PREMIERSHIP contender Henty’s top-two aspirations survived a huge scare against a determined Jindera at Jindera on Saturday.
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The Swampies trailed by four points at the final change but kicked the only two goals of a tense final quarter to secure a stirring 9.11 (65) to 8.8 (56) win.
The win ensures the Swampies remain in top-two contention while Jindera is still locked in a fierce battle with CDHBU, Lockhart and Howlong for the two remaining positions inside the top six.
Henty co-coach Jamarl O’Sullivan said the win was a lot more gritty than pretty.
“We always knew it was going to be tough and that’s exactly how it unfolded,” he said.
“We only snatched it in the last 10 minutes.
“It was an ugly game of footy.
“There was a lot of pressure, the ground was heavy and the skills of both teams were terrible.
“I think they were more about protecting their lead in that final quarter while we kept peppering the goals and were able to get our noses in front.
“But full credit to Jindera, they had a lot to play for and only just fell short.”
The Swampies have now strung together seven consecutive victories to sit second and play third-placed Brock-Burrum in a fortnight in a clash likely to decide who meets Rand-Walbundrie in the second semi-final.
Jindera produced a spirited performance with Albury recruit Ben Dower, Tom Weldon and Taylor Schultz leading the charge.
Bulldog spearhead Ash Murray looked menacing with three early goals before teenager Harrison Macreadie was switched onto him shut and him out of the match.
The Swampies used Derek Singe to successfully dull the influence of Jindera matchwinner Matt McDonald.
Co-coach Brent Piltz, Sam Murray and Roy Jacques were also brilliant four-quarter performers.
Henty went in without key forwards Ryan Hon (knee) and Jason Brown (calf) as it took a cautious approach with its two most potent attacking weapons.
Jindera could be without Chris Hayes for next week’s cut-throat encounter with CDHBU after he was concussed in a collision with Shannon Terlich in the final quarter.
Murray Magpies knocked over Culcairn for the first time with a 13-point win at Urana Road Oval.
Josh Warren-Marmo and Dean Roulstone combined for 11 goals as Rand-Walbundrie thumped Billabong Crows by 111 points.
Brock-Burrum kicked seven goals in the final quarter to overrun Holbrook by 20 points.