Epping win, South Morang take the lead

Leigh Judd was Epping's best on Saturday. Picture Shawn Smits.

Epping returned has returned to the Northern Football League division 3 winners list and South Morang has moved to the top of ladder.

The Pingers have been struggling, but pulled off an upset win against ladder leader Banyule in a thrilling match.

No more than two goals separated the teams at any of the breaks as the teams traded the lead.

Only two goals were kicked in a tense final quarter, with the Pingers winning 9.19 (73)-9.11 (65).

Leigh Judd was named best on ground for the Pingers, while Jaedyn Kearney and Chris Chilcott kicked two goals each in the win.

Banyule’s loss opened the door for South Morang to move to the top of the ladder.

The Lions defeated St Mary’s 16.13 (109)-10.11 (71).

Mernda’s game against Heidelberg West was called off at three quarter-time after an ambulance was called to assist a Heidelberg West player.

The game was effectively already over, with the Demons trailing 14.9 (93)-4.2 (26) at the time play was halted.

Shannon Mills had been the Demons’ to that point.

Thomastown remains in the hunt for a top four spot in division 2.

The Bears recorded their fifth win of the season by defeating Watsonia 13.8 (86)-8.13 (61).

David Folino was named the Bears’ best.

The Bears are percentage behind fourth-placed Lower Plenty and two points behind third-placed Fitzroy Stars.

It was another tough day for Lalor, which lost to Diamond Creek 16.24 (120)-5.6 (36).

Meanwhile, in division 1 Bundoora and Whittlesea both suffered losses.

The Bulls’ up-and-down form continued as they lost to ladder leader Macleod 16.17 (113)-7.9 (51).

Greensborough proved too strong for Whittlesea, winning 12.13 (85)-5.10 (40).