While the Bushies are yet to be truly tested after beating Wodonga Saints, Yackandandah and the Cats, coach Nic Barnes said the wins had provided the club with some much-needed self belief, especially so after enduring several lean seasons.

They trailed by 13 points midway through the final term but dug deep to win the league’s only match of the round.

Barnes praised his team’s never-say-die attitude after Rutherglen skipped to an early lead with the aid of a strong breeze.

“It’s been an excellent start to the season,” Barnes said.

“We were aiming to win our first three home matches and now we have done that.

“They kept at it and, eventually, it turned our way.

“I think our good start has had a lot to do with Justin Knobel — he got the boys really fit over the pre-season and they are running out games really well.”

With the match in the balance, Beechworth’s Scott Goodwin courageously ran back with the flight of the ball, took a mark and received a 50 metre penalty.

That put him close enough to goal to kick the sealer.

Ruckman Matt Ferguson played well in the final quarter while Kayne Surrey took about 15 marks across half-back to be best on ground.

Brenton Surrey and Matt Hunt were solid all day for the victors and Gareth Pritchard’s move from defence to attack proved to be a masterstroke as he kicked two goals in a hard-fought tussle.

Rutherglen’s Josh Quick, Chris Oates, Matt Farrugia and David Pinney toiled hard for the Cats.

“I thought Kayne Surrey was brilliant today,” Barnes said. “He took a heap of marks.

“All the boys did well and it was just good to get the four points.”