Noradjuha-Quantong upset another finals contender on Saturday, while Harrow-Balmoral fended off one of their toughest challenges yet in the Horsham District football league.
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The Southern Roos travelled to Apsley for the battle of West Wimmera and were welcomed by a tough and physical contest against Edenhope-Apsley.
The Saints appeared up for the challenge in the early stages, with both sides ferocious at the football.
But after taking an eight-point lead into quarter time, Harrow-Balmoral were able to steady in the second term, utilising their talls to full effect and dominating across the ground.
The Southern Roos opened up a 27 point lead by half time before kicking away in the second half to defeat their nearest rival 12.5 (77) to 27.6 (168).
Harrow-Balmoral coach Nick Pekin said it was a fiery contest.
"The heat was on, we knew they were going to be tough to beat, and it was really neck and neck for that first half," he said.
"To our credit, we made a few changes and were able to put the foot down. But the final score didn't quite reflect the full four quarters. It was a tough contest."
Pekin said gun recruit Michael Close was particularly impressive in his fifth game back.
"Michael was hammered from pillar to post, but he really stood up under the pressure," Pekin said.
"But beyond him and Simon Close (five goals), for us to have 11 individual goal kickers was really pleasing as well."
It was a far more thrilling finale at the Natimuk Showgrounds, with a seesawing last quarter keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.
Noradjuha-Quantong led by five points at three-quarter time, before booting five unanswered goals to start the last term and breaking way to a 30 point lead.
The Bombers were propelled out of the midfield by Tom Cooper, Dustin Cross and Jason Kerr, who repeatedly won the centre clearances off the ruckwork of Jack Vague.
The game appeared all but over with 15 minutes played, but Natimuk United refused to rollover. Led by Nathan Koenig, Jayden Stiles and Mitch Riddell, the Rams booted four goals in quick succession to cut the margin back to just five points once more.
With all the momentum going against them, the Bombers somehow propelled themselves forward, and the ball fell to Jackson Besford, who slotted a clutch set shot to secure victory, the final score 16.7 (103) to 19.6 (120).
Bombers' coach Gareth Hose said it was an incredible victory to all-but secure them a finals berth.
"We're obviously rapt," Hose said. "The development of the group has been huge.
"I think our last month and a half of footy has been a gradual build. I've been really pleased with it, especially today.
"Our consistency and our ability against the good sides has been really pleasing."
For Natimuk United, their golden chance to seize second spot on the ladder slipped through their fingers, as they slid back to fourth place after the loss.
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