The Royal Blues lost to finals contender Boort by 25 points – their closest losing margin this season – at Donald Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

The 16.14 (110) to 13.7 (85) result saw Boort return to the top four at the expense of Birchip-Watchem.

A five-goal-to-one second quarter ultimately cost the Royal Blues, who outscored the Magpies nine goals to six after half-time, the game.

Royal Blues coach Paul Brooks said it was one of his developing side’s better performances for the year.

“It was a great effort,” he said.

“We just had a bit of a lapse in that second quarter and they kicked five goals to one.

“In the second half we played really good attacking footy and put a lot of pressure on Boort.

“As I’ve said to the boys all year, we’ve shown what we’re capable of but the consistency is the biggest killer for us.”

Aaron Wilson, six goals, and Rick Easton, three, led the way up forward for the Magpies, while Cam Millward was named the visitors’ best.

Brooks said the Royal Blues had a number of strong contributors.

He said Luke Carr gave the side a burst in the middle in the second half, while workhorse Glenn Wyatt continued his strong form and Daniel Pearce and Darby Harrison also stood tall.

The Royal Blues will have two more chances to grab a win this season, against Birchip-Watchem and Wycheproof-Narraport.

Charlton enjoyed a strong 52-point win against Birchip-Watchem at home.

The Navy Blues got off to a flyer, kicking four goals to nine in the first term.

The Bulls bounced back, but the host extended its lead after half-time to claim a 16.19 (105) to 8.5 (53) win.

Travis Baird slotted seven majors for the Navy Blues, while Joseph McGrath, four, and Anthony Judd, two, contributed.

Daniel Thiesz was named the host’s best player.

Bradlee Smith kicked three goals for the Bulls, with Joel Cusack named their best performer.

St Arnaud 113 defeated Wycheproof-Narraport 63.