HORSHAM stands alone at the top of the ladder after its 32.22 (214) to 5.3 (33) thrashing of Nhill at Davis Park, Nhill, on Saturday.

The Demons held the Tigers scoreless in the opening term while having 18 scoring shots of their own.

Leading by 68 points at quarter-time, the visitors extended their buffer to 114 points at the major break and 179 points at three-quarter-time.

The hosts had kicked just one goal before matching the Demons’ four-goal haul in the final term.

The win was the biggest of the Wimmera league season this year, marginally eclipsing Horsham Saints’ win over the Tigers in round 11.

Horsham coach Jordyn Burke said it was a comprehensive performance from his side.

“We didn’t expect it to be that sort of scoreline,” he said.

“But to the boys’ credit we kept the foot down and played four quarters of footy.

“We made sure we got off to a good start and it kept rolling on from there.”

Burke kicked eight goals to earn best-on-ground honours for the Demons.

“It was a good day but the delivery I had was unbelievable,” he said.

“It made my job a lot easier.”

Sean Christopher also kicked six goals and Nick Pekin, four, to continue their strong form.

Fourteen Demons players split the middle at some stage during the afternoon.

Joel Geue, coach Brad Hartigan and Nathan Kelly were also among the Demons’ best players.

A win for the Demons against fellow top-two side Warrack Eagles on Saturday would secure the minor premiership and a week’s break at the start of the finals series.

Despite the big loss, Nhill coach Shane Grover said he was not massively disappointed, drawing on a positive final quarter.

“They’re a very high-quality side,” he said.

“I was really happy with the boys – they didn’t lie down, their endeavour was fantastic but they were just beaten by a far better side.

“We showed a lot of character in the last quarter and they could’ve kicked 10 or 15 goals.”

The Tigers were without a number of key players, including Andrew Watson, Aaron Beer and Sam Turmine.

Grover said Darcy Honeyman and Jake Corstens were the side’s best performers, while under-17s player Jarrod Devanny made his senior debut.

Tim Seymour and Justin Merrett kicked two goals each. 

Brent Marra was reported for abusive language.