CDHBU stayed in the premiership race with a pulsating eight-point victory over Howlong in the second elimination final at Walbundrie on Sunday.
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It nearly gave me a heart attack. We play similar games in that we both score quickly and thankfully we had enough at the end
- CDHBU coach Damian Payne
In a see-sawing tussle, the Power picked themselves off the canvas on several occasions to set up a clash with Jindera.
Coach Damian Payne emerged as the hero by kicking seven goals in his first appearance since July 23 due to a knee injury.
Young gun Matt Walker was thrown into the ruck in the third quarter in a bid to nullify Azzi medallist Peter Hancock while Josh Lewis was prolific in the midfield.
Andrew Ollington held surprise-packet Scott Robinson goalless in the second-half after the Spider youngster booted five before half-time.
“It nearly gave me a heart attack,” Payne said.
“We play similar games in that we both score quickly and thankfully we had enough at the end.
“Finals are a funny thing.
“They can get away from you as quickly as they can work for you.
“Howlong is a good, hard-running side and, if you give them space, they are really quick.
“It could have gone either way in the end and we are lucky enough it went our way.”
While Payne was determined to play down his performance, he admitted it was a relief to kick the final two goals of the match.
“It was good to get on the end of a couple,” he said.
“My form was pretty average during the year and it was good to play my role for the side.
“I think we got through the game OK which is always good in finals.”
CDHBU forward Adam Houlihan flashed in and out of the play with four goals while Brad Talbot was tireless around the packs particularly when the Power turned a 15-point half-time deficit into a 19-point lead at the last change.
Howlong has shown character all season and lost few admirers again with Max Barraclough, Ben Baker and Troy Price playing well.
Robinson kicked three majors in the first quarter and two in the second to be instrumental in the Spiders leading at the main break.
Coach Joel Price said he couldn’t have asked for more from his players.
“The boys gave it everything,” Price said.
“It’s a young side and I couldn’t be prouder of them.
“I was rapt with the effort.”
In a mix-up which tested the patience of some patrons, spectators were unable to buy alcohol at the ground due to liquor licensing permit issues.