The most even Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League season in years continues to throw up surprises and Saturday’s round 11 provided another upset as Padthaway defeated Naracoorte for the second time this season to keep their finals hopes alive.
The Lions with their backs against the wall, produced the result they needed by beating the Demons in a close contest.
Naracoorte had a lot of shots on goal in the first half, but could not capitalise with the scoreboard tied at half time and Padthaway made them pay.
Thomas Edwards and Will Rivers were the stars kicking five goals each for the Lions.
James Alexander, Tobin Cox and Tom Moyle-Read were awesome in the victory to stop the efforts of Rory Taggert and Jamie Bettoncelli from stealing the result.
Lucindale had a strong 106-point win against Bordertown as the Roos look to seal top spot on the ladder for the finals.
The Roos started slowly, but clicked in to gear in the second quarter as they proved to be far too slick for Bordertown.
Bradley McCarthy kicked six goals and Josh Trembath kicked four as the Roos jumped away to their highest score for the season.
Keith proved way too strong for Penola and won by the large 93-point margin to continue their charge towards a double finals chance.
George Johnson and Billy Wade were prominent in front of goal while Daniel Bibby, Ryan Bartlett and Jonathon Wilson did the grunt work around the ground.
The Eagles tried hard to stick with the Crows but could not find many scoring options during the game with Zac Deane the only multiple goal kicker with three, while Dale Bunnik, Bradley Merrett and Zac Deane fought hard.
Mundulla put in a strong performance against Border Districts despite a few first-choice players missing the game.
The Tigers came flying out of the gates in the first half as they set up a nine-goal advantage by half time.
But the Eagles showed some fight in the second half by kicking seven goals, but the damage had already been done.
Daniel Burgess kicked four and James Hinge put through three as the twin towers provided a strong focal point for Mundulla to get the job done.
Kingston kept up their chase for a top three finish after they defeated the Kybybolite Tigers by 32 points.
The Saints were in some great form in the first half as they ran the ball with great ball movement and finished the good work in front of goal.
The Saints led by 11 goals at half time after Todd Lockwood bagged five.
The Tigers did show some great fight in the second half and put some respectability on the scoreboard but Brett Simpson, Jed Castley and Lockwood ensured the Saints stayed on top until the end.
This Saturday’s round 13 has some interesting match ups that can shape the top five and also keep some teams in the finals race.
Keith host Naracoorte in the match of the round and both sides are in the mix for the double chance.
The Demons dropped to fifth spot after letting one slip, while the Crows have won seven of their past eight games.
Last time these two teams played, the Demons won by six points in a classic and many would expect the rematch to be just as close.
Padthaway hosts Kingston and the Lions need to keep winning to have any chance of playing Finals.
The Lions have won three games in a row and have sound form coming in to this contest, while the Saints have a few players coming back, so this should be another close game.
Bordertown host Penola and both sides would see this game as a potential win.
The Roosters had a down game last weekend against Lucindale, but before they showed some solid form.
The Eagles will be fired up to try and get a few more wins before the season is done though and will be up for the challenge.
Kybybolite host Mundulla in a battle of the Tigers, while Lucindale should prove too strong for Border Districts.
