COBDEN ground out a hard-fought 21-point win against fellow Hampden league finals contender Camperdown today.
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Rain fell throughout the entire match, making it difficult to score.
Eleven of the 12 goals were kicked to the Warrnambool end of Cobden Recreation Reserve, as the Bombers went on to win 8.7 (55) to 4.10 (34).
Camperdown wasted opportunities early, kicking five behinds in the opening term.
The Magpies' four goals came in a dominant second term but they failed to add to their tally as the Bombers wrested control after half-time.
The win keeps fourth-placed Cobden's top three chances alive, while the Pies have slipped out of the top five.
Cobden's Joe Dare was industrious despite the best efforts of Camperdown tagger Damien Pemberton, while Bombers forwards Aidan Cole and Sam Harkin sprang to life in the second half.
Camperdown key defender Nick Bateman was a tireless worker and midfielder Khan Beckett was always around the contests.
Wet weather meant all games were low-scoring. North Warrnambool Eagles' and Warrnambool's 74 were the equal highest scores of the round, while three of the five winning sides kicked scores in the 50s.
Portland displaced Camperdown in fifth spot on the back of its 7.10 (52) to 3.7 (25) win against Hamilton Kangaroos at Hanlon Park.
The Tigers had just three goal-kickers, with teenager Jaydon Stiles booting four of their seven goals.
Terang Mortlake's finals chances hit another hurdle, with the Bloods suffering a 10.14 (74) to 4.12 (36) loss to North Warrnambool Eagles.
Eagles tall forward David Haynes defied the conditions to kick four goals.
Reigning premier Warrnambool defeated bottom-placed Port Fairy at Gardens Oval, 11.8 (74) to 3.7 (25). A seven-goal to none opening term set up the Blues' win.
The Seagulls' three goals all came in the second term.
Flag favourite Koroit clawed a 35-point win against a gallant South Warrnambool, 5.20 (50) to 2.3 (15).
The inaccurate Saints kept the Roosters goalless after half-time.
Koroit onballer Ben Dobson was the Saints' best and kicked two goals.
justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au