The Grasshoppers’ 72-43 win over Lockington-Bamawm United, combined with White Hills’ 56-48 defeat to North Bendigo, saw Colbo move ahead of the Demons at the top of the table.

The two teams clash at Tint-A-Car Oval next Saturday.

White Hills’ loss was just its second defeat of the season – both times against North Bendigo.

The Bulldogs edged ahead of the Demons in the first quarter on Saturday and were never headed.

“We just seem to match up really well against White Hills,’’ an elated North Bendigo coach Tamara Gilchrist said.

“They came back at us a couple of times, but we always managed to score a few goals in a row and get the margin back out.”

It was an important win for the Bulldogs, who stay one game clear of Leitchville-Gunbower in the race for the double chance.

“Through the week we spoke about how important the game was,’’ Gilchrist said.

“It’s really pleasing for us to have a win like that just before the finals.”

Fifth-placed Huntly continued its preparation for a likely elimination final encounter with Leitchville-Gunbower by defeating Heathcote 51-37.

In the closest game of the round, Elmore went within one goal of scoring its first win of the season.

The Bloods produced their best performance of the season in the 32-31 loss to Mount Pleasant.