HARROW-BALMORAL joined reigning premier Laharum as the only other undefeated team in the Horsham District Football Netball League after a 55-point win over Taylors Lake at Dock Lake Reserve at the weekend.

The Roos’ rise from borderline finals team last season to potential grand final threat this year continued to gather momentum, but the Lakers put up a terrific fight.

A six-goal-to-one first quarter gave the Roos an early advantage, but Taylors Lake battled on in the second and third terms to outscore its opponent five goals to four.

The Lakers produced arguably their best football of the season to keep Harrow-Balmoral goal-less in the second term.

Taylors Lake was within three goals in the final quarter, but the Roos were able to run over the top of their weary opponent to win 16.9 (105) to 8.2 (50).

Having plenty of goal-kickers has become a Harrow-Balmoral trademark this season, and the Roos were at it again on Saturday.

Dan Rogers, Mick Phelan, Tim Crick, Damian Van Someren and Scott Heath all kicked two goals and there were a further six single goal-scorers.

Scott Heath and brother Chris were the two best Roos on the ground, giving the team drive off the half-backline.

Lakers coach Deek Roberts and assistant Pat Purcell, two goals apiece, tried to inspire the team and big man Dylan Young was also good.

Roberts said he was impressed with the way his young team kept building each week.

“We’re really happy with our first three and a bit quarters, and the final margin probably didn’t reflect how well we played,” he said.

“Our pressure and our defence was the reason we were in the game for so long, but we still have to find more ways to generate goals.”

Harrow-Balmoral coach Brent Forsyth said he was pleased at the way his side responded when challenged.

“Our first and last quarters were pretty good,” he said.

“You’re not always going to have it your own way and sometimes you need to grind a game out like we did.”

Forsyth said the game was an indication his team was improving, but was not yet a top-tier side.