The Magpies had 38 scoring shots with tough conditions making it hard to get the ball through the big sticks.

The game started with the home team building an early lead with the visitors able to manage just two goals to trail by 23 points at the first break.

The second term the Bulldogs were able to score a bit more freely and get themselves back in the game, holding the home team goalless.

The Magpies capitalised on the wind advantage in the third term, piling on the goals to extend their lead out to 44 points going into the three quarter time huddle.

A six goals to one final term for Wickliffe-Lake Bolac ensured it would remain unbeaten and get the points at home.

Will Slattery again showed poise, slotting four goals for the Magpies while Jarryd Underwood kicked three majors for the Bulldogs.

Tom Thewlis was named the Rovers’ best on ground while Bailey Veale was the Magpies’ best.

Magpies coach Joe Otto said it was a big effort to get the points in what was a really tough game in some of the worst conditions experienced this season.

“It is definitely pleasing to win in the end, to Rovers’ credit, they played really well and in the second quarter they completely outplayed us,” he said.

“It was a scrappy game and it is something we want to concentrate on with our contested football, so it was pleasing to do that.”

With 38 scoring shots generated in tough conditions, the Magpies’ midfielders gave their forwards plenty of chances to kick a winning score.

Otto said the tough conditions made it hard to be efficient with shots at goal but said there was still things to work on.

“I think we can still get better in our forward line entry, but it was pleasing to have created so many chances though,” he said.

The Magpies picked up some injuries but with the week off, Otto said they will re-assess next week.

For the Rovers, if leaves them outside the top five with work to do if they want to play finals.

It was the worst performance of the season to date for the Bulldogs back line with a chance to re-group now before SMW Rovers host Tatyoon in what is shaping up as a pivotal match for both teams.

Both teams have had an unsettled start to the season with injuries forcing multiple changes each week.

The Bulldogs sit in 10^th position, two games outside the top five and will need a strong second half of the year if they are to play finals after narrowly missing out last season.

The Magpies will face the Lions in Great Western in round six when the Mininera and District Football League season resumes on Saturday May 26.