The Cougars led by seven goals at quarter time and maintained a six-goal lead at the half, but a 16-7 third-quarter burst from the visiting Rams saw them take a three-score lead into the final term.
Amid rainy and gusty conditions at Kaniva, the home side fought back to retake the lead midway through the last term, but composed shooting from Stacey Hopwood and timely stops from defenders Keeta Scown and Beth Sudholz put the Rams back in front by the final whistle.
Goal defence Ruby Gordon and wing defence Lauren Brown were the top players for the Cougars, who have a bye this weekend along with Edenhope-Apsley and Taylors Lake.
At Horsham City Oval, Noradjuha-Quantong ended Harrow-Balmoral’s four-match winning streak, making the Roos’ path to a potential finals berth more difficult.
The Bombers extended their lead at every change in the 44-31 win, with Leah Mirtschin playing lock-down defence on in-form Harrow-Balmoral goalie Megan Little.
Laharum was too powerful for Pimpinio, winning 55-30 with defender Jaspa Robinson blanketing Tiger Mikayla Dumesny, and Rylee Hateley playing one of her best games of the season in the midcourt.
Another comfortable winner was Edenhope-Apsley, which downed Rupanyup 60-26 with Olivia Spence excelling at goal keeper and Dee Dee Lambert goaling accurately despite windy conditions.
Kalkee was too strong for Taylors Lake at Dock Lake Reserve, winning 55-27 with midcourter Tamika Mentha and goal defence Abbey Williams dominating proceedings, while centre Kayla Kelm worked hard for the Lakers.
The Kees will host Pimpinio this Saturday in a game with big top-five implications. Other games see Natimuk United hosting Noradjuha-Quantong, Swifts travelling to play Harrow-Balmoral, and Rupanyup away against Laharum.
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