Football
19 May, 2026
Saints hold on for two-point win
Horsham have held off a fast-finishing Minyip Murtoa to bank the four points in their round-five clash in the Wimmera Football Netball League.
In bleak and rainy weather, Horsham coach Angus Martin said the result was about who better controlled the footy and adapted to the conditions quicker.
Just a point separated the sides at quarter-time, with the Burras down 1.3 (9) to 1.4 (10).
It was a better following quarter from Martin's side as they went into the big break with an advantage of 17 points.
They were able to extend on that lead in the third, going into the final quarter up 6.8 (44) to 3.7 (25).
But a four-goal-straight last term from the Burras almost snatched victory as the Saints could manage only 1.1.
"We were in control for most of the game but they have some bigger-sized mids who went to work and started winning contests for them," Martin said.
"We were lucky to have a big enough lead at three-quarter-time to hold them off."
Final scores were Horsham Saints 7.9 (51) to Minyip Murtoa 7.7 (49).
All in all, Martin said it may not have been a pretty win but they got the four points and that was what mattered.
"We just need to keep ticking over wins," he said.
"Sometimes it's not pretty but to still walk away with the four points is very pleasing.
"Heading into the bye 4-1 and second on the ladder is a very good spot to be in.
"Let's hope we can continue our momentum."
For the Burras, Tim Mackenzie, Brazer McKenzie and Nick Cushing were brilliant all day, while Mitch Martin, Rory Taggert and Jacob Obeirne were the better-judged players for the Saints.
"Rory Tagger, Zander McCrae and Mitch Martin were very influential for us and a big reason behind the win," Martin added.
The winners had all individual goal scorers, including Codi Kenny, captain Gage Wright and Zac Peake, while Luke Fisher, the only multiple goal scorer of the match, booted a couple of majors, with five other individual goal kickers for Minyip Murtoa, including Dusty Cross and Hamish McRae.