It was a big scalp for the Cougars, who have won their past three matches and sit third on the ladder.

Coach Neil Reeve said the side fought back after a slow start to notch the 17.8 (110) to 16.5 (101) win.

‘‘We were down at halftime, but we fought our way back and ended up running out the game really well,’’ he said.

Four goals to Dylan Williams and three each to James Lyon and Ryan Richardson set up the victory.

Reeve lauded the efforts of midfielder Ash Duncan.

‘‘That’s two weeks in a row he has set the tone for us with his tacking pressure,’’ he said.

Reeve said defender Steven Stallion held his own down back despite an eight-goal haul from Penola’s Adam Merrett, Sebastion Guilhaus impressed in the ruck, while Toby Stribling overcame a tough tag to assert his influence.

Border Districts competed well in the first half of its match against reigning premier Padthaway.

But the Eagles fell away after the main break to go down 18.15 (123) to 7.5 (47).

Coach Mark Good said his side needed to learn to avoid lapses after half-time.

However he said the side’s effort in the first half was pleasing.

‘‘We were fantastic in the first half and we went toe-totoe with them,’’ he said.

‘‘We broke even in contested ball and ran with them.’’

After trailing by just eight points at half-time, seven consecutive Lions’ goals ended the contest.