At the windswept Learmonth Football Ground, both teams had their share of the ball. The side kicking with the wind had a big advantage over their opponents when going forward.

The Bulldogs were first to kick with the wind and, as a result, opened up a large gap between themselves and their opponents in the first term.

Daylesford put four goals on the scoreboard in the opening 15 minutes, with Ben Broadway having a purple patch with two goals in a minute.

An Andrew Button goal late in the quarter gave Daylesford a six-goal lead at quarter time.

The second quarter went much like the first but it would be Learmonth who would do all the scoring this time.

Daylesford was held scoreless for the term while Learmonth was able to pile on four goals to get within reach.

Simon Beattie was excellent in defence saving goals during the second term.

Daylesford saw its big quarter-time lead dwindle to just 11 points at the main break.

Learmonth fought hard into the wind during the third term and managed to keep Daylesford at bay for most of the quarter.

However, the Bulldogs were able to break free momentarily to put three goals on the board, including a brilliant goal from the half-forward flank by Cade O'Brien.

Daylesford held a handy 22-point lead at three-quarter time.

Five minutes into the final term Learmonth had kicked two of the goals it needed to win and an upset seemed to be brewing.

Daylesford then locked down and with players such as Darren Chambers pressuring and tackling at every contest the game soon become a battle of attrition.

Learmonth kicked another goal with 10 minutes remaining, bringing them to within three points.

Daylesford playmakers such as Clayton Scoble stood up to win the football in the clinches, eventually holding off a spirited Learmonth.

Score: Daylesford 9.9.63 def Learmonth 9.7.61.