Kyabram remains entrenched inside the Goulburn Valley League top four following a gritty win over Shepparton at the weekend.
The Bombers were wayward in front of the big sticks at Deakin Reserve and settled for a 5.15 (45) to 5.4 (34) triumph.
Kyabram’s inaccuracy almost came back to haunt it midway through the last term.
The Bears, with just three goals to their name at the last break, trailed by four majors during the final quarter, but two quick goals brought the round nine contest to life.
The hosts sensed a potential upset in the dying stages, but Paul Newman's charges were able to hold on by 11 points.
Shepparton outscored the visitors in two quarters after the sides went into the first break locked on 14 points apiece.
Kyabram’s six behinds in the second term allowed the Bears to go to the main break with a one-point buffer.
But a 2.7 (19) to 0.1 (1) third quarter put Kyabram firmly in the box seat, despite its inaccuracy on goal.
It was a case of winning ugly for the injury-ravaged Bombers, who are still without a host of walk-up starters.
Reliable defender Jason Morgan was Kyabram’s best performer in the win, while star on-baller Zac Keogh was everywhere.
Shepparton’s Bryce Stephenson and Connor Fleming flew the flag for the host, while playing coach Ted Lindon continued his rich vein of form in defence.