SHEER heartbreak for Sebastopol.
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The Kookaburras fell just short of a fairytale win against Melton on Saturday, losing by four points in arguably the most tense match of the Ballarat Football League season to date.
With caretaker coach Wayne Sheridan at the helm for the first time, it was a Sebastopol side that has not been sighted all year that took to Marty Busch Reserve, playing with genuine intent and self-belief.
The Burras actually led by 18 points early on in the final quarter after Michael Powell snapped a goal and appeared to be on the way to their first victory since 2012.
However, the Bloods fought back and despite their best efforts, it became obvious Sebastopol were out of their depth as the minutes counted down.
The Bloods hit the front at the 27-minute mark but it looked as though Luke Parker had taken a mark in the goalsquare just one minute later, which would have steered the Burras to victory.
However, the mark was not paid and the siren sounded soon after.
The final scoreboard read Melton 11.16 (72) to Sebastopol 12.6 (78).
MEANWHILE, East Point's late season revival continued with a spirited 18-point win over Bacchus Marsh at Eastern Oval.
Trailing by as much as 26 points late in the second quarter, it seemed as though the Cobras were running away with the game, with coach Cam Richardson with four early goals to his name.
However, a 50-metre penalty against Richardson in the last minute of the half gave the Roos a guaranteed goal and some much needed momentum heading into the main break.
The third term turned into a genuine arm wrestle and when Richardson received a yellow card and was sent off the field, East Point took charge.
Eventually, East Point notched up its third win in a row with a 12.12 (84) to 10.6 (66) victory to sneak into the top six for the first time all year.
Richardson finished with four goals and was named best on ground for Bacchus Marsh, while East Point ruckman Paul Kodorenko was given the nod as the best for his side.
AT Eureka Stadium, North Ballarat City ended Darley's seven-game winning streak in comprehensive fashion, smashing the Devils by 77 points.
The result means North City has been Darley twice this year by a combined total of 180 points.
North City has now secured the minor premiership and subsequently a double chance come finals, while Darley needs just one more win to shore up fourth spot.
North captain Jason McNamara continued his white-hot form as the best player in the league to be named best on ground for North Ballarat City once again, while Derick Micallef and Shaun Lyle kicked three goals each.
AND in the final match for the round, Lake Wendouree has moved into fifth spot on the ladder, beating Melton South by 45 points in a crucial percentage-boosting win.
The Lakers were in control all day to eventually run out 20.16 (136) to 14.7 (91) winners.
With East Point and Sunbury awaiting Lake Wendouree in the final two rounds, one more win is almost certain to be enough to see them snare a finals berth.
UPDATED LADDER:
NORTH BALLARAT CITY 60 premiership points 219.16 per cent, REDAN 52 169.50, BALLARAT 52 139.68, DARLEY 42 110.29, LAKE WENDOUREE 36 113.13, EAST POINT 36 105.03, Sunbury 36 104.63, Bacchus Marsh 32 107.05, Melton 30 82.60, Melton South 12 73.16, Sebastopol 4 29.81