The Warriors, who were without coach Dale Power who injured his hamstring at training on Thursday night, fought off the gallant Saints with an eight goal final term.

It appeared to be another case of the Horsham hangover for three quarters as the home team failed to shake off a firing Saints, who infact led at quarter time and half time before trailing by just two points at the final change.

There appeared to be major holes in the Stawell defence for much of the match as Saints forwards were able to score freely during the middle parts of the game and find plenty of space inside their forward 50 metres.

However, Brent Tuckey's best performance of the year helped turn the tide for Warriors, before eight goals to one in the final term sealed the result. The big full forward booted seven goals after a number of big marks during the afternoon and appears to be getting some of his Toohey Medal winning form back in his game.

Ben Scott was able to give Stawell the run it needed out of the middle and was among the best along with Jack Duke who booted four goals from a wing. Sam Anyon provided another focal target alongside Tuckey up forward despite finishing with just two majors, both in the second half. Jorah Margetson was again handy in the ruck and Shane Field turned in one of his better performances for the club with two goals.

Power, who admitted he was in doubt for this weekend's clash with Dimboola, said it was a real struggle for his team.

``At half time it was a simple case of not playing for each other and not doing all the things that we talked about. They were, and they were getting the run with the umpires because they deserved it,'' Power said after the match.

``To get away with a good win is good in the end, but it's disappointing that we went back to that style of game.

``We were working on that all week to not play like that.''

Power, who admitted he was concerned about the result at half time, kept his players out on the ground long after the final siren to drum an important message into their minds just a matter of weeks out from the finals series.

``We have got to make the most of this chance, the most of this opportunity when we have got good players around,'' he said.

``We are very fortunate that the club is strong and they're supporting us I guess the message out there was that the blokes that do the team things and play their role in the team are the blokes who will be going into September with us.

``Plain and simple, not these blokes who are running around trying to play their own game.''

There was some concerning news for the Warriors with young Justin Thomas pulling up sore late in the match with a groin injury.

Damian McDonald appears close to a senior call-up after being named second best in the reserves' 100 point win on Saturday. It was just McDonald's second game for the season.

Horsham United won a thrilling bottom-of-the-ladder clash with Minyip-Murtoa by five points on Saturday.

United had trailed all afternoon but clawed its way back to hit the lead in the final quarter and hold on for a much-needed victory.

However, the victory only brings United to within four points of the Burras, and they remain favourites to take out the wooden spoon.

Horsham returned to the winner's list after kicking away from Nhill who had been gallant up to half time.

The Demons were then a class above the Tigers, booting 13 goals to four to run out 68 point victors.

David Johns returned to form with eight goals.

Warrack Eagles bounced back from their surprise loss to Saints with a comfortable 44 point win over Dimboola.

STAWELL TIMES-NEWS: Ben Scott, Brent Tuckey, Jack Duke, Sam Anyon, Shane Field, Ben Williamson.