MURRAY Magpies emerged as a genuine grand final contender after wearing down CDHBU by 21 points at Urana Road Oval on Saturday.
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After a tight first-half, the home team made its run in the third quarter to stay firmly in the battle with Jindera and CDHBU for the double chance.
Coach Josh Maher was pleased with the way his players responded after being challenged.
“We hadn’t beaten CDHBU for a while so it was good to grind out a win,” Maher said.
“It was one of our better wins for the season.
“It’s pretty tight for that second spot on the ladder and every game is going to be crucial from here.
“We stuck to our game plan after half-time which was pleasing.”
Veteran midfielder Shannon Gilson was outstanding with three goals while Maher, Ben Clements, Jesse Johnston and Josh Walters lent support.
Dylan Hartin kept Power dangerman Kade Rowe under control.
CDHBU were dealt a blow when Adam Houlihan limped off the ground in the third quarter with a hamstring injury.
Josh Lewis, Tim Cooper, Mick Collins and Brad Talbot rallied hard but they were unable to stop the in-form Magpies after half-time.
Jindera held Osborne goalless in its 29-point win at Jindera.
With the match played in atrocious conditions, the Bulldogs kicked 4.9 to 0.4 to stay in second position on the ladder.
Brothers Nick and Kris Holman dominated in the mud while Zac Stuart and Michael Blomeley also made life difficult for the visitors.
Osborne were best served by Simon Lane.
Howlong careered ahead of Culcairn after half-time to win by 59 points at Howlong.
After trailing by two points at the long break, the Spiders responded superbly to a tongue-lashing from coach Joel Price with Clement Kerinaiua, Jessy Wilson and Hamish Clark in everything.
Wilson, who is a talented basketballer, kicked four goals on debut and looks to be another find for the Spiders.
Culcairn co-coach Adam Eady led his side superbly with Kane Shields, first-gamer Josh Feuerherdt and Simon McLeish providing support.
Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock defeated Lockhart by 52 points at Brocklesby.
Nico Sedgwick, Dean Murphy, Josh McCudden and Liam Johnson won plenty of the ball while Jarrod Hillary snared eight goals.
Jeremy Sykes and Jesse Margosis were best for the Demons.
Henty proved too strong for Rand-Walbundrie-Walla at Henty.
