Picture gallery: Warrnambool claim scalp in Hampden league upset

Warrnambool and North Warrnambool produced a thriller in the run to the Hampden league finals. See all the action.

The Hampden league lived up to its billing as the state’s most even competition this season with the top two teams on the ladder and grand finalists of the last two years, South Warrnambool and North Warrnambool, beaten on Saturday.

Ladder leaders North Warrnambool lost to third-placed Warrnambool by one point and South Warrnambool crashed to its second loss in the space of three matches to Koroit by 28 points.

Warrnambool’s Heath Morgan-Morris booted the winning goal for the Blues on the same day the league’s leading goalkicker Luke Cody kicked another six.

Injured North Warrnambool, coach Nathan Vardy. Pictures: Yuri Kouzmin

Warrnambool has been a permanent fixture inside the top five despite being without former North Melbourne star Ben Cunnington all season due to injury.

Ninth-placed Cobden, which beat South in round 10, produced another upset in downing Terang-Mortlake, which has left the Bloods a win and percentage behind fifth-placed Koroit.

The gap between Koroit and Terang-Mortlake could widen next week when the two teams meet.

Warrnambool’s Jaiden Wells lays a strong tackle on North Warrnambool’s Callum Grundy.

Warrnambool also plays South Warrnambool next round.

Carlton star Sam Walsh was on hand to watch his original club, Cobden, beat Terang-Mortlake.

Key forward Michael Koroneous booted five goals for Cobden in a feat matched by Terang-Mortlake’s Ash Moloney, who was swung forward in the second half.

After recording only one win in the opening four rounds, Koroit is making a mid-season charge with four successive wins.

North Warrnambool’s Adam Wines, right, and Xavier Harris celebrate a goal.

The latest victory over the premiers of the last two seasons is the most significant.

The Saints took control in the third term, opening a 25-point lead at the final change, as Lachlan Rhook, Mac Petersen, Tyler Stephens and Geelong league recruit Ben Miller played crucial roles.

North Warrnambool’s Xavier Harris breaks free with the ball.

Warrnambool’s Daniel Weymouth and North Warrnamboll’s Adam Wines contest a ruck battle.

North Warrnambool takes an impressive mark.

North Warrnambool player Will Brennan pulls in a mark.

Warrnambool’s Tyler Murnane knocks the ball away.

Injured North Warrnambool coach Nathan Vardy addresses his players at quarter time.

Warrnambooll’s Sam Carter attempts to spoil North Warrnambool opponent Zac Everall.

Warrnambool’s Jordan Walters is surrounded by North Warrnambool opponents Will Brennan and Adam Wines.

Warrnambool’s Zac Dwyer tackles North Warrnambool’s Jye O'Brien.

Warrnambool’s Jye Turland and Jaiden Wells pin North Warrnambool opponent Sam McLachlan with the ball.

Originally published as Picture gallery: Warrnambool claim scalp in Hampden league upset