Holbrook overrun Howlong in second-half to remain undefeated

The winless Spiders were desperate to open their winning account and were able to match the visitors in the first-half courtesy of some accurate kicking after posting 8.1 during the first-half.

But the Brookers' overall class shone through as the match wore on, booting nine goals to four to run out comfortable 18.6 (114) to 12.4 (76) winners.

The victory could come at a cost with star recruit Luke Gestier (hamstring), Lachie Holmes (knee) and ruckman Ben Griffiths (concussion) all injured before three-quarter-time.

The trio are considered to be in serious doubt for this week's testing assignment against Rand-Walbundrie-Walla.

Brookers coach Matt Sharp was relieved to escape with the four points.

"Howlong at Howlong is always a dangerous proposition and they were fantastic on the weekend," Sharp said.

"Especially the first-half their intensity was high and they were first to the ball.

"The scoreline at half-time probably flattered us a little bit to be honest and I was a bit worried about the second-half.

"It was a gutsy win in the end after we copped a few injuries and finished without a bench.

"But full credit to the boys - their will to win was fantastic."

IN OTHER NEWS

Griffiths was making his debut for the Brookers after more than five years away from the game.

The big man showed some promising signs in the ruck before being concussed and provides Sharp with the luxury of having two genuine ruckmen alongside youngster Randal Taylor.

Standing at 195cm, the athletic Griffiths also boasts a huge leap.

Corey McCarthy was the standout for the visitors and racked up a stack of possessions playing in the midfield and on a wing.

Defender Nick Locke has also played limited football over the past few seasons but showed glimpses of his ability and will only get better as the season progresses.

North Albury recruit Justin Bishop, Andrew Dear and Will Holmes with four goals were also damaging.

Murray played his best match for the Spiders since crossing from Bullioh with seven goals.

Recruit David Goodwin, Manny Hughes and Hamish Clark also battled hard.

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