WIMMERA Football League produced a strong win over Bellarine in the WorkSafe Country Championships at Horsham on Saturday, by playing tough, relentless football.
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It took more than half the first term for either team to break through for a goal and it was Wimmera who drew first blood.
Horsham Saints' Sam Jasper used his foot speed to give himself rare space to kick the first.
Jasper continued to set the tone for the remainder of the match as he broke lines and gave Wimmera a much needed spark.
Ararat's Beau Cosson was in dominant form for the Big W, kicking the other two majors of the term to give the home side an eight point buffer.
The shackles were loosened in the second term as both teams found it easier to convert.
Fifteen majors were kicked for the quarter, none better than Stawell's David Morris who saluted after he ran into an open goal on the half time siren.
The goal from Morris gave Wimmera a two point advantage.
Wimmera extended its lead to 19 points at the final change.
Coach Louie Dalziel said the third quarter was what broke down their opponents and even though they fought back during the fourth term, the result was never in doubt.
"Both coaches got together and said which ever team breaks first will lose," Dalziel said.
"We really broke their back in that third quarter. We were hard at it from start to finish and it was too much for them."
Cosson and Dimboola's Ashley Clugston shared bragging rights in the forward line with five goals each, while Mitchell Day booted seven goals for Bellarine and was a handful for the Wimmera's defence.
Cosson was named the Big W's best player, while Rats' team mates Justin Summons, Liam Cavanagh and Xavier Vearing were also solid contributors in the 17.13 (115) to 15.8 (98) victory.
Other players that were in the best included Stawell's Scott Driscoll and Jasper, who won the WorkSafe medal for best on ground.
Dalziel said each of the Wimmera players performed their role on the day.
"We are pleased with everyone's effort," Dalziel said.
"Not just today, but for the last six weeks since the season started.
"We identified the game plan that would work and they stuck to it and did an excellent job.
"We really didn't have a passenger for the day.
"There were players that were outstanding, but everyone certainly contributed."
The 17-point victory is the Big W's second in as many seasons in the Country Championships and sees the league's ranking climb to 15th.
Dalziel said he would like to see Wimmera eventually return to the VCFL's top 10 in the coming years.
