The two teams were forced to contend with strong winds at the Wendouree Reserve, with both clubs missing key goalers in the Lakers’ Melanie Allen and the Swans’ Kelly Moran.  

The Lakers had the ascendancy throughout the low scoring affair, building each term on the four-goal lead established in an opening term which saw just 10 goals scored.

Lakers coach Kirsty Walsh said while neither side was at full capacity for the scrappy affair it was good to register the win early in the season, with the Lakers prevailing 35-25.

“Any wins are good, especially with our new inclusions to the side, and Ballarat had such a good game last week (in its narrow loss to East Point).”

The win cements the Lakers’ spot in second position on the ladder behind the undefeated Sunbury Lions after their round two win over 2015 finalists Redan.

Walsh also praised the efforts of the newly-promoted Kellie Berry, who played a crucial role in goals for the Lakers in the third term.  

After starting the game in defence Berry went forward in the second half and scored a pivotal six goals for the Lakers in the third quarter.

The Lakers will now look ahead to their assignment against Darley at Darley Park next week, who will be keen to return to the winners list after being narrowly edged out by Sunbury on Saturday.  

The Devils held a narrow lead over the top of the ladder Lions at the first two changes before ultimately falling three goals short, losing 41-38.

In other matches around the league, East Point looked to assert its presence at the top end of the table, dominating Bacchus Marsh 52-23 at the Eastern Oval.

Sebastopol made short work of Melton at Marty Busch Reserve, running home 22 goal victors, 47-25, while Redan was on song in its demolition of cellar dweller Melton South, taking the points 40-14 to register its first win in 2016.