Local rivalries can sometimes produce some of the closest match-ups, but it was not to be as Longwood took on Nagambie in the Kyabram District League on Saturday.
Despite being a Longwood home game, proceedings played out at Nagambie Recreation Reserve and the Lakers went swimmingly at their lakeside oval.
Nagambie entered its stride quickly and never looked back as it recorded a 2.4 (16) to 15.20 (110) win.
Player-coach Tyrone Muir was impressed by his team’s performance.
“I thought we started really well, I thought the first quarter was really good,” said Muir.
“It’s good to grind out another win and get the four points before the bye.
“(Best on for the day, David Comi) sets the tone pretty much. He’s really physical around the footy. He gets us first use and get the footy forward. He’s been really good all year.
“That’s the second week in a row he’s (Patrick Rattray) kicked five goals. He doesn’t miss many so as long as he’s getting opportunities he’s taking them.
“We’ll mentally refresh (during the bye) and get ourselves refreshed for that back half of the season.”
Nagambie’s win brings an end to Longwood’s two-game winning streak as playing-coach Jordan Formosa was only beaten to best-on for the Redlegs by his brother Jye.
The Lakers held Longwood to a single behind in the first half while piling on 59 points of their own.
While the Redlegs found their shooting boots after half-time, Nagambie continued to extend its lead.
The Lakers’ defence was impenetrable for the majority of the match and in the fourth quarter the away side once again held Longwood goalless.
The win keeps Nagambie level with league-leader Shepparton East, which is only ahead on percentage.
Longwood remains seventh after the defeat but will be hoping that Tallygaroopna slips up in the second half of the split round so the side can maintain its position in the finals berths.
Over at Avenel Recreation Reserve, the Swans were looking to continue their charge towards a finals place but faced strong opposition in Lancaster.
The Wombats put on an attacking masterclass as Jamie Scapin kicked six goals and the away side won 7.9 (51) to 24.14 (158).
Thomas Tobin stood out with his performance for the Swans with two goals, but Avenel will need everyone to hit this level if it wants to play football in September.
In the other two games of split round, Shepparton East showed why it is top-of-the-table with a 57-point win over Dookie and Stanhope bested Merrigum by 88 points.