The Cougars fought off a first-half challenge from Lucindale, before a 16-goal second half propelled them to a 26.20 (176) to 12.8 (80) win.

Leigh Ryan and Dylan Williams continued their outstanding starts to the season with seven and five goals respectively. Cougars coach Neil Reeve said it was an important win at this stage of the season and a good result after a lacklustre first half.

"Early wins are certainly important and they can really set up your season hopefully now we can cement our spot in the top five," he said.

"I put it on our players at half-time to lift.

"Even though we were still in front we were playing far from our best footy and I think we thought it was just going to happen.

"They were pretty competitive for most of the game, and only really in the last quarter or last 20 minutes did we really run away with it.

Reeve had high praise for on-baller Williams after another starring performance.

"Dylan had another superb game, and he'd easily be the best player in the competition as far as midfielders go at the moment," he said.

Half-back James Turner was named the Cougars' best, alongside ruckman-forward Ryan, Williams and midfielder Paul Adlington.

Reeve said the side could have a few injury concerns, with Scott Brown, Josh Jarred and Lewis Keller all under injury clouds.

Border Districts could not match the Cougars' three wins on the trot, going down to reigning premier Penola by 108 points at Penola.

The hosts increased their lead in every quarter on their way to a 29.10 (184) to 12.4 (76) victory.

Border Districts had no answer to Penola forward Adam Merrett, who kicked a bag of 15 goals.

Daniel Skinner and Corey Burr were named the visitors' best, with five players kicking two goals apiece.

In other results, Bordertown moved to the top of the ladder with a 99-point win over Naracoorte, Scott Welsh kicked six of Padthaway's 10 goals in its 18-point win over Mundulla and Keith thrashed bottom side Kybybolite by 101 points.