Although Cougars scored the first goal to extend their lead, Warriors hit back through some good football with Kendall Ballard, one of the lightest players on the ground, in everything. Moyle became a focal point up forward and Wickepin were able to score goals and were closing the gap.

However, Cougars had a more even distribution of physical strength around the ground, and they were forcing the ball forward with Ricky Mott making his presence felt with some strong knocking and spoiling efforts.

Roberts was continuing with his good form and while Miller and Taylor were doing well, Adam Gray and Nathan Ditchburn were still causing problems up forward with their marking and body strength, and goals to Cougars saw them stretch the lead back to eight points by half time.

The third quarter was another hard fought effort by players from both sides. Wickepin were able to score whenever the game was open and they moved the ball

quickly, but too often numbers around the ball made handling difficult and the bigger bodies of the Cougars were edging ahead a little each time.

Cougars with Mott, Holmes and Ward across the centre were holding Wickepin up and Gray was handy in taking advantage of his opportunities and kicking goals.

Joyce was leading well and kept Taylor busy and Miller had his hands full with Ditchburn.

Todd Mead and Lorenti were coming under notice as they continually pushed the ball forward but the Cougars defence was limiting their scoring chances.

By three quarter time, Cougars had improved their lead by another nine points even though they had double the number of scoring shots of their opponents.

Wickepin needed to score the first goal early in the final term if they were to have any chance of coming back.

But the Cougars were first into attack and kicked 2.1 in the first three minutes to look like running away with the game. Wickepin were not to be denied however, and kept on pushing.

Duckworth had gone to full forward to give his side some focal point up forward but Warriors were still having trouble getting the ball deep into their attacking zone.

Kendall Ballard, who was playing well on his wing, was carried off on a stretcher in this quarter, and it is hoped that he has not sustained any serious injury.

It had been a strong tussle and players from both sides were getting tired and the ball was being held up with a number of scrimmages during the quarter, but Cougars held on to win by 25 points and must now be pretty confident of holding onto that second place in the remaining two games.

For Cougars Adam Gray in his comeback game from injury kicked five goals in a strong performance.