THE Horsham Demons continued their winning form against Warrack Eagles in round five of the Wimmera Football League on Saturday.
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The Horsham Demons recorded a 30-point victory, 15.12 (102) to the Eagles’ 10.12 (72).
Horsham was rattled by the early physicality of the Eagles, but the team was able to steady the ship and kick away in the second term.
With a slight wind at their backs, the Demons’ players kept Warrack to a respectable two-goals in the first term before stamping their authority.
Horsham kicked seven goals to Warrack’s two in the second term to open up a 38-point margin.
Demons coach Brad Hartigan said his team was consistent across the four quarters, but only played their best football for one half of the game.
“They really rattled us early,” Hartigan said.
“They were very physical and we had to work hard. In the finish we were up to the challenge.”
Horsham relied on their on-ballers to regain the momentum after a scrappy opening term.
Nic Pekin, Simon Hobbs and Baillie Bachelor were all impressive while Billy Carberry held his own in the ruck against Matt Rix.
Rix was among the best for the Eagles and was able to give Warrack first use of the football on several occasions.
Warrack rebounded to win the third quarter, but the bulk of the damage had been done.
“It is so much easier to play good football when you already have that buffer,” Hartigan said.
“Warrack played well and the hit out against them certainly tightened us up a little bit.”
For Warrack playing coach Ryan McKenzie was strong in a three-goal best-on-ground performance.
Other players named in the best included Harry Trezise, Jake Dalgliesh, Rix, Sam Carr, and Jacob Cheney.
Demons went into the contest in good form after an unbeaten start to the season.
They will now take on ladder leaders Minyip-Murtoa in a blockbuster match this coming weekend.
It is a challenge coach Hartigan is looking forward to.
“We can’t wait to play them,” Hartigan said.
“They are obviously the team to beat at the minute and we pride ourselves on playing the best. It should be an awesome match.”
The Demons will have to improve on their four-quarter effort at the weekend if they are to challenge the premiership favourites.
“We have plenty to work but we want to be challenged and so do they,” Hartigan said.