A FINAL-quarter surge handed Bendigo Football League its second interleague victory in as many seasons.
It downed Gippsland by nine points on Saturday night.
Bendigo led at every change but could not kick clear of Gippsland in the tightly fought contest under lights at Bendigo's Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Gippsland had more inside-50s, more scoring shots and won at the stoppages, but could not capitalise on its scoring opportunities.
Spearheads Justin Maddern (Kangaroo Flat), Grant Weeks (Golden Square) and Steven Stroobants (South Bendigo) dominated Bendigo's scoreline, booting 10 goals between them.
Leongatha's Dwayne Holt kicked five goals for Gippsland, while Drouin teammates Bob McCallum and Andy Soumilas were named among the best players.
The win elevates Bendigo from eighth to sixth in the VCFL's Country Championships, while Gippsland slides from seventh to ninth.
