Lockhart continued its season trend of close results when they held on against Howlong for a thrilling one point win at Lockhart to keep its finals chances alive and well.
Howlong centre half forward Aaron Barnes had a chance to win the game for his side with a shot for goal after the final siren.
His shot from just inside fifty fell only inches short of the goal line, leaving the Spiders just one point behind Lockhart, who had only hit the lead a minute earlier.
The Demons Mitch Pilon scored the vital goal to put his team in front and was forced to sit out a nervous wait as Barnes attempted to become a last kick hero for Howlong.
A tie would have been a fair result with nothing separating the sides throughout the cold and windy conditions prevailing. The half time margin favored the home side by just two points.
In form Lockhart youngster Daniel Smallwood was the star up forward with his five goals being the difference. Pilon and Brad Pearse were also dangerous.
Howlong struggled up forward with the Demons defence well on top. The Spiders key forwards Trent Ball and Barnes were held to just one goal each.
Giant ruckman Steve Murphy was the best for Howlong who desperately missed key players Jason Kohn, John Brunner and Troy Price, while Coach Marc Almond left the ground with a hamstring injury.
LIONS STONE THE CROWS
Culcairn proved far too strong for the Billabong Crows at Urana, with a convincing 74 point win over the inform Crows and show the gap between both sides is considerable.
The Crows had a great chance to put early pressure on the Lions when they won the toss and kicked with a strong breeze, but failed to capitalize with the Lions making the early running.
The Culcairn forward set up of Luke Donan, Chad Willis and Trent Logue proved pivotal with all three kicking four goals although inaccurate kicking plagued them throughout.
Matt Klemke, Brent Barber, Leigh Baker and Shannon Gilson dominated through the midfield and just had too much class for the game Crows who did their best work after half time.
The Crows will be further tested this week when they travel to Osborne, while Culcairn will be at home to the Coleambally Blues. The Crows still maintain a spot in the top six despite the loss.
Email a friend