Minyip-Murtoa and Horsham squared off in a battle of the competition’s only undefeated teams.

The Burras took the points, but Horsham took a lot from the game.

Minyip-Murtoa jumped to an early lead and forced the Demons to play catch-up football. Head coach Jaye Macumber said the good start was a pivotal factor to the Burras’ victory.

“We got a good start and kicked four goals to one in the first term,” Macumber said.

“We forced them to chase and even when they got on a roll we kicked one or two against the flow.”

Horsham was able to win both the third and final quarter, but the damage had been done early.

“It was a real credit to our boys to finish the game off,” Macumber said.

“We didn’t panic when they started to play better football. We settled and we controlled the tempo.”

The Burras used the home crowd to their advantage in the final term and Macumber said the crowd support played a part in the victory.

“Players don’t often take much notice of records or anything like that, but the crowd certainly knew what was going on,” Macumber said.

“It was pleasing to win and see how excited the Minyip-Murtoa faithful were. That is why we play football.”

While Minyip-Murtoa remains undefeated at the top of the table, Macumber admitted they were not at their best against Demons at the weekend.

“We had lapse of concentration that really affected us,” Macumber said.

“We will enjoy the win now, but we will have a good look at the video review and we know now there is a lot to work on.”

Best players for the Burras were Tom Delahunty down back and Warrick Stone in the ruck. Stone was playing his first game back from a shoulder injury. Clinton Young performed well with eight score involvements, including four goals.

Stone gave the Burras first use of the football, bringing Kieren and John Delahunty into the game.

Horsham’s best were Nick Pekin and Simon Hobbs.

Horsham was disappointed to lose by 11 points, but coach Brad Hartigan said he did not think it would hurt the playing group.

“Our drive and hunger can only grow from the loss,” Hartigan said.

“You don’t like saying it, but we can learn more from a loss than we can a win. If we win in a close one, we stumble. To be knocked down we have to pick ourselves up and get back on the winner’s list next weekend.”

Both coaches said the game was played in good spirit.

“For the first time in a long time there is a fight to be in that top four,” Hartigan said.

“It is really exciting for Wimmera football.

“We are still striving to win the flag, but you have to be up and about every week now. You can’t play well every four weeks and get away with it.”