KDL | Gallery | ‘Best win of the year': Wombats tough it out against Stanhope

Stanhope had its centenary celebrations spoiled by a spirited Lancaster which was able to tough out a gritty 24-point win on Saturday.

Teenage gun Darcy Keck was best afield for the Wombats, while speedsters Sam Spedding and Zac Cerrone provided strong contributions through the midfield.

The result keeps the Wombats locked in top spot after six rounds.

Lancaster mentor Corey Carver was proud of the way his side was able to overcome the conditions and a determined Lions contingent.

“It was the hardest four-quarter game we have played this season. I think it was our best win of the year,” Carver said.

“The boys just had to really work hard all game. The pressure was fairly high all game and Stanhope never backed off.”

Lancaster got the perfect start to the contest.

Carver's men piled on five goals to zip in the first term and took full advantage of the wind.

But Stanhope was able to mount a charge in the following quarter and trailed by 13 points at the main break.

With another stirring effort in the third term Lancaster held the hosts goalless again while also adding three of their own to the scoreboard.

The 35-point lead at three-quarter time proved too significant for the Lions in the last term.

Carver credited the opening term blitz for setting up the win.

“It was a fairly decent breeze that favoured one end,” he said.

“It was handy to get that buffer at the start of the game, but Stanhope fought back in the second and it was still game on at half-time.”

In the Lions’ camp, Stuart Trevena and Daniel Flynn battled hard, while Jono Pearson banged home three majors.

● There is a new face rubbing shoulders with the top-four outfits.

Dookie United has jumped up the ladder following its classy 20-point victory over Merrigum.

The Thunder used the blustery conditions to their advantage and piled on eight goals to two in the opening term which helped set up the win.

Kyle Tapscott ended the game with six majors, while Pat McMullan was best afield with his four-goal performance.

Jacob Martin was Merrigum's best performer and finished with three goals.

● Violet Town gave one of its favourite sons a day to remember.

Club stalwart Sean Horsburgh celebrated game 300 in style as the Towners demolished Undera by 110 points.

Horsburgh ended the day with two majors and in the list of better players, while Josh Mellington added 14 goals to his season tally.

● Rushworth claimed its second win of the campaign with a six-goal triumph over Ardmona.

The Tigers — helped by former AFL talent Daniel Harris (two goals) — proved too much for Shane Crawford's charges at Ironbark Stadium.

Kieran Malone was Rushworth's top player, while Paul Scanlon recorded a strong showing for the Bush Cats.

● Avenel remains unbeaten after a dominant first-quarter performance against Shepparton East.

The Swans piled on six goals and held the away side goalless in the opening term to eventually run out 43-point winners.

Michael McKenzie, Nick Goodwin and Kasey Duncan (five) starred for the Swans.

For the Eagles, Jayden Damianopoulos and Adam Serafini were their standout performers.

● Nagambie and Girgarre recorded huge wins over Tallygaroopna and Longwood, respectively.

Ben Hutton was a standout, while Daniel Haysom ended with eight majors for the Lakers in the 159-point drubbing.

And Girgarre's Ryan Butler feasted on seven goals as the Kangaroos powered past the Redlegs by 170 points.

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