The Warriors won an almighty tussle between the league's top two sides by six points and closed the gap between first and second to four points.

It is a massive turnaround in form from the improving Warriors outfit, who were without key onballer Ben Scott, defenders Daniel Thomas, Travis Nicholson and Nauruan livewire Otto Adam on Saturday, after going down at the hands of Warrack Eagles just a few weeks ago.

However, it would be the nature of the victory is most pleasing for the Warriors coaching staff, with the visitors trailing at every change before fighting back from a 10 point three quarter time deficit to win the match. Warriors staved off a number of promising Horsham attacks on goal in a frantic final term, with majors from Mal Batsiua, Sam Anyon and Paul Hanns sealing the points for the Warriors.

Thrilled coach Dale Power said it was amazing what could happen when his team put together four quarters of pressure football.

``One game doesn't make a season but it is definitely what we looked at,'' Power said.

``The issues we addressed after the Warrack Eagles game, you can tell the difference in the way we are playing on the field now with each other and the way we are going about it.

Power said his team's ability to keep up their work rate for the four quarters led to their success.

``I thought at three quarter time it was going to be one of those games where we just can't get that kick or two in front and have the pressure on them,''

``We did that early in the last quarter and we got that pressure on them and they didn't have the answers.''

Warriors captain Ben Williamson was one of the major reasons behind his team's success after the fearless backman turned in another brilliant display against the Demons. His job on David Johns was again first class, restricting the ace's influence on the game to minimum, allowing him just one goal for the afternoon.

Nauruan Mal Batsiua turned in his best game of the season through the centre, busting through many packs with his pace and agility, Simon Jones continued his form with a classy display around the ground and Paul Hanns was in everything, especially after half time. Big man Jorah Margetson was influential in the ruck contests with a number of big fists forward, while Nic Thomas spent the day tagging clever Horsham forward Luke Carr, restricting him to three goals and foiling a number of other chances.

Brent Tuckey was important up forward with four goals but a lack of supply saw him wanting on a number of occasions. Sam Anyon kicked two in a tidy display.

Julian Carr is the major injury concern for Stawell after dislocating the same knee cap from the match at Warracknabeal in the third quarter and being carried from the field by trainers. Early signs have the forward in doubt for the next one or two matches. Meanwhile, Tom Newton struggled after a knock in the second half and will be monitored during the week ahead of Stawell's clash with Horsham Saints at Central Park this weekend. Jake Hart was a late inclusion into the team and was handy on a wing.

Meanwhile, Stawell recruit Damien McDonald played his first match of the season on Saturday in the reserves.

McDonald, who has recently had surgery on an injured foot, pulled up well from the match despite suffering a corked leg during the match.

Saints head to Central Park full of confidence after knocking over Warrack Eagles on Saturday.

The Saints surprised the Eagles to win by 58 points and sent a clear warning of their intentions for the remainder of the season.

Ararat beat a gallant Minyip-Murtoa by 28 points and Dimboola returned to form with an important 50 point victory against Horsham United.

Stawell Times-News best: Mal Batsiua, Ben Williamson, Simon Jones, Paul Hanns, Jorah Margetson.