In a low-scoring contest played in blustery conditions, the Magpies won 8.11 (59) to 8.10 (58).

It was South Bendigo’s second one-point loss for the season.

The Magpies trailed by 10 points at the final change, but they appeared to have all the momentum when they kicked the first three goals of the final quarter to grab a seven-point lead.

However, goals to Kieran Strachan and Mitch Hocking gave the Bloods a five-point lead at the 18 minute mark of the final term.

South’s Rory Alexander hit the post with a snap for goal to extend the lead to six points at the 22-minute mark.

Two minutes later the Magpies surged the ball forward and Emmett Smith ran on to a loose ball and kicked truly to level the scores.

From the centre bounce Maryborough attacked again.

The Magpies forced a stoppage in the goalsquare and from the resulting ball-up they rushed a point to take the lead.

South Bendigo had one last chance to tie the scores or pinch victory.

The Bloods worked the ball forward and Josh Whelan marked 50m out deep in the swimming pool forward pocket.

His kick into the breeze landed at the top of the goalsquare, but the final siren sounded before the Bloods could score.

“It was a great win in very hard conditions,’’ Maryborough coach Jamie Bond said.

“It could have gone either way at the end but luckily we got that point.”

Maryborough skipper Luke Bucknall was outstanding.

The midfielder kicked four of Maryborough’s eight goals.

Kelvin Williams was superb in defence for the Pies, while Jayden Hooper, Evan Hurse and Billy Mahony continued their good form.

Adrian Coad, Michael Tonkin, Mitch Hocking and Jacob Smythe were best for the gallant Bloods.