The Horsham Saints have claimed their place in the top four with a hard-fought 10-goal win against the Warrack Eagles.
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It was always going to be an exciting contest between two of the league's traditional powerhouses, and the game's opening stages certainly lived up to the billing.
The Saints wrestled control of proceedings early and raced out to an 18-9 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Lavinia Fox and Maggie Caris partnered up in the Saints' goal ring for only the fifth time this season and quickly caused problems for last season's minor premiers.
Caris collected 12 goals in the opening quarter, on her way to 44 for the day.
The travelling Warrack Eagles responded in turn in the second quarter, clawing back the deficit through accurate shooting from Megan Werner.
Werner shot at an imposing 89 per cent in the second term, but her Eagles entered the break trailing, 36-23.
Abby Hallam moved into the Saints' goal ring for the third term, and the visitors quickly seized on the chance presented by the change.
The Warrack Eagles won the third term, 20-11.
Young goalie Molly Stewart continued to show her comfort at senior level, collecting ten goals in the quarter at a perfect 100 per cent accuracy.
Holding a slender four-goal lead heading into the final quarter, the Saints rebounded, with the reintroduction of Lavinia Fox proving to be the difference.
Jess Kelly marshalled the Saints' attacking stars well, in a performance that saw her named among the Eagles' best.
But, the hosts slowly drew away.
Fox was honoured as the Saints' best in the 67-57 win, alongside defender Elly Barnett.
The result saw the Warrack Eagles drop to fifth place after Ararat collected four points from the bye.
The Saints now sit in fourth place, equal on points with the Eagles, but with a higher percentage - 110 to 108.
Elsewhere, Minyip-Murtoa and Horsham both secured confidence-boosting wins.
The Burras were tested by Stawell in the first quarter, heading into the break with a six-goal lead.
But, the ladder leaders showed the form that has seen them unmatched this season and blew the game apart.
Kirby Knight continued her scintillating form, collecting 61 goals in the 71-33 win.
Horsham, meanwhile, coasted to a 65-36 win against Dimboola.
Faith McKenzie and Emma Buwlada were the standouts, as the Demons barely faltered in an impressive all-round performance.
In the round's other contest, the Southern Mallee Giants beat Nhill, 62-47.
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