Against a top four opponent, Lockington-Bamawm United showed good resilience, refusing to lose touch despite North Bendigo opening up a first-quarter lead.
The Bulldogs went into the first break doubling the Cats’ score 14-7, but LBU didn’t let things get out of hand as the game continued.
The lead was stretched slightly to nine at half-time, but the Cats fought back in the third to cut it back to seven.
North Bendigo had enough in reserve in the fourth to secure a 54-45 win, but LBU will take heart from three even quarters against a likely finals side.
On a very spread league table, the Cats’ 2-7 record is good enough for sixth spot, only a game-and-a-half out of the finals places.
Colbinabbin vs Elmore
Last week’s bye did nothing to slow the roll of league-leader Colbinabbin, with the Grasshoppers far too strong for Elmore.
Colbo started the game on fire at both ends, quickly out to a 20-4 lead by quarter-time.
Elmore had more to offer in the second in a much more even term, but couldn’t prevent the Hoppers extending their lead to 22 by the half.
Colbinabbin wasn’t content to rest on the lead after the break, not letting up as it rampaged to a 71-27 victory.
Colbinabbin is a perfect nine for nine in 2026, while Elmore is 2-7.
Mount Pleasant vs Leitchville-Gunbower
Mount Pleasant has been the only side that has shown the pedigree to challenge Colbinabbin thus far, and it showed its quality this week with a dominant result over Leitchville-Gunbower.
The Bombers did what they could to keep up, but the Mounts looked unstoppable on their home court in the huge 79-27 victory.
Mount Pleasant has only tasted defeat against Colbinabbin this campaign.
In the remaining result, White Hills was able to get past Huntly on the road 49-37, while Heathcote had the bye.
Next week’s fixtures see Colbinabbin host North Bendigo and Mount Pleasant visit Huntly.
LBU is at home to White Hills, while Leitchville-Gunbower travels to Heathcote and Elmore has the bye.