GALLANT efforts by Kaniva-Leeor United players got the side over the line against Keith in Kowree-Naracoorte-Tatiara competition on Saturday.

The Cougars defeated the Crows 11.13 (79) to 6.7 (43). 

Cougars coach Nick Murphy said wind was a factor in the match.

“Once again for probably the third week in a row there was a strong breeze,” he said. 

“Our intensity was way up in the first quarter and luckily we capitalised kicking with the wind. 

“When we got it into the forward 50 we were able to box them in and scoreboard pressure resulted from that.” 

The Cougars stood tall defensively in the second term and went into half-time with at 20-point lead. Murphy said it was an arm wrestle at the start of the third quarter. “We were able to break them a bit and kick a couple goals,” he said.

“In the last quarter we were able to stem their flow and ended up coming away victors. It’s real positive times at the club.”

Cougar ruck man Nathan Bowles was named best on field, with Murphy – who kicked six goals – also in the best.

If the Cougars win their remaining games and Padthaway loses its remaining games, the Cougars will feature in the finals.

EARLY missed opportunities from Border Districts put the side under the pump against Kingston. 

The squad wriggled its way back into the game, but fell short as Kingston took the points 7.8 (50) to 4.9 (33).