WINNING tough games is becoming a habit for Kaniva-Leeor United.
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The second-placed Cougars claimed a 10-point win extending its winning streak to eight matches against finals hopeful Keith on the road on Saturday.
It followed a one-point win over reigning premier Penola a fortnight ago.
Cougars coach Neil Reeve said it was another welcome result.
"We didn't play our best footy, but for us to stick it out and grind out a win was really pleasing," he said. "It showed some fight and some ticker.
"It was a tough game and both teams could have broken it open, it was a real arm wrestle."
The Cougars led by just a point at quarter-time, before opening up a 19-point gap at the major break.
With the margin cut by the Crows to just nine points in the final term, the Cougars held on for a 13.12 (90) to 11.14 (80) win.
Reeve praised the side's defensive group, which featured Steve Stallion, Scott Brown, Shane Vivian, Jono Hicks and James Turner.
"If it wasn't for our defence, we probably would have lost," he said.
Midfielder Dylan Williams was named the Cougars' best, finishing with four goals, while Tom Redden was named the Crows' best, despite a strong tag from Lachlan Seed.
The Cougars tough run will continue against Bordertown, with Leigh Ryan, hamstring, Reeve, shoulder, and Skrypek, concussion, looking to overcome injuries.
Mundulla moved into the top five with a thumping 102-point win over Border Districts.
Six goals apiece from Tigers' forwards Daniel Burgess and Luke Wiese helped consign the Eagles to their seventh consecutive defeat.
Nick Tarca was named the Eagles' best, with Elijah Ware and Stuart Ferenci kicking two goals each.
In other results, Padthaway thrashed Bordertown by 165 points, Penola enjoyed a 19-goal win over struggling Kingston and Naracoorte kept its slim finals chances alive with a 46-point win over Lucindale.