NATIMUK United slumped to the bottom of the ladder while Jeparit-Rainbow reclaimed a spot in the top five with a big win at Rainbow.

The Storm came out of the gates strongly, building a 64-point half-time lead behind a rock-solid defence.

Tom Werner, playing his first game of the year for Jeparit-Rainbow, impressed on the wing.

The forward line functioned well in the absence of Daniel McEldrew, with Elliott Bath, Peter Weir and Ben Zanker booting three goals each.

Natimuk United was able to control the football in the second half and got itself plenty of scoring opportunities, but could only find one goal for the match.

It came courtesy of Kyal Murray in the third quarter. In a questionable display of goal-kicking, the Rams finished with wayward figures of 1.11 for a total of just 17 points.

A lack of tall targets cost the Rams, who were led by midfielder Shaun McDonald.

For the fourth time in as many weeks, the effort of Natimuk United was praised by an opposition coach, but did not translate onto the scoreboard.

‘‘Their possession football was really good and they were able to move the ball pretty cleanly,’’ Storm co-coach Mark Cocks said.