Bacchus Marsh has taken another step forward in its hunt for a Ballarat Football League finals berth.
The Cobras secured a vital victory over Melton at the weekend, winning 13.11 (89)-10.5 (65) at MacPherson Park.
The two sides were second and third on the ladder going into the match and the higher-ranked Cobras settled into the contest first.
Bacchus Marsh booted three first-quarter goals to take a 15-point lead into the opening break.
But the momentum was short-lived as the Bloods produced a spirited fightback in front of their fans.
After kicking just one major in the first term, Melton booted five to two in the second to go into the main break three points ahead.
Bacchus Marsh needed a lift and it came through Tyson Shea, Daniel Burton and Matt Denham, who were winning a number of important contests around the ground to get them back on track.
The Cobras soon regained the lead at the resumption of play before three goals to one in the final term sealed the win.
Up forward, Damian Cupido finished with three goals for Bacchus Marsh, while Shea kicked two.
After seven rounds, Bacchus Marsh is second on the BFL ladder with a 5-1 record, one game behind Lake Wendouree.
On the back of the loss, Melton drops to fourth.
Also at the weekend, reigning premier Darley got its campaign back on track with an 18-point win against North Ballarat.
The 12.7 (79)-8.13 (61) win was the club’s first since smashing competition struggler Melton South in the first week.
The Devils now hold a 2-4 record to be eighth.
Elsewhere, East Point beat Melton South 21.16 (152)-7.9 (51), Sunbury beat Redan 15.14 (104)-9.8 (62), and Lake Wendouree thrashed Sebastopol 16.26 (122)-7.8 (50). Ballarat had the bye.
