Stanhope earned a boost to its Kyabram District League finals hopes, drawing level on points with sixth after downing Undera.

The two Lions outfits clashed at Stanhope Recreation Reserve and, aside from an early scare, Stanhope recorded a comfortable win over the lower-table opposition.

Undera had big dreams after a first quarter that saw it lead by a goal, 3.3 (21) to 2.3 (15).

However, things turned around dramatically in the second period and, by half-time, it was Stanhope that possessed a 23-point lead, the host kicking six goals to one in the term.

Stanhope continued to mount offensive pressure in the third, but the finishing was somewhat lacking in a 4.7 term.

Meanwhile, Undera kicked a more accurate 4.2 to stay in touch heading into the last, but lost its accuracy in the fourth.

Stanhope made no mistake closing out the game, prevailing 16.12 (108) to 9.13 (67).

Despite the loss, Undera’s Alex Hywood topped the scorers’ list with five majors, followed by Stanhope’s Daniel Flynn with four.

Jack Donnell and Sam Spedding each kicked three for the host, while Layne Baker and Craig Emmett slotted two and William Curtis and Jye Patten also majored.

Spedding was identified as his side’s best, joined by Curtis, Flynn, Bol Wol, Stuart Trevena and Jed Evans as the best players.

Stanhope now joins Avenel and Rushworth on 6-6 in a battle for sixth place.

With by far the worst percentage of the three, the Lions will need to outdo both rivals over the final five rounds to score a finals place.

A match-up with winless Merrigum this weekend is a positive forecast for Stanhope, which will look to put pressure on the Tigers and Swans with a victory.

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Saturday, 26th August 2023

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