FOUR premiership points were almost irrelevant in Harrow-Balmoral’s 21-point win over Edenhope-Apsley on Saturday.

The mental edge for this week’s finals meeting was much more important.

Harrow-Balmoral struck first in what was essentially a dead-rubber preview to the elimination final on Saturday at Quantong.

Both sides were missing important players, with Roos forward Brent Penny joining others on the sidelines as a late withdrawal.

The Roos got off to a better start with four goals in the first term, but the momentum swung back and forth after that.

Both teams had the ascendancy at times, and only two points separated them at the final change.

The Roos found something extra in the last quarter, booting seven goals to get across the line.

Tim Cogger kicked three goals for the victors but left the field with a hamstring injury in a blow for Harrow-Balmoral.

Roos coach Brent Forsyth said he was pleased with the outcome.

“We wanted to get that psychological edge going into the finals, so from that perspective it’s good,” he said.

“Our ball use forward of the centre was poor again at times, but it was important that in the last 15 or 20 minutes, we did get a run on and finish with some momentum.”

Edenhope-Apsley coach Grant Coxon said his side still fancied its chances in the finals.

“It was a high intensity game and both teams went out there to win, but as far as giving away any plans for Saturday I don’t think there was too much shown,” he said.

Jackson Finnigan played his first senior game after being called up from the under-17s.