Reigning Horsham District senior football premier Harrow-Balmoral strengthened its case as a favourite to win a fourth-straight flag on Saturday, defeating finals aspirant Kaniva-Leeor United at Harrow.

The match was tight early, with the visiting Cougars matching the Roos’ physicality in the contest – the likes of Billy King and Lachlan Bates coming to the fore for Kaniva-Leeor, while coach Jai Thompson and hard nut Will Plush shone for Harrow-Balmoral.

After a low-scoring first term in which both teams struggled to capitalise on their opportunities – the Roos scoring 2.2 and the visitors kicking 1.5 – the match began to open up in the second quarter.

Two quick goals to Harrow-Balmoral’s Cody Deutscher and Michael Close were answered by a major from Kaniva-Leeor’s Josh Clayton, but it became apparent the Roos had more firepower as Deutscher and Close again goaled in succession to help their side to a 20-point lead by half time.

The Cougars continued to press in the third term, holding the Roos goalless and adding two of their own to narrow the gap to nine points at the last change, but the home side finished strongly with four goals to one in the last to record an important 11.8 (74) to 6.10 (46) victory.

Leading the charge for the Roos were Thompson and co-captain Will Burbury, with Deutscher kicking four majors in a game-breaking performance and Mitch Grant lively across half-forward.

For the Cougars, ruckman Hamish Bennett was strong in the wet, with the big bodies of Clayton and Blake Dodson also providing a physical presence around the ground.

Elsewhere, Pimpinio earned an important four points against Edenhope-Apsley, triumphing 11.13 (79) to 7.13 (55) in a difficult road game.

The Saints showed plenty of fight after being on the wrong end of a discouraging 33-10 first quarter, working their way back to within three goals of the visiting Tigers.

But a long-range set shot from Brock Hamerston early in the third term seemingly took the wind out of the Saints’ sails, with Adam Westley and Isaac Thomas subsequently hitting the scoreboard to help build a 33-point lead for their side at the final change.

The Tigers were led by Hamerston, co-coach Matt Rosier and young gun Austin Simpson, while Billy Cameron, Corey Williams and Luke Cooper stood up for the Saints.

Pimpinio will now turn its attention to a vital home game this weekend against rival Laharum, with the Demons coming off a thumping 28.15 (183) to 3.2 (20) win against Taylors Lake.

Laharum wasted no time establishing its dominance with six goals to one in the first term, and kept its foot on the throttle throughout as full forward Jack Fenner booted a season-high 13 majors to take a commanding 21-goal lead on the league goal-kicking table with 64 for the year so far.

Other standouts for Laharum included Josh Hutchinson with three goals and Shannon Argall in the ruck, while Patrick Lindsey, Jayden Scott and Ryan Gebert were among the Lakers’ best.

Laharum now sits second on the ladder with a 9-2 record, while Pimpinio is fifth at 7-4.

But while the Tigers have a one-game lead over sixth-placed Kalkee, they could slip out of the top five with a loss to Laharum and a Kalkee victory against Taylors Lake.

The Kees are coming off a bye and should be fresh for the clash, which could net them a significant percentage boost if they emulate Laharum’s example.

Rupanyup picked up its fourth win of the season against Natimuk United on Saturday, holding on for an 8.11 (59) to 6.9 (45) final result after leading by 30 points at three-quarter time.

The Rams stormed home with 10 scoring shots to one in the last quarter, but inaccuracy and a hefty deficit doomed them despite strong performances from the likes of Will Kennedy, Mitch Clarke, Ricci Marks, Kaiden Sudholz and Kyah Wilkinson.

For the Panthers, defender Daniel Weetra excelled again, but George Wilks grabbed best afield honours while Alby Kingston, Sam Kamstra, Jimmy Finnigan and Marlon Motlop were all among the top players.

Noradjuha-Quantong steadied the ship after a second-quarter fightback from Swifts to win 14.12 (96) to 7.6 (48) at Central Park.

The Baggies kicked five goals to three in the second term to get themselves back in the contest after trailing by 20 points at quarter time, but managed only one more major for the rest of the game.

Wade Francis, Riley Dunlop, Declan Phyland and Nigel Kelly were among the Bombers’ best, while veterans Ben Martin and Scott Carey led the way for the Baggies.

The Bombers will host Harrow-Balmoral this weekend at Horsham City Oval, with the playing surface at Quantong Recreation Reserve recovering from wet weather.

The day will also see the Bombers celebrate the 50-year anniversary of Noradjuha’s premiership four-peat in the 1970s, as well as its 1966 and 1956 premiership sides.

Other games this weekend see Kaniva-Leeor United host Natimuk United, Rupanyup welcoming Edenhope-Apsley, Taylors Lake at home to Kalkee and Laharum travelling to play Pimpinio.

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