In a quality contest where the winner would end the weekend eighth on the ladder, the Timbercutters led at every change, but could never shake off the gallant Demons.
With just one game remaining, the Timbercutters have been able to sneak into finals contention.
The Timbercutters replaced Yarroweyah in the top eight following the latter’s loss to Waaia. Mathoura and the Grasshoppers are separated by 11 per cent.
Brayden Worsnop and Darcy Robinson each kicked three goals for the Timbercutters with Lachlan Vagg, Mark Eddy and Amos Farrell their best performers.
For the Demons, who were playing their last game of the season with a bye next weekend, Sam Sleigh, David Gregory and Brad Parker were good while Jordon Anthony kicked five goals.
Final score, Mathoura 14.9 (93) to Jerilderie 12.7 (79).
In the final round, Mathoura will travel to second last Katunga while Yarroweyah host sixth placed Deniliquin Rovers — leaving the Timbercutters in the box seat to end their finals drought.
‘‘The boys know they need to produce one more big effort,’’ Mathoura coach Darcy Robinson said.
‘‘We had spoken about the last three games being elimination finals and we’ve passed the first two tests.
‘‘The pressure is only continuing to grow, but I think we’ve risen to the challenge.
‘‘Our last two games have shown how far this group has come.’’
After a strong opening term where they kicked six goals to two, Mathoura began to feel the pressure as the Demons worked their way back into the contest.
And when the tension became almost unbearable Brayden Worsnop, 21, provided the lift his team needed.
‘‘He plays like a 28-year-old with over 200 games of senior experience,’’ Robinson said.
‘‘Brayden has played senior football from a young age and you can see it in the way he handles himself.
‘‘Unfortunately he has only played four games this year but he makes a big difference when he is on the field.’’
Mathoura’s reserves have kept their finals hopes alive, coming away with an impressive 53 point win against Jerilderie.
The Timbercutters led from the outset, winning all four quarters in a stirring performance.
Mathoura will now take on Katunga in what is essentially an elimination final, with the winner set to finish eighth on the ladder.
Final score, Mathoura 9.12 (66) to Jerilderie. 1.7 (13).
Mathoura were best served by Luke Bonnett, Clint Atkinson, Drew Austin, Chris Cameron, Scott Eddy and Tom Crilly.
15°C