Horsham open 2019 Wimmera Football League campaign with win against the Horsham Saints

A six-goal final quarter ended a good night for the reigning premiers, who looked threatening throughout the game.

Horsham co-coach Deek Roberts said it was good to set the tone early.

"It was good to get through, we had a really good second half, and all the boys pushed right through it, and it was really pleasing," he said.

A strong crowd was treated to a physical affair, with both sides starting the game aggressively.

Horsham took an early lead with two goals in quick succession but was clawed back by a Horsham Saints team who moved the ball impressively through the middle of the park.

The Horsham Saints entered the first quarter break holding a one-point lead.

Horsham came out for the second term energised and kicked four unanswered goals.

A goal late in the half for Horsham Saints' coach Luke Fisher kept his team in the contest, but both sides were guilty of costly handling errors.

Roberts said despite an 18-point lead at half-time, his side could've played better.

"The first half I thought we were a little bit reserved. In that second half we took the game on which we wanted to do, and I think the boys know exactly how we want to play now," he said.

Neither side managed to wrestle control in the third quarter, with a stronger breeze running straight down the field affecting the play.

The Horsham Saints' Jacob O'Beirne provided a match highlight mid-way through the third term when he shrugged off a couple of defenders and kicked a goal on the run in the forward pocket.

O'Beirne's goal and some strong contested ball work from the Horsham Saints were not enough, as they prepared for the final quarter 19-points behind.

RELATED: Wimmera league round two scores, action

It was one-way traffic in the final quarter, with the reigning premiers showing the talent that made them pre-season favourites.

Horsham took the game away in the dying stages, with forward Josh Mibus scoring at will on his way to a five-goal haul.

Roberts said the result showed the strength of his side.

"No one really let us down today, and I think the more we play together it's going to improve," he said.

"And watching the reserves before we've got a lot of depth there and it's good to have that pressure from beneath."

Horsham travel to Hopetoun next weekend for a grand final rematch against the Southern Mallee Giants. The Horsham Saints play host to Nhill.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox twice weekly from the Wimmera Mail-Times. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Wimmera, sign up below.