Ballarat continues to go from strength to strength, dispatching of Bacchus Marsh on Saturday to cement third spot on the Ballarat Football League ladder.
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In a match played in torrid conditions at Alfredton Oval, the Swans were able to restrict the Cobras to just three goals for the game, winning 10.6 (66) to 3.10 (28).
Shane Hutchison stood out in the scrappy match, where clean possession took a back seat to grit and hard footy.
Rex Hickman was also impressive down forward, chipping in with two goals, as did Will McGregor.
Daniel Kennedy and Liam Youl shared shutdown roles on Bacchus Marsh coach Cam Richardson, although the former North Melbourne player was still effective.
However, Richardson was left to rue a swag of missed opportunities after the match, with four behinds coming off his boot alone.
"The points we kicked were easy shots on goal and we could've been right in it...we could've been a lot closer," he said.
"I think I kicked four or five points, if I turned them into goals we were right in the game. But I was happy with the boys and they way they fought it out right till the end."
Ballarat coach Ash Baker said the hard fought win was a true testament to the effort put in by his side.
The Swans enter the bye next week with six wins and two losses for the season to date.
"To kick 10 goals ourselves and hold them to just three for the day was a pretty good effort, I though the boys were pretty solid for the whole game," Baker said.
"We're started to show good signs of improvement and development from where we were at the start of the year.
"We're pretty happy with how the development is coming along."
IN THE other three BFL games on Saturday, all went to script.
Darley kept its season alive with a seven-goal last quarter to beat Melton South 16.16 (112) to 11.3 (69).
Steve Kennedy booted four goals from the midfield in a best-on-ground display for the Devils, who were pushed for three quarters for the Panthers.
NORTH BALLARAT CITY set up its 37-point win over Melton with a six goal to one opening quarter.
The reigning premiers came out firing to lead by 31 points at quarter time, but only a combined seven goals would be kicked for the remainder of the match, with North winning 11.10 (76) to 3.11 (29).
AND in the final match for the day, East Point did as expected by beating Sebastopol, although the Kookaburras' put up their best fight for the year.
Michael Powell kicked four of his Sebastopol's six goals, while Dylan Wright bagged four for East Point.
Having led by just eight points at half time, the Roos put the foot down in the second half to run out 14.22 (106) to 6.11 (47) winners.
Lake Wendouree will host Redan on Sunday, in what could prove to be match of the round.