THE Chidlow Cougars were up against the Mt Helena Lions at Elsie Austin oval for their round 13 clash.

Neither side was able to have much impact on the scoreboard with the Lions scoring the only first quarter goal.

The ball moved back and forth between the two backlines.

Chidlow Cougar Tim Huntley worked in tandem with Luke Elliott, repelling most of Mt Helena’s forward entries.

While at the other end Lion Marshall Hearne was taking some timely defensive marks as teammate Brendan Agnew mopped up the loose ball, clearing it back over the centre with his run and carry.

The Cougars hit the ground running to start the second quarter with five unanswered goals in the first 10 minutes.

The loss of Lions player Cooper Parker to what appeared to be a serious arm injury helped to unbalance the team’s midfield.

Cougar Luke Elliott’s move forward paid almost immediate dividends as he impacted the scoreboard with his first of five goals for the game.

Teammate Shane Fitzgerald came on for a run in the forward line almost immediately scoring a goal while Kaden Bonsack added another.

The Lions eventually broke through for a goal to Jess Cartwright.

The Cougars countered with another two goals for the quarter with the Lions having difficulty slowing down Steven Schorer’s run away from the centre ruck contests, which was providing a constant supply for his forwards.

At the main break the Cougars had swung the momentum in their favour, opening up a 27-point lead.

The third quarter played out as an arm wrestle.

Chidlow players Reece Forbes and Lukaz Dymek started to collect possessions.

Mt Helena’s Chase Brydson, Daniel Bulla and Bo Read ran hard to open up the play for the Lions and create opportunities for their forwards.

The Cougars had slightly extended their lead by five points.

The last quarter was another hard fought and even affair with both teams scoring five goals each.

Jess Cartwright continued his strong season down forward with his sixth goal for the game.

In the end the second quarter goal, run on by Chidlow proved almost the difference.

Mt Helena’s coach would be pleased with three of their quarters, although come finals they will be looking for a more consistent four quarters.

The game can easily slip away in 10 minutes.

In the end, Chidlow defeated Mt Helena with a final score of 16.11(107) against 11.6(72).