TANUNDA survived a scare from South Gawler on Saturday, winning the Barossa, Light & Gawler A-grade football contest at Eldred Riggs Reserve by 26 points.

The Lions started poorly at home as the Magpies, as expected, dominated from the opening bounce.

South managed only 1.1 in the first quarter, while the Pies piled on 4.6 to lead by 23 points at quarter-time.

The Lions were fortunate Tanunda fluffed many chances in the opening quarter, and capitalised on the Magpies’ inaccuracy in the second term.

South kicked 5.4 to Tanunda’s 2.1 to cut the deficit to just two points at the main change, and for the first time in a month the Magpies looked threatened.

However, Tanunda showcased its ability once more, kicking a further five goals to South’s three to take a three-goal lead into three-quartertime.

The Lions were unable to snatch back the momentum, as the Magpies’ engine room took over and secured the victory.

Josh Trembath was inspirational up forward for Tanunda with three majors, while Matt Prior, Leigh Westhoff and player-coach Dean Terlich each kicked two.

Ben Schiller, Riley McFarlane, Nathan Petersen-Gray and Terlich all played a vital part in the guts for the Pies.

For South, Jackson Press continued to show why he’s one of the competition’s best players with three goals, while player-coach Jack Osborn, Nathan Bartsch and young towering forward Rhys Sutton all kicked two majors.

Josh Wittwer and Henry Bennison also impressed for the Lions, while tall timber Brodie Hudson and Chris James were handy around the ground.

Post-game, Terlich was quick to praise his side for its immediate response following South’s comeback in the second quarter.

“We were all over them, we won it out of the guts a fair bit and had some good ball use,” he said.

“To South’s credit they flicked the switch at quarter-time…once they’re up and running they’re hard to stop.

“But, I was pleased with how our boys responded and kept on track.”

Terlich also highlighted the performances of both Prior and Schiller in the win.

“(Prior) was great, he worked hard all day across half forward, he was able to sneak forward and get a couple of snags,” he said.

“(Schiller) epitomises why he’s the skipper, he sacrifices his own game to make us a better team; that’s the biggest thing for us, recognising the guys who do the team things.”

The Lions travel to Nuriootpa this weekend before taking on Willaston in a game that could decide fifth spot, while Tanunda has a week off before taking on the Tigers in a grand final rematch for the final minor round of the year.