A RESURGENT Howlong’s top-six aspirations survived a scare against a tenacious Holbrook in a three-point thriller at Holbrook on Saturday.
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The Brookers’ led at every change and looked destined to score an upset win as they clung to a nine-point lead with less than two minutes left.
Albury recruit Josh Dicketts whittled the lead back to three points, converting from 45 metres after a contested mark.
The Spiders then won the clearance from the centre and Jim Scannell dragged down a strong contested mark 25 metres out on a slight angle.
The final siren sounded as Scannell walked back to take his shot before he coolly converted to pinch a thrilling win.
The victory cements the Spiders’ spot inside the top six and put a dagger through the heart of the Brookers’ finals hopes.
Spiders coach Joel Price was ecstatic to win.
“Holbrook may be ninth but we approached the clash a real danger match,” Price said.
“We certainly have a lot of respect for them and I walked away impressed by their effort.
“It was a huge result for our finals aspirations and give us that bit of breathing space in fifth spot.
“We have got a huge three weeks ahead with Brock-Burrum, Henty and CDHBU.
“But we will take a fair bit of confidence and belief out of the weekend after being six goals down at half-time and being able to turn things around.”
Dicketts was a standout for the Spiders, with Beau Walker, Peter Hancock and James Eastoe also prominent.