Results went the Borough’s way on Sunday – the Hawks defeated Strathdale 2-0 and nearest rival Colts United was beaten 2-1 by Spring Gully.

For Eaglehawk to lose this year’s title, it would have to lose three of its remaining five matches and either Colts or Epsom would have to go through undefeated.

That just won’t happen.

Eaglehawk coach Alf Longano yesterday stopped short of declaring the title won.

“I don’t think we’ll lose three matches – we haven’t lost one yet – but you just never know in this game,” he said.

“All the boys are focused on this week’s game at Swan Hill.

“Some funny things have happened up there over the years and we just want to make sure we get the points.”

Sunday’s result at Truscott Reserve was never in doubt after Eaglehawk dynamo Yan Butler-Rees scored a sensational goal in the opening minute.

With the ball just forward of the halfway mark, Butler-Rees noticed the Strathdale goalkeeper was just off his line and launched a 30-metre scorcher to find the back of the net.

That goal laid the foundation of Eaglehawk’s win, which was sealed when second-half substitute Shane Eleveld scored in the 66th minute.

Eleveld, a dual James Anderson Medal winner for being the competition’s leading player, was backing up from playing a full game in division two.

He was forced to play in two matches after star strike Dane Butler was a late withdrawal.

● EAGLEHAWK’S win was made all the sweeter when Colts United went down 2-1 at home against Spring Gully.

Reds veteran Grant Lane led the way for the visitors, with their goals coming from teenagers Daniel Bish and Jakob Van Dalen.

Colts United’s score was on the back of a defensive error from the Gully, which resulted in an own goal.

● THE big winner on Sunday was Epsom, which hammered Castlemaine 9-0 at Epsom-Huntly.

Trent Gladstone was the hero for the Scorpions, bagging six goals, while Jeremy Hassell (two) and Josh Dwyer were the others to find the back of the net.

After a couple of seasons out of the game, Gladstone has returned in sizzling form.

He is currently leading the golden boot award with 16 goals for the season – two clear of Colts young gun Dylan Callaway.

● SWAN Hill continued its improved season with a 3-1 win against Moama.

Matt Smith scored a brace for the Swanners, while Brent Mitchell was the other to find the net.

Matt Nixon scored the Border Raider’s only goal.

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MOAMA is now eight points clear at the top of the women’s competition after it defeated Swan Hill 4-0 on Sunday.

Rowie Isley scored two goals and had support from Cassie Powell and Paige Pinson.

Erin Teasdale and Alannah Richardson were among the Border Raiders’ best.

● STRATHDALE took advantage of a depleted Eaglehawk outfit to smash the Borough 4-0.

Bianca Dikkenberg stood tall for the Blues to score a hat-trick, while Jacinda Lythgo scored the other for the visitors.

Eaglehawk needed to win the match to stay in the title race, but with several big names missing, the Borough was unable to match Strathdale’s attacking power.

● COLTS United produced a stunning comeback to draw level with Spring Gully at Strathfieldsaye.

Colts were down 3-0 after 10 minutes as Spring Gully caught the home side on the hop.

Jade De Marchi, Ally Van Dalen and Shania Cromb each scored goals to seemingly set up a comfortable win.

But once Colts moved star player Elizabeth Watkins to central defence, they looked a much stronger outfit. In fact, Colts dominated much of the first half.

They weren’t rewarded on the scoreboard, however, and still trailed 3-0 at half-time, but continued to press after the break to ensure a thrilling finish.

Goals to Gabriella Gasparroni and Louise McColl had Colts within a goal with 15 minutes left on the clock, but a good finish from De Marchi gave Spring Gully some breathing space at 4-2.

But Colts had all the running late in the game and continued to power home.

Gasparroni scored her second to continue her fine match, while a last-minute penalty, taken by young gun Bec Berry, levelled the scores at 4-4.

Colts continued to push for a winner in the dying seconds, but were eventually denied victory when the final whistle blew.

Although they did not win, it was a stunning fightback from the home side, which refused to give up after a lacklustre start to the match.

● EPSOM went desperately close to winning its first match of the season after a close duel with Castlemaine.

Scores were locked a 2-2 at half-time but the visiting Castlemaine side had too much toe after the break, winning 4-3.

Best for the Scorpions was Hannah Love, while Michelle Duffy starred for the Maine.