The Highlanders’ 13-point victory over Ellinbank and District in the wet at Nar Nar Goon has elevated it to 26th on Victorian Country Football League standings, one spot behind Maryborough Castlemaine District, which slipped to 25th following a nine-point defeat at the hands of Horsham District league.

The shuffle in rankings will likely see the two competitions pitted against one another next year.

Central Highlands’ victory came at its first senior interleague appearance since 1997.

League president Eddy Comelli said based on early indicators, the concept was likely to become a regular part of the season fixture in years to come.

“With the enthusiasm that was shown by players that participated, they would all love to go again.

‘‘The coaches have indicated they’re keen on doing it all over again, so on that basis you’d have to say yes,” Comelli told The Courier.

“(The Central Highlands board) represent the clubs and the majority of clubs were keen to get (interleague) going again so that’s why we went in that direction (this year).”

Comelli said having players that wanted to represent the league, rather than forcing them, had proved a successful approach for the senior team this year.

A total of 32 competitions were locked in interleague battle at the weekend, with Goulburn Valley retaining the number one ranking following a 13-point win over Morning Peninsula Nepean league in Shepparton on Saturday.