Rodgers was awarded a free kick on the 50m line, following a desperate tackle as the Crows attempted to move the ball out of defence.

The wiry forward, who celebrated from the moment the ball left his boot, was the only Buninyong player who had found a way through Beaufort’s seemingly impenetrable back-line.

Until then, the Graintech Crows had endured everything Buninyong had thrown at them – particularly swing-man Jarrod Trigg, who was simply terrific in the final term.

The Crows quickly managed a centre clearance to get the ball up forward and try to regain the lead, but not before the siren sounded on an enthralling spectacle.

It was a fitting result, given that Buninyong was largely the superior team on the day.

Buninyong responded well in general play after half time, but struggled to impact on the scoreboard. Poor accuracy in front of goal hurt the home side, but Beaufort’s ability to get numbers back and form a wall in defence was also a factor.

The Crows found scoring tough for much of the contest, but within 10 minutes of the last term, they had somehow managed to take the lead. 

It was then simply about whether Beaufort could withstand the immense pressure of the Bombers.

Time after time, the Crows managed to repel Buninyong’s forward entries – all but the last one.

Buninyong coach Jarrod Morgan said the determination of his side was enough to produce a win, despite the frustrating final term.

“We probably didn’t play the last quarter very smartly,” he said.

“They got numbers back and we just played into their hands. But we kept persisting and probably got across the line on effort.

“(The players) have just got that will to win and to have a crack. We have some really honest guys that won’t give up.”

It was the second loss in two weeks for Beaufort, which has remarkably now slid to seventh on the ladder.

Coach Dale Power said it was frustrating to let an opportunity slip, but was adamant that the Bombers deserved to win.

Power was full of praise, however, for the excellent work of his defenders, including Trigg, Christopher Drew and Damien Day.

For the Bombers, Mark Phelps was terrific up forward with five goals, while Anthony Ebery was instrumental as the team’s lone ruckman.