Sale defeated the Power 6.6 (42) to 6.5 (41) with many players on both sides were showing signs of hypothermia at the end of the hard fought encounter.

This was the third consecutive win "on the road" for Sale, which has won its past eight encounters against Wonthaggi.

The Power was aiming for a top three position and got off to a good start with first use of the scoring end and put on 3.4 to the visitor's one behind. Aaron Ware and Nathan Jones (two goals each) were instrumental in the Power's early dominance.

Despite the persistence of heavy showers, the Power players were linking up well and steadily increased their lead to 25 points by three-quarter-time.

At the final break few supporters gave Sale any chance of winning - but nobody told the Magpie players.

The final quarter began with Sale immediately going on the attack and with an early goal to Peter Macfarlane followed by two more from Mitch Davis. The Magpies were within a goal half-way through the quarter.

When Tom Hams kicked the Magpies' sixth goal at the 20-minute mark, the visitors hit the front for the first time in the match.

During a frantic final 10 minutes, the Power attacked desperately as it kept the ball inside its 50 metre arc but was held scoreless by the watertight Magpie defence until the final siren.

Living up to the club motto "Cede Nulli" (Yield to None), the Magpies had got themselves over the line against the odds.

Playing his 210th senior game Sale veteran Chris Laverty (two goals) was inspirational as was Magpie big man Jack Lipman, who had the better of the rucking contests with the Power's Earl Shaw.

Onballers Hams, Kane Martin, Justin McLay and Jamie Sweeney, played as though their life depended on it and lifted the whole Sale side around them during the final moments. The first to the ball approach and fierce tackling displayed by the Magpies almost certainly won them the day.

The inclusion in the Sale side of the experienced Macfarlane and Jason Gram also proved to be instrumental in the win.

Wonthaggi, who was bitterly disappointed having surrendered the match-winning lead, was well served by Jarrod Membrey, Kane McCarthy and Aiden Lindsey.

Goal-less again

FOR the second consecutive week, Drouin failed to kick a goal at home.

In wintry conditions, the Hawks were thumped by Traralgon 30.27 (207) to 0.1 (1).

Nine goals in the first quarter set-up a 60-point lead at the first change and the Maroons never looked back.

Lee Stockdale kicked nine goals, while Tim Northe was the Maroons' best player.

Redlegs rampant

A BAD day for west Gippsland clubs was completed when Bairnsdale defeated Warragul by 202 points at home.

James Gibbs and Sam Pickett continued their good seasons in front of goals, booted eight majors each in the Redlegs' 34.20 (224) to 3.4 (22) victory.

Leading by 90 points at half-time, the Redlegs booted 19 goals to two in the second half.

Nathan Dennison was named best-on-ground for the home side.

Tigers overcome Lions

MORWELL overcame local rival Moe on Sunday, winning 7.16 (58) to 5.6 (36).

In muddy conditions at Moe, the Lions kept within reach of the Tigers for three quarters before the visitors edged away in the final term. The Tigers' poor kicking in front of goal prevented a bigger victory.

Julian Blackford outstanding in defence for Morwell, while ruckman Ben Morrow led the way for Moe.