Leitchville-Gunbower is knocking on the door of the top four in Heathcote District Football League thanks to a one-goal victory over Huntly in round 11.
However, it was a slow start for the Bombers at Strauch Reserve, as the Hawks’ sheer volume of chances gave them an 11-point lead at the first turn.
As a side that has improved as the season has moved along, L-G’s consistency brought it back into the contest with 3.3 to make it a two-point game at the major break.
The Bombers’ defenders stepped up in the third term, keeping the Hawks scoreless, which allowed their attackers to slot a pair of goals and snatch a nine-point lead with a quarter to play.
Despite being outscored by Huntly (2) down the stretch, L-G (1.3) did enough to hang on and claim a one-goal victory over a higher-placed side on the road.
The 7.9 (51) to 6.9 (45) victory holds the Bombers steady in fifth position on the ladder, but are now only a game back from snatching Huntly’s position in the top four.
Blake Dye (3) and Billy Hawken (2) were productive in front of goal, while Nic Cattapan, Sam Keogh, Lachlan Martini, Jobee Warde, Max Hagan and Jye Keath were in the best for their efforts.
L-G will have another test of its constitution in round 12, as it will host third-placed Mt Pleasant at Gunbower Recreation Reserve.
The Game
Scores
L-G: 1.2, 4.5, 6.6, 7.9 (51)
Huntly: 2.7, 4.7, 4.9, 6.9 (45)
Goals
L-G: Blake Dye 3, Billy Hawken 2, Bryce Barnstable, Joel Donehue
Huntly: Sam Dunstan 3, Kyle Forster, Jacob Greenwood, Deacon Wheelhouse
Best
L-G: Nic Cattapan, Sam Keogh, Lachlan Martini, Jobee Warde, Max Hagan, Jye Keath
Huntly: Mitch Billings, Darby Walsh, Steve Kairn, Kyle Forster, Darcy Lawler, Harrison Campbell