NORTH Ballarat's premiership defence gained momentum with a resounding 35-point win over Collingwood in the VFL in Collingwood's heartland at Victoria Park on Saturday.In fourth position, Collingwood posed a serious danger to the Selkirk Roosters.North Ballarat was missing captain and number one defender Shaune Moloney with hamstring soreness, as well as number one ruckman Orren Stephenson.The Magpies had three potential match-winners in Josh Fraser, Paul Medhurst and Shane O'Bree desperate to make an impression and lay a foundation for a return to AFL ranks.Whatever threat Collingwood posed, North Ballarat effectively quashed it with an eight-goal opening quarter.This gave the Roosters a 28-point lead - a cushion which remained largely in place all the way to a final scoreline of 20.11 (131) to 14.12 (96).It was their highest score of the season as Aaron Edwards kicked seven goals and Corey Jones five to cap off the work of a dominant midfield led by Steve Clifton, Myles Sewell, Dan Feery, Nick Peters, Leigh Harding and Nick Couch early.Collingwood was more competitive after halftime and marginally ate into a 42-point deficit, but winning never looked a possibility for the Magpies.They had times when they dominated, but each time they made a run North Ballarat steadied.Clifton, Sewell and Couch ensured the Roosters controlled the stoppages, Harding's explosive pace broke the lines and Feery and Peters were prominent in nullifying a strong brigade of small Collingwood runners.Feery was back to his absolute best as he frustrated O'Bree out of business and, at the same time, provided effective work close to contests.Medhurst and Fraser had their moments, but thanks to efforts of Josh Smith, Cam Richardson and Matt Sharkey they were few and far between in a disciplined performance and aggressive mindset by the Roosters.