WARRACK Eagles clinched an important win against Horsham Saints at the weekend – but it wasn’t without a fight.
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The Eagles led by 28 points at halftime of Saturday’s Wimmera league match at Warracknabeal.
A four-goal-to-one second term had the home side well placed to round out the second half of the game.
The difference on the scoreboard remained largely unchanged at the three-quarter time break – but a six-goal final term from the Saints almost saw the visiting team over the line.
The final scoreline read Eagles 12.13 (85) to the Saints’ 10.14 (74).
It was the Eagles’ second win against the Saints this season – their first earned in the round four encounter by four points.
Saints coach Luke Fisher said a second-quarter burst from the Eagles proved costly in the end.
“We started really well and (the score was) pretty even at quarter time. We let them off the leash in the second quarter, which cost us, and then we were able to come back later in the game – but it was too little, too late,” Fisher said.
Fisher said a positive attitude among his group right throughout the game was great to see.
“I said to the boys at three-quarter time to stick to what they were doing all day and keep believing that we can keep coming at them – and they stuck at it,” Fisher said.
“We had a lot of the young guys standing up when we were down, which was really positive for us.
“I walked off the ground pretty disappointed, even though we were out of the game earlier on.
“But I am proud of the group for standing up and not just lying down (when the game got tough).”
Eagles coach Ryan McKenzie led the way for his side on Saturday, earning best-on-ground honours.
McKenzie gained strong support from Scott Adams, Chris Kellett and Kieran Ellis.
Jesse Murphy was the Eagles’ leading scorer with four goals.
For the Saints, Andy Devereaux provided consistency all day in the backline while Matt Combe, with five majors, and Angus Gove were standouts.
The Eagles are sitting in third place on the ladder with five rounds remaining before finals.
Their run home includes the four-placed Stawell Warriors and second-placed Horsham.
Meanwhile, the Saints face Nhill at Coughlan Park next weekend in what Fisher says is a must-win.
“It’s a big game because if anyone can knock us out of the finals, it’s them,” Fisher said.
“We need to play a big game and have the right match-ups to ensure we come out on top.”