RAMBLERS held off a sustained challenge from Lock to win the Great Flinders Football League first semi-final by 10 points at Tumby Bay on Saturday.

Pre-match speculation focused on whether Ramblers coach Simon Pedler would be fit to play or not. That question was answered early when he lined up in a forward pocket and moved freely from the start.

Lock were on top across the middle early, with Brad Wake prominent, and the Roos scored the first two goals of the match through Zac Tiller and Luke Northcott.

Just as Lock appeared to be taking control, late goals from Simon Pedler and Shawn Fitzgerald steadied the ship for Ramblers to give them a two-point advantage at quarter-time.

The skills of both sides were excellent in the blustery conditions.

Rowan McDonald missed an opportunity from close range to give Ramblers a perfect start to the second quarter but soon made amends from much further out to register the first goal of the quarter.

Three quick goals to Lock then quickly put them back in control of the match on the scoreboard.

The game then swayed back in favour of Ramblers as they kicked five unanswered goals, including two to Shawn Fitzgerald who was demonstrating all his pace, skill and poise. The Magpies took a 23-point lead to the half-time break.

Lock came out strongly after half-time and threw everything at Ramblers. Lock's commitment was fantastic but they struggled to overcome the class of Ramblers.

Lock managed three goals for the third quarter but two valuable goals to Jade Murnane for Ramblers ensured Lock did not make up too much ground and the Roos trailed by 18 points at the final break.

Isaac Halman got Lock off to a good start in the final quarter with an accurate set shot on goal.

A long run down the outer wing and pin-point pass by Shawn Fitzgerald then set up an Andrew Crettenden goal to steady the Magpies.

Lock would not go away though and goals to the Hetzel brothers and Luke Northcott put the Roos within seven points.