His efforts down back allowed Ramblers to score three more goals for the quarter, while Imperials could manage just one, again through Harrowfield, who was putting in a gutsy performance for the visitors.

At the third break the scores were 16.7 to 7.11, with the Blues needing a miracle for victory.

The last quarter was a mere formality for the home side, booting five goals to four to run out convincing winners.

Girardi kicked three last quarter goals to bring his tally to eight for the game, while Marchetti kicked another two to bring his tally to four.

But it was the performance of Button that supporters watching the game would have remembered.

Button was everywhere during the match, taking a staggering 32 marks and simply dominating the back half for the Roosters.

Others to play well for the Roosters were Jackson, who presented well all day at centre-half-forward, young ruckman Ty Pfeiffer, Girardi with eight goals and Matthews in defence.

Luke Harrowfield was by far Imperials’ best player, putting in gutsy performance despite receiving a knock to the head.

Brother Blake Harrowfield was ferocious with his tackling all day, while midfielders Henry Hodge, James McLaren, Tyson Wait and Sam Redden all tried hard for their side.

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M annum snatches victory

Mannum 13.8 (86)

Mypolonga 12.11 (83)

MANNUM finally won a close game when they defeated downstream neighbours Mypolonga by three points in a thrilling finish at the Roos’ home ground.

It was just the second win of the season for Mannum in the River Murray Football League.

The Tigers hit the front at the 20-minute mark of the final term for the first time in the game after a four-goal burst from Brad Martin, with two, and Joel Eckermann and David Wallfried, which put them in a winning position.

Mannum appeared down and out, and a repeat of the previous week looked likely before “captain courageous” Ben Quinn single-handedly lifted his side.

A clever mark at half forward and a pass to Matt Connolly resulted in a goal.

This was quickly followed by Todd Boughen’s solo effort out of the centre to the goal square for the winning goal, snatching victory with a minute left to play, much to the delight of the large crowd of supporters.

Mannum, meanwhile, started well with three first-quarter goals to Matt Connolly and another to Jarred Woodward before Mypo opened their account with goals to Brad Martin and Kieran Jaensch.

The Roos were able to maintain a two to three goal lead at each change until the last quarter, when the Tigers made their move.

Once again Mannum relied on the engine room of Brad Wakefield in ruck, Paul Sarno, Justin Maloney and Josh Rosenzweig to provide opportunities for their forwards, but the outstanding players for the Roos were Shane Harte across half back and the tireless Ben Quinn.

Harte is never beaten at close quarters with his evasive skills and Ben Quinn provided the goal of the day with a kick out of mid air around his body from 25 metres.

Caine Lynn and Joel Eckermann were big possession-winners around the ground for the Tigers.

Captain James Pedler was solid at either full or centre half back and his rebounding efforts, particularly in the second half, were instrumental in Mypo’s comeback.

Youngster Scott Menenghetti showed that he will beat top players for the Tigers with good skills and marking ability; Brad Martin was the dominant forward with five goals, but special mention must go to Mannum’s Daniel Thiele who acquitted himself well against the league’s top goal kicker.

Mannum meet Tailem and Meningie in its next two games and wins are a must if they are to compete in the finals.

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Tailem takes Meningie with accurate kicking

Tailem Bend 19.8 (122)

Meningie 14.13 (97)

IN good football conditions neither side could gain a clear ascendancy early, with Tailem Bend unable to capitalise on numerous chances.

Meningie made them pay, with Luke Trevorrow booting a goal and Ryan Mallard slotting three more in the opening term.

First gamer Darren Buckingham kicked truly for Tailem’s only goal as his side went into the first break trailing 1-6 to Meningie’s 5-3.

At the change, Tailem Bend made a couple of changes, with Michael Thomas going forward and Mitchell Vickers moving onto Mallard.

The move paid off with Thomas kicking two second quarter goals and a goal each to Des Karpany and Daniel Gregory dragged Tailem back into the game.

The two Matthews, Linke and Krueger, were solid in defence as well as providing run out of the back line.

Evan Smith was playing the same role for the Bears but his teammates further up the ground could not take advantage.

Josh Herbert, a late inclusion, put the Eagles in front, only for Mark Turner to pinch the lead back for the Bears just before half time.

After the first term, Tailem would have been content to be four points behind with the scores 6-6 to 6-4.

Buckingham, Thomas and Anthony Gregurke each kicked goals early in the third as Tailem’s midfield took control through Dylan Hogarth, Tony Lynch and ruckman Patrick Gabb.

Gregory and Vickers continually mopped up around the defensive 50 and the Eagles broke away from Meningie, Bell kicked his first and Buckingham his third before successive goals to Mallard and Shaun Ridley kept Meningie in touch going into the final change.

At three quarter time the scores were Tailem Bend 13-7 to Meningie 9-9.

Two missed chances for Meningie could have given them real hope, but only Mallard was able to convert.

A goal from Lynch after a strong contested mark put Tailem further in front.

Bell set up Buckingham for his fourth, and Karpany did likewise for Hogarth to seal the deal.

The Bears replied with late consolation goals to Ridley and Josh Robinson.

Another strong mark to Lynch saw him kick another and Buckingham converted another chance to complete the win.

It was the Eagles’ accuracy in front of goal, particularly after quarter time, which stood out.

Best for the winners were Lynch, Linke and Thomas, but Vickers also deserves a mention for his commendable job on Mallard after quarter time.

The big fella in Buckingham was the surprise packet with five majors.

Smith was the only fourth quarter performer for Meningie but Mallard provided a target up forward with five goals.