GREAT Western fell agonisingly short of a win on Saturday, losing to Penshurst by two points.
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The Lions showed great fight against the top-five side and went into the first break ahead by three points.
The Bombers came out with something to prove in the second quarter and slotted six goals while holding the Lions to just two.
But an impressive Great Western turnaround in the third quarter had the match back on even terms.
The Lions booted five goals to snatch back the momentum and kept the Bombers to one major.
It was a fight to the finish in the last, with the sides trading goals.
Penshurst was inaccurate with seven behinds, but it was enough to get them over the line.
Lion Benjamin Birch-Burton booted four goals to be named his side's best, while Nathan Ringin and Danny Grellet also impressed.
Ararat had a day to forget against Caramut, losing by 102 points at home.
The first quarter set the tone for the match, with the Swans kicking six goals and holding the Eagles to one.
The rest of the match followed suit and the Eagles could only manage one goal in each quarter.
Brent Bulger kicked two of the team's goals and featured in the best players, while Mark Coole and Nathan Wemyss were solid contributors.
The win sees Caramut move just outside the top five on percentage.
Four teams are on 32 points and still have the chance to snag a finals spot.