By Ewen McRae
Melton jumped into the top four of the Ballarat Football League on Saturday, following a strong win over North Ballarat.
While the two teams were evenly matched in the early stages, the Bloods superior accuracy saw them extend their lead at every break on their way to a 16.5 (101)-3.10 (28) win.
North Ballarat had its chances to hit the scoreboard in the first quarter, but could manage just one goal from four shots, while Melton’s Shaun Campbell scored his side’s first two majors in a sign of what was to come.
Melton pulled away in the second term, kicking five goals to one to stretch its lead out to 33-points at the main break.
From there it was all Melton, as Campbell finished with five goals to be adjudged the best on the field.
Mark Orr was solid with three goals, with the win lifting the Bloods up to fourth on the table.
Melton was able to make the jump up the ladder thanks to a bad loss by Bacchus Marsh, which was beaten by Sebastopol.
The two sides traded goals in the early stages, but Sebastopol started to pull away in the second term, turning its 17-point half-time lead into a handy percentage booster, stretching out to a 14.15 (99)-6.11 (47) win.
It meant Bacchus Marsh slipped from fourth to sixth.
Elsewhere, Darley strengthened its hold on third place with a well rounded display against Lake Wendouree.
The win was set up by a five goal opening term, and the variety of options up forward proved Darley’s biggest asset.
While no player kicked more than two goals, nine players were able to slot majors throughout the afternoon as Darley pulled away 13.14 (92)-5.9 (39).
With other results falling its way, Darley is now a game clear in third place, and just percentage adrift of second-placed Eat Point.
Melton South was no match for ladder leaders Redan, as the Lions flexed their muscle after quarter-time.
Melton South had its best patch of the day in the first quarter to lead by two-points at the first break, but Redan blew them away to win 17.26 (128)-8.5 (53).
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www.starweekly.com.au/sports/lions-back-troubled-star/
