by Davyd Reid
ANY doubts over Ellinbank as a season 2023 contender have been quashed, with the Eagles storming home to pass the test over reigning premiers Neerim-Neerim South.
The low scoring affair opened up in the final term as conditions improved, Ellinbank finishing strongest with four consecutive goals helping the home side win 8-5 (53) to 5-10 (40).
Rain brought about torrid conditions for the first three quarters of the contest, the Cats taking a narrow 4-7 to 4-5 lead in the muddy conditions.

Goals were traded in the early minutes with conditions the most favour