Tony Clarke Reserve was a battleground on Saturday as Macedon and Kyneton footballers fought out a low-scoring 12th round thriller.
In the end, the Cats scrambled home by four points after Dylan McDonald marked and kicked truly deep into the last quarter.
Both sides had plenty at stake, and the game was an even contest throughout.
Coming off an embarrassing drubbing by Riddell, the Tigers bounced back hard despite injuries and unavailable players. Playing coach Ethan Foreman was one sidelined.
“If we lose this one we are as good as done this season,” the coach commented in the lead-up to the match.
Basically, Macedon and Kyneton were both looking at fifth spot and a finals berth.
Now the Cats are a game and a sizeable percentage ahead, with Cats’ coach Al Meldrum relieved his side had got over the line.
Final scores were 8.9 (57) to 8.5 (53).
Cats’ mobile big man Sam Indian turned in one of his best game for the Cats, Zac Smedley continued his good form, and captain Jason Cooke kicked four the the eight goals scored.
For the Tigers, Caleb Fisher and Cody Young was among the main stars, while assistant coach Ryan Pretty kicked three goals.
There are six home and away games remaining before the finals.
This Saturday, the Cats face a big task at Diggers Rest, and Kyneton should be able to account for Melton Centrals at the Showgrounds.
Kyneton Reserves consolidated a hold on fifth spot with a 9.8 to 7.5 victory, while Macedon Under 19.5s shone with a runaway 14.8 to 4.6 victory to remain hot on the heels of ladder-leader Gisborne Giants.
Hamish Govan in action for the Cats. 
Nathan Bridgland on the move.
ALMOST A BOILOVER
Woodend-Hesket turned in arguably its best game for the season, pressing ladder leader Riddell all the way.
The determined Hawks led by eight points entering the last quarter, and the Bombers were pushed to the limit to scramble home 8.11 (59) to 8.5 (53).
Riddell coach Aaron Bray described his side’s win at Kyneton on June 29 as “up there with our best football to date”, and certainly could not apply the same description to Saturday’s effort.
Yet the Bombers still managed to win, and have a strong grip on top place, and a clash with Macedon coming up this weekend.
Wallan has recruited ex-St Kilda defender Jack Carlisle, but the Magpies surprisingly found Diggers Rest in superb form in the second half.
A 12.7 to 6.11 drubbing shocked the Magpies as the match was played at Greenhill Reserve.
Diggers Rest coach Jamie Lobb said “there is no tougher road trip than going to Wallan” so was understandably elated with his side’s overall effort.
In the remaining match fourth-placed Romsey gained some respite after two successive defeats with a strong second half performance against Melton Centrals.
The Redbacks had proven campaigners in Chris Petroro, Nathan Blair and Corey Pertzel in fine form.
A dismal 1.9 first half was followed up by 10 goals to three in the second half for a 11.12 to 5.2 scoreline.
Romsey Reserves had a runaway 19.16 to 0.4 victory.
The Redbacks have the bye this weekend, with much to reflect on.
