BOORT has the chance to regain momentum on Saturday when North Central football returns from the “hockey break”.
Flying high with massive wins  in the opening three rounds and then a thrilling eight-point victory over reigning premiers Sea Lake Nandaly, the Pies spluttered against Calder United.
The new side, combining Nullawil and Wycheproof Narraport, gave Boort a season’s uncharacteristic drubbing of 125 points and rocketed to top spot on the ladder.
Now mid-way through the month that could decide the season’s fortunes, Boort will need to take the points at home against Birchip Watchem this Saturday to lock in a mortgage on a top four finish.
Otherwise, it could come down to the Loddon Derby against Wedderburn - they play the Redbacks at Donaldson Park next week - and the luck of the draw.
Birchip saw the return of Ben Edwards in their clash with Wedderburn a fortnight ago, kickingseven goals.
Boort defenders will be tested if Edwards lines up this weekend but they have shown over the past couple of seasons that they can make life difficult for the best in the league.
McGhie, Wilson and Perryman can execute the quick turnover and send the Pies deep into the forward 50. Jhye Baddeley-Kelly, who started the season with bags of goals, was held well by Calder. 
If he’s able to shrug off tagging opponents on Saturday, the Pies are in with a chance. If not, .Wedderburn looms as a genuine chance for fourth spot by the mid-way mark of the season.
The Redbacks only lost to Calder in round three by 14 points and 48 points to Birchp two weeks back. Still in the game at the final change, Wedderburn went down by 48 points.
They will be without defender Jake Pallpratt who took a two-match ban for a striking charge in the Birchip clash.
Wedderburn plays Donald this Saturday and should easily take the points, and boost percentage. They currently sit fifth, almost 100 per cent better than Charlton who also has two wins for the season.
Donald is winless with a percentage of just 17 and although at home against Wedderburn, luck and fortune won’t change this weekend.
In other North Central league news, Birchip is holding a girls’ clinic tomorrow evening. 
Boort is heading the club championship table after five rounds.
The Pies are on 78 points, two ahead of Birchip Watchem as the pair show depth through the grades.
- CHRIS EARL