THE North Central Football League finals series got off to a thrilling start on Saturday, with Donald keeping its season alive with a four-point win over Birchip-Watchem.
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The Royals held on to beat the Bulls by four points in the first semi-final at St Arnaud, 11.10 (76) to 10.12 (72).
The Royals led by 16 points eight minutes into the final quarter after a goal to captain Glenn Wyatt.
The Bulls responded with the next two goals through John Barnard and Matt Gilmore to cut the margin to under a goal.
But Gilmore’s was the final goal of the match as the Royals clung on for the last eight minutes to their slender lead.
The Royals forced the Bulls to play catch-up football all game after leading by 20 points at quarter-time.
Seamus Young kicked six goals for Donald – all in the first half – while other good players included Daniel Pearce, Geordan McLoughlan and Ryan Leeder.
The Bulls’ best were ruckman Zac Holmes and coach Tom Carland, while Paul Messer booed five goals.
