The Swampies eventually prevailed by just one point in an epic contest that had a bit of everything that kept the large crowd enthralled from opening bounce to siren.

Saints’ Kade Garland had a chance to win the game in the final minutes, but his set shot from 35 metres out missed for a behind.

Once again it was the magical Damian Cupido who proved a matchwinner for Henty, booting eight goals as the Saints just could not contain him.

Cupido’s eighth goal was the final goal of the game, as the Swampies fought back from almost five goals down during the second term.

Both sides kicked four goals each in the final term to end a pulsating contest that show cased country football at its absolute finest.

The win keeps Henty well clear on the ladder, while the loss will make things very hard for Brock Burrum to claim second spot and the double chance.

****

OSBORNE overcame a determined Holbrook in a tough encounter at the Holbrook Sporting Complex to win by 30 points.

The visitors kicked the first three and final three goals of the game to keep alive its double chance prospects with Pat Delaney starring for the Cats.

Holbrook after starting its scoring with seven straight behinds hit the front during the third term, but missed opportunities and a distinct lack of the rub of the green proved costly.

The defending premiers game awareness and ball use was outstanding with Declan O” Rourke and Duncan McMaster key players.

Brock Knights was outstanding for Holbrook, along with defender Andrew Taylor, utility Curtis Steele and Luke Carman.

****

CDHBU kept alive its slim finals hope by defeating a depleted Rand Walbundrie Walla Giants by 23 points at Coreen.

The Power who knocked off fellow finals aspirant Culcairn the previous week is now in eighth place on the ladder but one game from sixth placed Culcairn.

The Giants lost coach Myles Aalbers in the first minute with a reoccurrence of his hamstring injury. They were also without Ryan Lavery, Tim Madden and Brendan Simmons.

The Power led by as much as forty points during the third term before the Giants fought back to get within eighteen points in the last term.

Cal Butler, Shannon Broadbent and Kade Rowe (4 goals) were best for CDHBU, while Tommy Simmons, Justin Gordon and Brian Lieschke tried hard for the Giants.

****

JINDERA made a successful trip to Lockhart beating the inform home side by 38 points in a dour affair with Trent Castles kicking six for the Bulldogs.

Lockhart had notched up its first win of the season last week, but had no answer to the Bulldogs running power in midfield and class of Castles up forward.

Castles has taken his season tally to (59), three ahead of Henty star Damian Cupido. The Bulldogs are now in second place.

Lockhart were best served by young gun Henry Bouffler, Zachary Sheather and Jordan Harrington who capped off a great game with two goals.

****

CULCAIRN had a tough day at the office, working overtime to hold off a much improved Billabong Crows at Oaklands winning by 11 points.

The energetic Crows looked set for a boil over when they led at half time with Mick O’Riordan, Tim Austin and the Bourchier boys Angus and Jeremy dominating.

A five goal third quarter effort led by Ben Gould, Jed Andrew and Denis Pedemont sparked the Lions. All three kicked three goals for the game.

Culcairn has made its way back into the top six on the back of its win and the Giants loss. They face a crucial match this week at home to Lockhart.

****

HOWLONG made a return to the winners list after six straight losses and in doing so keeps alive its chances of playing finals.

The Spiders after a very tightly contested first half ran over the Murray Magpies after half time to win at Howlong by 54 points.

A best on ground performance from Steve Jolliffe paved the way for the win, that featured the return of midfielder Matt McDonald after missing seven matches.

Nick Sharp, Brett LeFoe and Alex Dilger all kicked three for Howlong, while Ash Murray did the same for Magpies who were best served by Josh Senior and Alex Popko.

****

NEXTweek’s match of the round will see Brock Burrum Saints travel to Osborne with the loser unlikely to grab the double chance.

The other top six clash will pit the consistent Jindera up against Holbrook. The Giants also have a must win clash with the Crows.

NEXT WEEK ROUND 11