By Tim O'Connor

Gordon ended its losing run against arch rivals Springbank in grand style on Saturday, prevailing in a bruising encounter by 30 points.

And the breakthrough win meant a lot to the Eagles faithful, who turned out in big numbers and rode every bump at their home ground.

The success – which helped claim back the prized Jimmy Toohey Memorial Shield – was Gordon’s first over Springbank since round eight of the 2014 Central Highlands Football League campaign.

While the Eagles were good winners at the final siren, it didn’t always appear the home side would secure the points.

In a fiery opening, Springbank started brilliantly to lead by close to 30 points at one stage early in the second term before the Eagles piled on the next seven majors to open up their own handy lead in the third quarter.

It was the likes of Mick Nolan and Chris McGuigan that were instrumental during that period and it proved a match-winning one as the Eagles were never headed for the rest of the afternoon.

Springbank trailed by less than a goal when Nick Couch kicked truly early in the final term, but the hosts proved too tough when it mattered most, booting the last four majors of the game to run out strong victors.

Couch was the Tigers’ best in a day when contested possessions were the flavour of the day. He kicked three goals and gave plenty of drive to the side.

While Nolan and McGuigan starred for the Eagles – both kicked three majors – it was Steve Nicholson that won the medal as the player adjudged best on ground. He was switched to defence and produced a strong performance, including a number of crucial marks.

Other players to perform well included ruckman Luke Gunnell and Tye Murphy, who was busy around the ground.

Gordon coach Gary Learmonth said the win was important for his team’s hopes of reaching the top four, but extra special in that it helped regain the shield.

“We think we are building into some good form. We really respect Springbank, they’ve been the best side for a number of years, so we had to bring our A game today and I thought we did,” Learmonth said.

“We put them under enormous pressure and we took our chances when we went forward.”

Learmonth and his boys sit fifth after the win and need to beat Buninyong next Saturday to secure a double chance in finals.

Springbank relinquished its grip on top spot following the defeat, but should bounce back to form against Creswick in round 17.

The Tigers, which now sit behind Beaufort and Hepburn on percentage, can’t slide from the four in the last round.

Buninyong 8.15 (63) d Bungaree 6.9 (45)

By John McGregor

It was a nail-biting finish at Bungaree on Saturday that saw Buninyong come from behind to snatch a three-goal win.

The Demons had led every quarter, but half-way through the final term the Bombers had whittled that lead to one point.

A goal from Josh Renga put the Bombers ahead, but an answering major from Bungaree’s Jack Walter levelled the scores.

The Demons had smothered and locked down Buninyong’s ball movement, especially its kicking.

It was soon apparent with just minutes to go to the final siren that the Bombers had thrown off these shackles and skipper Ned Gilbert slotted home a major to take back the lead. Ruckman Anthony Ebery joined the party with a goal and Alex Bomitali sealed the deal just before full time.

Conditions were heavy with rain and a gusty wind, which restricted long kicks and spoiled many forward attacks by both sides.

Buninyong’s Fraser Russell was the only multiple goal-kicker for his side with two majors. Under-18 player Jake Coxall was easily the best for the Bombers, followed closely by speedy Jaymes Gorman.

Jack Robertson produced a lot of drive off the backline and Sam Van Meel and Liam Rigby were hard to handle out of the centre. Nick Shell was rock solid in defence.

Bungaree skipper Jackson Murphy helped set up his side’s handy lead in the first quarter and he stabilised things in the third term with another two majors.

Demons ruckman David Benson covered a lot of distance and was best on ground.

The attack out of the centre came from Zac Denham, Andrew Milroy, Harry Russell and Matt Sheridan.

Buninyong coach Jarrod Morgan liked the way his charges stuck to their guns and played out the game.

“We didn’t start the way we wanted to. It was great to just scrap a win. We had to win whichever way we could...and we did. We regrouped in the second half and found a way to win,” he said.

Morgan was listed to play, but was a late withdrawal because of a badly corked thigh.

Bungaree coach Heath Pyke blamed lapses in concentration for the fade out.

“We were right in the game right up to the last five or ten minutes of the game. Unfortunately there were a few lapses from our boys which opened up the door for a few late goals,” Pyke said.

Buninyong remains fourth on the ladder following the win and will battle Gordon in the last round of the home and away season for a double chance in finals.

Meanwhile, Bungaree is seventh after a third-straight defeat.

Waubra 14.11 (95) d Clunes 4.9 (33)

By Tim O'Connor

Waubra forward Tim Boyle has moved three goals clear at the top of the league goal-kicking chart after Saturday’s victory over Clunes.

Boyle returned to the team and kicked four majors in the 62-point success, taking his season tally to 53.

He leads Springbank’s Tom Eltringham (50 goals), but can’t add to his total due to a bye in the final round of the home and away season.

Boyle was one of the Roos’ best on Saturday alongside Tom Nash and Lincoln Barnes.

Waubra led the contest at every change and sits sixth on the ladder moving into the last round.

However, the Roos can’t climb into the top four and secure a double chance in finals, with fifth-placed Gordon and fourth-placed Buninyong meeting in round 17.

Clunes was best served by the likes of Jesse Baird, Lachlan Wrigley and Ryan Thompson.

The Magpies will finish off their season with a clash against Rokewood-Corindhap.

Beaufort 11.13 (79) d Learmonth 1.11 (17)

By Tim O'Connor

Beaufort charged to the top of the ladder with an easy win over Learmonth on Saturday.

The Crows lead Hepburn and Springbank on percentage after beating the Lakies – which managed just one goal on home soil – by 62 points.

Tom Stapleton kicked three goals to be named best for the Crows.

Learmonth has slipped to ninth and must beat Hepburn in the last round to have any hope of reaching finals.

Daylesford 7.9 (51) d Ballan 4.5 (29)

By Tim O'Connor

Daylesford is the front-runner to secure the last remaining finals position after beating Ballan on the weekend.

The Bulldogs climbed to eighth with the 22-point win on home soil and will finish eighth on the ladder baring a disaster in round 17.

Daylesford utility Emlyn Nettleton suffered concussion in the victory, which was set up by the efforts of ruckman Sam Winnard and winger Zac Tisdale.

Ballan named Sam Sher as its standout contributor.

Dunnstown 8.12 (60) d Newlyn 2.4 (16)

By Tim O'Connor

Dunnstown extended its winning streak to seven matches by beating Newlyn on Saturday, but still look massive outsiders to reach the finals series.

The Towners beat the Cats by 44 points, and despite sitting just a game behind eighth-placed Daylesford – which they play in round 17 – a significant percentage differential makes things tough.

Sam Jenkins was named best for the Towners, while Dylan McLachlan shone for the Cats.

Creswick 13.12 (90) d Skipton 7.4 (46)

By Tim O'Connor

Creswick paid tribute to one of its greats with a big victory over Skipton at the weekend.

The Wickers landed a 44-point success on a day that was all about remembering the late Darren Lubeek, who died suddenly late last month.

Lubeek was a senior premiership player at Creswick and full forward of its best team between 1950 to 2000.

In difficult conditions on Saturday, the Wickers proved too good for the battling Emus, with Lubeek’s son Zack kicking four goals in the 13.12 (90) to 7.4 (46) success.

Creswick senior coach Ryan Knowles said the club has named one of the pockets at Doug Lindsay Reserve after Lubeek, who was affectionately known as “Boo”.

“Damian Lubeek (former coach and nephew) and his daughter Stacey said a few words (after the game) and all the supporters went up there and had a beer,” Knowles said.

There was a minute silence before Saturday’s senior game, with Creswick players wearing black arm bands in memory of Lubeek.

And the home team started strongly, kicking away to a 35-point lead at the first change. From there, the Wickers had control of the game and cruised to victory.

Knowles said onballers Aaron Hepworth and Jack Marshman, defender Ryan Pompe and Mitchell Arnold, who did well across half back and on the wing, were among the standouts for his side.

The victory was the Wickers’ second in succession leading into their tough round 17 encounter with Springbank.

Curtis Townrow and Michael Young were among Skipton’s best.

The Emus will finish off a tough 2017 campaign against Carngham-Linton next weekend.

Rokewood Corindhap 16.11 (107) d Carngham Linton 4.10 (34)

By Tim O'Connor

Star onballer Sam Chapman turned in another outstanding display to lead Rokewood-Corindhap to a convincing victory over Carngham-Linton on Saturday.

Chapman was named best on ground for the winners, which cruised to a 73-point triumph at Snake Valley.

Comeback kid Caius Barrenger booted six goals for Rokewood-Corindhap, while young forward Chevy Elliott kicked four.

Other players to shine for the Grasshoppers included ruckman Ben Reese and midfielder Jake Dowell, while young Tom Fagg sustained a hand injury that could keep him out of the round 17 clash with Clunes.

For Carngham-Linton, Tim Clarke, Tom Sarah and Jock Coutts were among the best.