TERANG Mortlake strengthened its grip on fifth spot on the back of a 29-point win against Hamilton Kangaroos at Melville Oval on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Key forward Chris Bant was a prolific target in attack as the Bloods notched a crucial 11.16 (82) to 7.11 (53) victory.
The result gave the Matthew Irving-coached side a one-game break in fifth spot.
Four sides sit behind Terang Mortlake with five wins apiece after round 14, while Port Fairy finished the round at the foot of the table after succumbing to South Warrnambool.
The Roosters produced a 14.10 (94) to 10.10 (70) win over the Seagulls at Friendly Societies' Park.
Camperdown sits sixth after shocking Portland at Leura Oval.
The Magpies won 12.11 (83) to 8.3 (51).
Second-placed Koroit underlined its improvement with a percentage-boosting win over third-placed North Warrnambool Eagles at Bushfield Recreation Reserve.
The Eagles kicked the first two goals of the game but managed just five more in three-and-a-half quarters as the Saints dominated, winning 16.10 (106) to 7.11 (53).
Ben Goodall's return for the Saints in his first match since last year's grand final was memorable.
He kicked 3.6 splitting his time between half-forward and the midfield in a vintage performance.
While he was the feel-good story of the game, the impressive form of youngsters Willem Drew, James Gow and Jarrod Korewha was a big talking point as the Saints were too quick and skilful for the Eagles.
The loss will have a longer term impact on the Eagles than just the 53-point margin.
Livewire forward Jeremy Parkinson was taken by ambulance to hospital in the first quarter after suffering what club officials described as a dislocated ankle.
Midfielder Andy McMeel did not take his place in the starting line-up after failing to overcome a hamstring complaint.
Premiership favourite Warrnambool accounted for Cobden at Reid Oval, winning 16.10 (106) to 7.11 (53).