by Davyd Reid
Neerim-Neerim South emerged as the early frontrunner after controlling much of the contest in the top of the table contest against Trafalgar.

The Cats worked to a comfortable advantage at the final change, before the Bloods closed the gap with some junk time goals in an entertaining final term that had it all.
The Cats ultimately proved too good ahead of another big clash with Ellinbank next week, prevailing over the Bloods 12-12 (84) to 8-4 (52).
All present were reminded of the importance of community in a moving Anzac ceremony before the game, with Neerim-Neerim South's Will Papley later awarded the Anzac Medal.
Lachlan Bambridge back in for the Cats following a golfing trip to China and Jase Butler out for the Bloods due to running a marathon in Ballarat headlined the changes for each side.
Trafalgar challenged early as a smart kick from Kyle Beveridge found Lachlan McGrath directly in front.
Danny Brewster capitalised on the end of consecutive free kicks for the home side, but the Cats were quick to respond.
Harry Notman, who would continue to play a good game throughout the afternoon, kicked inside to Tyssen Morrow who snuck it in for the Cats' first major.
Bambridge then expertly put the ball to the advantage of Aaron Hillberg to put the visitors in front heading into the first change.
The Cats soon made it six in a row as they entered the long break with a handy 27-point buffer.
Bambridge scored from outside 50 before Hillberg ran into an open goal to open the lead to 43-points to begin the third term under gloomy skies.
Connor Noonan and Cooper Minichiello continued to defend staunchly and the Bloods were rewarded with consecutive goals to Isaac Caroleo. One coming from a smart lead, the other a nice rolling shot from the pocket.
Notman found reward for his industrious work, drifting into the pocket to open a handy 36-point buffer at the final change.
Kody Wilson's work to win the ball in the midfield alongside Papley, a dominant performance from Ayden Ramm on the wing and Kai Mounsey's enterprising battle with Dylan Farrell in the ruck all held the Cats in good stead.
Chris Urie and Cooper Clancy also were prominent for the Cats.
The likes of Bradley Hoffmann, Blake Slater, Hardy Kenny, Farrell and Owen Zimora would ensure the Bloods would fight the game out in a final quarter under lights.
An early running goal from Papley threatened as the sealer before a dramatic turn of events.
With Tyler Pratt ordered from the field, Shane Brewster capitalised on the resultant 50 metre penalty to give the Bloods some inkling of hope.
Such was the combative nature of the contest, two players crashed into a behind post competing for the ball with the impact so high it forced the post to bend.
The match took another twist when Trafalgar called for a player count, under the belief Pratt may have inadvertently been replaced.
The call proved wrong, gifting a goal to Mounsey as the steadier to re-establish the seven-goal advantage to help ultimately ice the result.
Blake Slater scored for the Bloods heading into time on, only for Mason McGarrity to put through his first major of the day.
A late hanger from Minichiello in defence and goals to Caroleo and Matt Devon helped close the final margin.