For the second time this season, ROSEDALE claimed bragging rights over reigning premiers Churchill winning 16.19 (115) to 9.15 (69).

It was far from one way traffic in the opening half for the ladder leaders, who were bolstered by the inclusion of trio Andrew McQualter, Max Bailey and Tim Clarke, with the margin seven points in favour of the visitors at the main change.

The signs were ominous early for the Blues with coach Ben Macreadie combining with McQualter and Clarke to score true. The Cougars backline left feeling the effects of the Blues endless scoring options.

Struggling to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal, the Cougars will be rueing the one that got away as they find themselves locked on 44 points with Heyfield and Yarram relegated outside the five by percentage.

The match was evenly placed at the first change both sides desperation at the ball evident with the Blues taking a mere two point lead at the break. Churchill regrouped as they worked hard to match the visitors with consecutive majors to Nick Campbell before the main change keeping the Cougars in the contest.

Booting 7.9 (33) in the third term, the Blues extended their lead with the sides scoreboard pressure paying dividends as the Cougars defence at times were stretched. Continuing their second half composure at the final change, the Blues hit the ground running slamming home a further five goals to two to record a comprehensive 46 point victory.

McQualter finished the match with four majors in a three vote performance, Dale Fleming, Macreadie and Bailey chipped in with two apiece with Rohan Diamond continuing this standout month.

For the Cougars best on ground Campbell booted three for the contest, Brendan Holt worked hard to set up opportunities for his side and Jarrod Broadbent was tireless in his efforts in the back 50 arc.

A blistering seven goal to one opening term killed the contest between fourth placed HEYFIELD and bottom of the table Glengarry.

Needing a win and a solid percentage boost, it was always going to be a tough assignment for the Magpies who were simply railroaded by a side who has their sights truly entrenched on a finals berth. Proving no match for the juggernaut that is Heyfield the Magpies could only watch in awe as the Kangaroos took all before them to run home 33 goal victors and in turn move back into the top five.

This week it was Kodie Woodlands turn to top the goal kicking tally, Woodland one of 14 individual scorers his match high tally of six providing plenty for the highlights reel. Nick Dinsdale and Matt Goodwin found plenty of it booting four and three goals respectively, with best on ground Andrew Lambie solid off half back.

For the Magpies their sole major came through Leigh O’Mara, while Colin Ross was judged best a field.

Gormandale made a fast start against their higher ranked opponent SALE CITY before it quickly became a one way street with the Dogs having all the answers in their 22.24 (156) to 9.8 (62) victory.

Slamming home three unanswered majors the Tigers hit the ground running, Jordon Sandy and Luke Francis among the goals as the Dogs backline felt the effects of the visitors quick ball movement into the forward 50 arc.

It was an entertaining 25 minutes of play as the Dogs responded to the challenge with Brad Walsh turning the contest in favour of the home side with a standout first stanza. Booting his sides opening two majors, Walsh was the danger man as he took the contest and his opponent on to score four of his match tally five goals in the first term.

The Tigers defence held strong under pressure, Kapun Morris the swing man across half back mopping up the Dogs errant entries in to the forward line with Sam Marks busy early as he worked hard to move the ball from defence.

Mitch Bennett opened his account of four with his first ahead of the quarter time siren which extended City’s lead out to 19 points.

Gormandale matched the opposition on the scoreboard in the second stanza, but it was City’s 13 goal to three second half that proved telling.

City was well served by Brad McKay, Jake Milham who rotated between the forward line and midfield, with Walsh setting his side up in an imposing first term. Walsh, Bennett and Keenan Hughes were the pick of the goal scorers while for Gormandale Al Jenkins registered three majors.

With their season on the line YARRAM were forced to dig deep against an opponent who broke lines, putting the sword to the Demons early in the piece.

Breaking away with a five goal to one opening term the Saints commanded attention, and as they did last week kick started their challenge on the right foot.

Working their way back in the contest, the Demons inaccuracy in front of goal kept them at bay the margin reeled back to 11 points come half time.

It was an impressive performance by the Demons after half time, Yarram laying the foundations for their 16.21 (117) to 11.8 (74) victory with a six goal to two premiership term. The side didn’t falter after final change rather they continued to steam roll the opposition adding a further seven majors to coast to victory.

Ryan Underwood led the charge in the forward 50, Underwood booting six majors and was one of six individual goal scorers. Dogged Chris Pettitt impressed and played a main hand in effectively holding the Saints forwards at bay, Grif Underwood directed traffic in the engine room keeping the Saints front runners in control while Matt Sheridan was a formidable opponent around the contests.

For Cowwarr Pat Tainsh was a standout collecting the three votes, Brett Street also excited with his run through the centre of the ground and when pushing forward while Linden Brunt booted four majors.

A 10 goal haul from TTU’s Brian Graham was just one part of his highlights reel in a match winning performance.

The third placed Bombers hit the ground running in the opening term slamming home eight majors to four in a high scoring entertaining stanza. The intensity didn’t falter the visitors keeping the scoreboard attendant busy as they doubled their score while holding the Wildcats to a mere two behinds.

With the contest all but decided by the long change, the Bombers kept at it despite a lean third term.

Graham was a standout he marked everything that came his way, making opportunities from nothing and left the crowd in awe of his skills and awareness of the goals. Graham wasn’t the only sharp shooter Tom Mustoe and Stephen Hawkins were among the goals, Hawkins three taking his season tally to 53 to top the leagues goal kicking tally.

Woodside coach Daniel Risol led from the front in a strong showing booting two majors, with Ryan Foat also hitting the scoreboard for a pair.

By Lauren Carey