REIGNING premiers Wayback staved off a brave Lincoln South outfit to win by eight points on Saturday afternoon at a wind-swept Centenary Oval.
The Demons, aided by a four-goal northerly breeze, started the game well with George, Keatley and Kelsh all having an input in forward thrusts that resulted in scores.
Sampson and Montgomerie were busy across half-forward and the Demons looked good early with the first two majors.
Lincoln South responded and shut the game down for the remainder of the term with North picking up numerous possesions as the loose man in the back half, and when Stoetzer bullocked his way through the pack and snapped truly, the Eagles went to the first break only 10 points down and possibly the advantage was with them.
However, Waybacks had all the play early in the second and responded like good teams do. Kelsh and George, with sublime skills, combined to set up a Montgomerie goal and when Keatley, who was doing well at the centre clearances, found Sara on the lead at the next centre break, the Demons looked to have the momentum when he kicked truly.
Dunn and McEvoy replied to steady the ship for the Eagles and the game was well and truly back in the balance when Dunn slotted a freakish checkside goal from the boundary, which was one for the highlight reels.
Goodwin spent the majority of the first half in the forward line and when he put through his second the Demons again had the run of play, but an ankle injury to the skilful Kelsh ended his day and had the Demon faithful concerned.
Two late Males goals ensured Lincoln South went to the main break only a kick behind the reigning premiers.
Through the midfield George had played wide of Castley and this resulted in both players having a big influence on the game, while Keatley and Millard were productive at the clearances.
An arm-wrestle developed in the third term, the wind dropped out and the game opened up, with neither team willing to crack it turned into an epic encounter.
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Young forward Sampson was impressive at centre half forward against the league's premier defender in Jericho, and this dual was a pleasure to watch all day.
With an eight-point lead at the final break Demon coach Clark asked his charges for the ultimate effort and they responded early in the last to gain control. George bobbed up again with a clever gather and snap and was then gifted a goal in the square after sloppy defensive work by the Eagles, and the game looked over as the Demons skipped out to a 26-point lead half way through the term.
Hunt became involved in the game and the honest Goodwin was still working hard to make sure his side continued to maintain the pressure.
Three late goals in time-on gave the Eagles supporters some hope but the bird had flown and a great game of football concluded with Wayback too good on the day.
For the victors George had some good moments, Sampson was hard working and creative against top opposition, Keatley and Goodwin were honest as usual and Green and Rawson were solid contributors.
Lincoln South were best served by Castley - his run and carry was again most impressive - Rodda and Jericho were solid in defence with their attack on the ball and King tried valiantly in the centre all day.
With Port Lincoln football now starting to paint a clearer picture of where the teams are at it was evident Wayback will be major contenders again and Lincoln South can take something out of the game knowing they are not that far away.
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