HEPBURN took out the Spa Derby, but not until after a serious challenge from Daylesford in the Central Highlands Football League in Daylesford on Sunday.
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The Burras out-muscled the Bulldogs in the first half to take a 36-point lead - threatening to blow out the match even further.
However, Daylesford was not about to be swept aside on the day its new clubrooms were officially opened.
Robert Rodgers started Daylesford's turnaround with a quick goal in the third term and was backed up quickly by Xavier Walsh and Michael Cummings.
The Burras’ Mitch McKay's two goals took the edge off the Bulldogs resurgence, but Daylesford looked pumped and dangerous.
It was a slashed Hepburn 18-point lead that Daylesford took on in the final quarter.
The Burras rose to the occasion with two rapid-fire majors in three minutes from Finn Anscombe and Andy McKay.
A snap goal from Bulldog Cameron Lovig after a Cummings pass looked like the match was heading for a shootout.
Lachlan Calder's major shortly after might have snuffed out the Bulldogs resolve...but it didn't.
Cummings had a head of steam up and barrelled his way around the ground lifting the Daylesford youngsters.
A Cummings goal and a major from Jordan Alexander were not quite enough to head off defeat.
Cummings was man-of-the-match and awarded the Spa Derby Medal.
He was backed up by the likes of Tom Button, Sebastian Walsh and Jordan Alexander.
The best for Hepburn included Ricky Ferraro, Daniel O’Halloran, Tanner Wills and ruckman Michael Watt who was handy everywhere.
Hepburn coach Jason Olver said he knew after half-time the match was in the balance.
"In close games we just have to learn not to panic. I thought early on we were pretty good but we lapsed in the third quarter.
In close games we just have to learn not to panic.
- - Hepburn coach Jason Olver
"Then the pressure was on in the last...it was going to be a dog fight. And that was what it was in the end. We were disappointed but we got the four points and that's all that matters."
Daylesford coach Marcus Goonan was disappointed the match got away from his players in the end.
"We were well and truly still in it by half-time.
“We know what footy we can play and we need to produce it for four quarters.
“We did that in the third quarter and we know it works."
