The Saints toiled hard to win a scrappy, underwhelming Anzac Day fixture at Victoria Park, 14.15 (99) to 6.13 (49).

Captain Isaac Templeton, Joe McLaren, Chris McLaren, Tim Carter and Sam Dobson  led the way for the Saints, while talented ruckman Jeremy Hausler enjoyed an interesting second half battle with rising Roosters tall Sam Kelly.

South Warrnambool held a narrow two-point lead at quarter-time and while its effort was evident throughout the game, Koroit’s experience and class came to the fore.

Saints coach Adam Dowie, who praised the Roosters’ character, said he was rapt with his players’ endeavour, but pointed out areas of improvement.

“When you have the ball you have two options — you can keep moving or you can hold on to it and play safe,” he said.

“I think that is why the game was sloppy. When we had chances to take the game on and move the ball quickly, there was a lot of times we didn’t take them.

“South got a lot of numbers around the ball and as a result it looked a little bit like AFL footy, which isn’t that great to watch at the moment.”

South Warrnambool coach Matthew Monk said it was important the Roosters ticked off small goals as they progressed through a year of development.

“We were rapt to actually win a quarter, being the first one, but we probably rued a few missed opportunities,” he said.

Monk said the Roosters’ clearance work and tackling pressure were highlights but “patches won’t win matches”.

Roosters’ trio Kym Eagleson (hamstring), Brad Parsons (corked hip), Jakeb Templeton (ankle) ended the game on the bench.

Cobden extended its impressive early season record with a hard-fought 18-point win over arch-rival Camperdown last night.

The Bombers’ 8.11 (59) to 6.5 (41) triumph has them eyeing a showdown with North Warrnambool Eagles next week.

Coach Stephen Hammond was delighted with his side’s performance.

“I knew they had it in them,” he said of his young side’s effort.

Hammond said his unbeaten Bombers copped another long-term injury with Jake Evans suffering a suspected broken arm in the final three minutes of the match.

“It’s not what we needed. We’ve got about five out now. If we get a full side in we’ll be dangerous,” Hammond said.

Midfielder Sam Harkin was again prolific, while Sam Uwland, Tom Leishman and Brendan Richardson, who kept Camperdown coach Dan Casey to two goals, were among the Bombers’ best.

The result leaves Camperdown winless after three rounds as it faces last year’s grand finalist Koroit next week.