It looked likely to be a one-sided contest early, but it turned into a very tight contest, with a battle of the pitchers ensuing.

James Jackson began on the mound for the Rangers and took four strike-outs over the first two innings, allowing only two runs to score.

The Cougars found their way with the bat in the third inning, to bring in another five runs to put them ahead 7-2.

Joel Anderson's pitching for Morwell kept the Sale bats quiet for the first three innings.

The fourth innings saw the Rangers make inroads, scoring six runs to trail 11-8.

Scores were 15-all going into the sixth inning, with time running short, Cougars brought in another three runs, leaving the work for the Rangers to catch-up, which they couldn't do.

Better players for the Cougars were Anderson, Anthony Mayberry and Martin Kennedy, with Jackson, Will Hector and Andrew Mierendorf Sale's best.

Morwell was coming off a 23-2 loss to Moe-Newborough on Saturday.

Jason Smith pitched the entire game for the Dodgers and was effective in keeping the Cougars' bats quiet, chalking up 10 strike-outs.

The Dodgers had a field day with the bat, tallying up 17 safe hits to the Cougars' two.

In the A grade match of the round, Traralgon defeated Churchill 3-1 to remain on top of the ladder.

SALE scored a 15-5 win in B grade over Morwell, who was two players short.

The Cougars jumped to 5-4 to lead in the top of the third inning after a Rangers error.

The Rangers bounced back in the bottom of the inning with good batting to lead 10-5.

The Cougars were shut-out for the remainder of the game, while the Rangers scored another five runs.

Andrew Norman, Nicole Garner and Brendan Heyman were Sale's better players.

At Traralgon, the Redsox had a 8-1 over Churchill.

In C grade, Sale defeated Morwell 9-0 and Churchill had a 10-6 win over Traralgon.

Sale won its colts match against Morwell 9-0, while Traralgon defeated Churchill 8-6.

THIS Sunday, Sale will host Traralgon and Churchill is home to Moe-Newborough Dodgers with Morwell having the bye.

Ladders:

A grade: Traralgon 16, Churchill 16, Moe-Newborough 10, Morwell 5, Sale 3.

B grade: Traralgon 16, Moe-Newborough 13, Sale 9, Churchill 9, Morwell 1.

C grade: Traralgon 17, Churchill 17, Sale 7, Moe-Newborough 6, Morwell 1.