for the group,” Hann said.

“We played very well and got a good four-quarter effort from the group which is something we’ve been looking for all season.”

Heathmere’s reserves have enjoyed a fair bit of success to this point of the season, currently sitting at 4-4 after eight rounds and are well and truly in the finals picture.

“Any Heathmere side making finals is a win for the club, they’ve been able to rattle off a few great wins,” Hann said.

“To be honest we’d been hoping for a couple more wins in the senior side at this stage, but we’re still coming together and dealing with so many injuries, so it goes to show the depth we’ve got that we’ve been able to stay competitive.”

Cavendish claim top spot

Cavendish has snatched first position on the ladder with an emphatic win over Coleraine 16.9 (105) to 13.8 (86).

The Bloods gained the lead in the second term, leading by two goals at halftime.

While the Maroons continued to push for the remainder of the contest, Cavendish was able to keep them at arms-length to hold on for the win.

Luke Purcell, Lachlan Seed, Jonathon Coghlan, Bailey Herrmann, Scott Addinsall and Christopher Quinn were best for Cavendish, while Robert Mackinnon, Adam Ward, Alexander Richardson, Tyrone Vickery, Liam Kaine and Sam Tooley fought hard for Coleraine.

Darras handle Westerns

Tyrendarra had a straightforward victory at home over Westerns, running out 23.9 (147) to 7.3 (45) victors.

The Darras took control of the match early on, with Jordi Withers dominant up forward on his way to eight majors and best on ground honours.

Matthew Hardiman, Luke Evans, Logan Edwards, Jack Gibbons and Mitch Arnold were the others to earn mentions in the Darras’ best, while James Corbett, Harri Dennert, Kingston Naborlhborlh, Noah Knight, Dylan Marlow and Jack Cowan fought hard for Westerns.

Bye round for all clubs

There will be no South West sport this weekend due to a scheduled bye round for all clubs, with the league set to return for round nine on June 17.