DEFENDING premier Osborne withstood a second-half fightback from a gallant Rand-Walbundrie to record a hard-fought eight point win at Rand on Saturday.
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After being kept goalless in the opening term against Culcairn last week the Tigers were once again left to rue a slow start, managing to kick only one goal in the first half.
Tiger trio Brendan Simmons, Edward Anderson and Gerard Telford lifted their work rate after the main break as the Tigers clawed their way back into the contest kicking 4.2 for the quarter and scores were level at three-quarter-time.
But the Cats held their nerve, kicking three goals to two in a tense last quarter ahead of their blockbuster against Howlong this week.
Osborne coach Corey Munson was the catalyst of the victory with an electrifying display in the midfield and a match-winning three goals in the tough conditions.
Assistant coach Luke Maloney played his best game for the Cats since crossing from Coolamon and finished the match with three goals.
Culcairn overcame a three-goal half-time deficit to kick six goals to three in the second-half to record a hard-fought, eight-point victory over Lockhart.
Regardless of ladder positions, the two clubs always produce a tight tussle and the Lions would be relieved to get the four points with clashes against Jindera and Osborne looming in the next fortnight.
Azzi medallists Graeme Fruean and Scott McGrath were outstanding for the Lions while Albury recruit Travis Gardiner was solid in defence.
Billabong Crows snapped a winless drought stretching back to round six last year when they defeated CDHBU by 35-points.
Michael O’Riordan, Danny Kirchen and Phil Goldsack were damaging for the Crows.
Brock-Burrum scored a convincing 123-point victory against Walla with classy Lavington recruit Darryn McKimmie booting six goals for the Saints.