KYNETON broke through for its first win after 30 consecutive defeats with a 13-point win over Castlemaine in the Bendigo Football Netball League.
After coming close earlier in the season the Tigers overcame a slow start to win 14.10 (94) to 11.15 (81).
Co-coach Nathan Thompson said the result was good for everyone in the team, especially the young players.
"It was really nice to get the win," he said.
"It was great for all the young guys and a reward for all the hard work over the last two years."
Thompson said the match didn't start the way he would have liked.
"It was a disappointing first quarter and was something that we were surprised by," he said.
"With how much we had on the line and at their home ground and we didn't compete and were completely beaten.
"It was our worst quarter for the season."
Thompson said the team worked its way into the match in the second and third quarters and was able to take an 18-point lead into the last change.
"We had an 18-point lead and then they got on top at the start of the fourth term and got back in front," he said.
"Anyone watching would have thought they would have run over the top of us.
"I kicked a goal which turned the momentum our way and the side lifted and kicked on."
He said in past games they would have let teams run over the top of them.
"It was a real positive for us to run out the game," he said.
"We need to build on it and keep improving.
"Seeing how we ran out the last 10 minutes it would be good if we could be competitive like that for the whole game."
Thompson,who kicked six goals in his return from injury, said Harrison Huntley was best afield.
"He repelled attacks all day from centre half back," Thompson said.
"He's in his first season of senior football and is getting better every week.
"Darren Chambers, Zackary Boyer and Michael O'Brien were also in our best."
This week the Tigers face Kangaroo Flat.
"It will be a good challenge," Thompson said.
"All season we've had a lot of players out with injuries.
"At the moment we don't have many players out, which is good."