BORDERTOWN broke through for its first premiership since the formation of the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League when it defeated Kaniva Leeor United by seven points in a thrilling grand final on Saturday.
With both clubs starved of premiership success in recent years there was a big crowd in attendance and they witnessed an entertaining contest.
Kaniva/Leeor United had been the top side all season, losing only one game in the minor round, however Bordertown proved worthy challengers.
The Roosters were a very committed team and held the lead throughout.
They got away to a good start and a five goal to two opening term put them 21 points up at quarter time.
A tight second term saw KLU trim the difference to 11 points at half time, while at the last change Bordertown had the margin back to 19 points.
Kaniva Leeor kicked the first three goals of the final quarter to get within a point.
With the crowd in full voice the Roosters were able to score the next major and then hang onto their lead to take out the 2012 premiership, much to the delight of their supporters.
The overcast conditions were perfect for football, with the Bordertown oval looking a picture for the grand final.
There was some mishandling early as both sides appeared nervous and took a short while to settle down. Kaniva Leeor United were first to go forward, however Bordertown repelled and Frederick was on hand for the opening goal.
Reeves had a shot from deep in the pocket, which fell short, but was marked by Baxter to put the Cougars on the board.Bordertown were up and running as Copestick and Vunitabua combined in the middle and Pollock gathered in the pocket to find Jarrett in front.
Both sides were finding open spaces as Baxter marked and delivered well to Reeves, who handballed to Williams for a goal on the run to KLU.
The Roosters held the ball forward for a time, but were missing out with four behinds in a row until Hayes goaled.When United went forward, Brewer and Cuthbertson combined to keep them at bay.
It had been a great start by the Roosters, as they had a 21-point advantage at quarter time, further stretched when they opened the second quarter through Frederick.
Midway through the term KLU were able to add goals to Baxter and Reeves in quick succession to claw back.
KLU were able to stay forward and a goal to Reeves saw them right back in the contest.
Big guns Greenbank and Guilhaus were finding more of the ball, as United were looking threatening.
The Roosters defence was standing up to the challenge with Downie, Brewer and T. Devitt able to clear through Exton and Searle to Pollock, who finished off.
A good grab by Vivian put KLU in and Greenbank was involved to end with O'Connor gathering and slotting it through.
United had the margin back to 11 points at half time and they were a definite chance.
A quick goal after the break to Reeves and the difference was only five points.
United were using the ball bettter, as Williams delivered to Reeves whose accurate kick levelled the scores at the five minute mark.
A point to Greenbank put KLU up for the only time of the day.
Their lead was short lived, as Harkness put Bordertown back in front.
A point followed, before Hayes put one through from the scoreboard pocket.
The Roosters had regained the upper hand as they streamed forward again, only to have Turner hold them out.
However they kept coming and a goal to Frederick put Bordertown 18 points up.
Baxter had a shot late in the term, which was touched on the line to make the difference 19 points at three quarter time.
United gained the start they needed with Vivian marking and goaling in the first minute of the last quarter then Skrypek adding another to bring the Cougars within seven points.
KLU were keeping possession with short passes and ventured forward where Williams was on hand to finish off to bring the difference down to one point.
With the crowd urging the players on, Exton was able to turn out the next attack and Frick goaled with the aid of a 50m penalty.
A downfield free enabled Reeves to answer and again there was only a point separating the sides with 11 minutes remaining.
The pressure was on as Brewer and Downie held firm in defence for the Roosters, while Turner was strong for KLU.
A free and goal to Pollock put them seven points up with seven minutes remaining. KLU had a kick on the siren which went through for a point to make the margin seven points at the finish.Bordertown players and supporters were ecstatic after a great win in what was a memorable finale to the 2012 season.
Kybybolite won the reserves premiership, beating arch-rivals Naracoorte by 46 points.