The Seagulls overtook Cobden in fifth place on the ladder on the back of a 44-34 victory at Gardens Oval on Saturday.

Bolstered by the return of Carley Thomas (26 goals) in attack, the Seagulls absorbed the Bloods’ challenge early to take a 15-10 lead into the first break.

The visitors fought back again in the second, but the Seagulls held onto a four-goal lead. A big third term saw Port Fairy extend the advantage out to 10 at the final change, which proved to be the winning margin.

Coach Megan Titmus said the Seagulls were still making a few mistakes, but “we’re getting there”, and said a win over the Bloods, who beat them in their earlier encounter this season

“If we want to make it to the five, it’s very important,” she said. “We’re definitely aiming for finals.”

Titmus said the Seagulls’ improved intent helped them gain ascendancy in the third quarter.

“Just wanting the ball more, rather than standing and waiting for it, they did that, they worked as a team and got there,” she said.

Port Fairy’s quest to stay in the five faces its first speed bump next Saturday when they take on second-placed North Warrnambool Eagles.

The Eagles took the points when they met back in round five, but the Seagulls have turned the corner since and are starting to string together some good form.

Meanwhile, Koroit shook off a challenge from Portland in the first half to post a healthy 63-36 victory at Hanlon Park.

The Tigers came out firing and trailed the ladder leaders by just two goals at quarter-time.

By half-time, however, the Saints had edged out to a seven-goal lead. They only pulled further away in the second half, shooting 18 goals to nine in the third term and 19 to seven in the last.

Ever-resilient Camperdown dug deep in the fourth quarter to turn a two-goal deficit into a three-goal victory over Cobden at Leura Oval.

The Magpies, down another experienced player with Emily Stephens seemingly done for the year with a finger joint injury, brought another junior into the line up, with Olivia Henzen having a run in wing defence.

The Bombers led at each break, up by margins of four, one and two, before Magpies goalers Jaymie and Emily Finch put in a super last quarter, combining for 13 goals to the Bombers’ seven.