Border Mail | BROCK-BURRUM overcame a crippling injury toll to score a rousing five-point victory over the previously undefeated Howlong at Howlong on Saturday.
Despite a tough early season draw and playing last season’s top four in the opening month, the Saints remain the only undefeated team after their gutsy 12.8 (80) to 10.15 (75) victory.
Adding further merit, the Saints were missing Azzi medallist Trent Storey, Eddie Menz, Tyson Bradsworth, Jarrod Hillary, Kade Wilson, Robbie Norris and Nico Sedgwick from their best line-up.
Little separated the two teams for the majority of the encounter with the Saints clinging to a six-point lead at the final change.
In a tense final quarter only two goals were scored with the Spiders landing the first blow to level the scores.
With both defences dominating, Saints’ captain Dean Murphy was able to break the deadlock with just over five minutes remaining when he slotted his fourth goal of the match.
Spider big man Josh Dicketts had a tough shot on the run soon after to level the scores but missed with the Saints defending stoutly in the dying minutes to snatch a thrilling win.
“It was a huge win considering who we had out of the side,” Saints skipper Murphy said.
“It was lot more gritty than pretty but it just shows that we have got a bit of depth.
“The boys that came up from the seconds weren’t passengers and fought for their spots and played really well.
“I don’t think anyone expected us to start the season 4-0 considering the draw we had.
“Initially we just wanted to make finals but now we have laid the foundations for a top-two finish, which could be priceless come finals with the competition so even.”
Chris Boulton was the Saints’ best alongside defenders Josh McCudden and Liam Johnson.
Johnson spent time on both Spiders danger men Dicketts and James Gray and had a enthralling battle with Dicketts in particular who finished with five goals.
Murray Magpies’ thumping 110-point win over Holbrook was soured by the report of Albury recruit Josh Maher.
Maher will front the tribunal on Wednesday night after being reported for misconduct.
Billabong Crows were buoyed by the appearance of Albury reserves pair Will Haberecht and Hayden Dalitz on match permits as they trounced Culcairn by 85 points to notch their first win of the season.
Henty scored a five-goal win over Rand-Walbundrie in a replay of last season’s grand final.
Jindera consolidated its spot inside the top six with a 28-point victory over Lockhart.
