THE top-three aspirations of premiership contender Barnawartha survived a huge scare against a plucky Yackandandah at Yackandandah on Saturday.
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As expected, the Tigers looked to be cruising to a comfortable victory against the Roos when they held a handy 44-point buffer at the last change.
With a season defining clash against Kiewa-Sandy Creek to decide third spot next week, Tigers coach Peter Cook decided to rest several players in the final quarter.
Although a sound move tactically, it almost proved disastrous as the Roos launched a spirited fightback.
The Roos, led by Nick Donaghey, Connor Marshall and Trent Castles suddenly sprung to life.
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The trio were instrumental in the home side booting eight goals before the Tigers steadied late to secure a thrilling three point victory.
Coach Peter Cook said there were some anxious moments in the dying minutes.
"We had four blokes pull out before the match which is obviously not ideal," Cook said.
"But credit to Yackandandah, they have got some impressive kids in their side.
"Nick Donaghey dominated in the midfield and Connor Marshall did a good job in restricting the influence of Josh Spence.
"Trent Castles got on the end of some good delivery and finished off well.
"We did ourselves no favours when we kicked 1.10 in the second term.
"So we had our opportunities and really should have buried them early.
"It just shows that if you don't capitalise when you have the momentum, it can come back and haunt you."
The Tigers went into the clash without Cook who missed for the third week in a row with a calf complaint.
The classy match winner is no certainty to face the Hawks on Saturday.
They were also missing Brad Star, Jacob Schmidt, Matt Ladgrove and Matt McNamara.
The Tigers were best served by Cameron McNeill, Seamus Quinn and Connor Wiffen.
Yackandandah got to within three points before Adam Elias soccered through a clever goal to halt the Roos' momentum.
The Roos got the quick reply and were once again surging forward when the final siren sounded.
"We were extremely lucky in the end," Cook said.
"I was screaming for blokes to push back and get numbers behind the ball.
"To be honest, if the match went for another minute I reckon they would have rolled us."
