OSBORNE blew the Hume league premiership race wide open with a surprise 14-point win over Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock at Burrumbuttock on Saturday.
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Trailing by 12 points at the last change, the Cats slammed on 5.2 to 1.0 in the final quarter to keep their undefeated record intact.
It was the reigning premier’s first loss since round 17 last season when they went down to Murray Magpies by six points at Urana Road Oval.
While Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock missed the run of Nico Sedgwick, Luke McLellan, Daniel Hitchens and Alex Wilson, Osborne also took an under-strength side into the clash with Andrew Johnston, Jacob McDonnell and Steve Doig sidelined.
“It was a really positive step forward,” coach Matt Rava said.
“After building last year, we are 12 months older and have that little bit of extra confidence to match the really good sides.
“We are fairly fit as well and it showed in the last quarter.”
Osborne, who lost Jeremy Bahr after he was knocked out and taken from the ground on a stretcher, had a star in veteran Hayden Gleeson.
Pat Delaney, Sam Rutland and Simon Lane also played well.
Brock-Burrum’s Ron Boulton, Eddy Ziebarth and Josh Koschitzke battled hard.
Howlong dodged another bullet by defeating CDHBU by eight points at Coreen.
Only a fortnight after escaping with the points against winless Billabong Crows, the Spiders were once again forced to dig deep with Matt McDonald, Alex Dilger and Peter Hancock proving the difference.
CDHBU’s defence was again strong with Tim Cooper, Andrew Ollington and Matt Howard holding the visitors to 11 goals.
Rand-Walbundrie-Walla stayed in touch with the top six by defeating Lockhart by 39 points.
With Myles Aalbers and Nick Turner kicking 10 majors between them, the Giants kept the scoreboard ticking over and led at every change.
Luke Bennie played his best game for the club while Darcy Kilmartin and Brian Lieschke also turned in strong performances.
Lockhart were best served by Oscar Haberecht and Jordan Harrington.
Culcairn recruit Jamie Robbins starred in the Lions’ 72-point win over Billabong Crows.
Henty proved too strong for Holbrook, winning by 39 points.