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north gippsland flAs the competition nears the midway mark of the season, premiership front runners Heyfield are finding the opposition chapping at their heels and they may not be the only side worthy of talk about an elusive premiership.

Taking the competition by storm in the opening half of the fixture TTU has made their mark on the top five and should break through for their first finals appearance since 2004. A new look Woodside has shaped their end of seasons fortunes early, and although inconsistent, Rosedale has been there about. But with many rounds in front of us, Churchill and Cowwarr are two sides that know they need to make the most of their opportunities if they are to be considered serious contenders.

While the competition front runners continue to gain momentum, for a number of clubs sitting outside the top five Saturday will provide them with a further opportunity to reel in the margin before the leagues general Queens Birthday weekend bye next week, with Cowwarr, Glengarry and Boisdale/Briagolong all defeating top five sides in round seven.

Outplayed from the onset last Saturday, ROSEDALE will aim to return to the winners list following a torrid fortnight which has seen them drop the points to Woodside and Glengarry.

But the competition isn't going to get any easier with the Blues to host BOISDALE/BRIAGOLONG who come into the contest on the back of their surprise 15 point victory against the fourth place Cougars.

Noting ahead of last round that his side had played "competitive patches of football before we have lapses", coach Daniel Sandeman would have been impressed with the baby Bombers ability to string together a solid challenge against one of the leagues powerhouse clubs.

The Bombers can't afford to get too far ahead of themselves, while Saturday's victory was more than memorable and against the odds, it remains only the second for the season from a talented young outfit that can certainly shape the fortunes of those ranked above them on the premiership ladder standings.

GORMANDALE will aim to rebound from their disappointing showing against Sale City, which saw a competitive Tiger outfit fade away after quarter time to manage only a measly goal in three quarters of football.

Fresh off the back of their opening two wins of the season the Tigers were completely outplayed and will need to rally and refocus if they are to become only the second side to defeat the ladder leaders.

While HEYFIELD coach Adrian Cox was keeping lip on his side's current form ahead of last week's top of the table showdown, there is no questioning that the man at the helm of the Kangaroos would certainly know a lot more about his sides character and potential following their come from behind one point victory.

Perhaps somewhat lucky to come away with the four points, the reigning premiers demonstrated pose under pressure as they backed themselves against strong opposition to mount their late challenge.

Going into this week's match against Gormandale with just the one loss to date the Kangaroos are short favourites to continue their winning ways.

Conceding a mere 454 points in the past seven rounds, the Kangaroos defence is the best in the competition and for a relatively inexperienced Tiger forward structure will pose their toughest assignment to date. Expect the ladder leaders to comfortably register their seventh victory in a row.

GLENGARRY welcomed the return of power forward Josh King last Saturday with the Magpies of old finding their wings as they demolished the opposition in one of their best showings for the season to register their second win.

Sitting in seventh position, the Magpies find themselves only two wins outside the five with this week's clash against WOODSIDE vital in ensuring they remain in reach of the competition front runners.

The Magpies coaching panel will be under no illusions as to the challenge that awaits Glengarry with the resurgent Wildcats of 2013 showing that their early season wins have been far from by chance.

Coming into the match on the back of only their second loss, the Wildcats will provide spirited opposition and may provide a few headaches for Glengarry as they aim to secure their hold on the top three.

So close but so far away, is the best way to describe TTU's heartbreaking one point loss against the reigning premiers. Having outplayed the competition for the majority of the contest, the Bombers appeared on song to topple the hunted Heyfield.

The disappointment of having come so close will spur the Bombers on the training track as they refocus on this week's big challenge against a side on the improve COWWARR.

Contesting a number of enthralling contests in past seasons, this one is set to be no different. With both sides boasting dominate ruckman, pacey midfields and damaging key forwards the stage is set for an epic battle with the Saints keen to even up their win loss ledger at four a piece ahead of the weeks break.

The side's lineup even on paper with it appearing the competition in the middle of the ground will be the deciding factor, with TTU's Matt Stolarczyk and co including Brian Graham and Pat Sharp prolific ball winners. However, the Saints won't shy away from the Bombers engine room with in and under players such as Pat Tainsh, coach Luke Cooper, Jordon Bourke and Robbie Ferguson ready for the challenge that awaits.

The Saints come into the contest having made another emphatic statement on the weekend playing irresistible football after quarter time, the win against Woodside cementing their attack on the top five.

Cowwarr has impressed in recent weeks after a slow start to the season which saw them draw a number of last year's finalists in the opening part of the fixture. Saturdays match against the Bombers will test the strength and resolve of the Saints, and will act as a barometer to see how far Cowwarr have come since round four.

In their present form it is hard not to look past the Bombers, but with the Saints on the march one can expect Cowwarr to be no easy beats and provide the upset of the round.

On Sunday fierce rivals CHURCHILL and SALE CITY will do battle in front of what is expected to be a large crowd.

Enduring an indifferent month of May, the Cougars will be hungrier than ever to refocus and get their season back on track after having won two of their last four matches.

Starting the season strongly the Cougars will be aiming to carry some momentum into the weeks break before their annual heritage clash against longtime foe Heyfield.

In comparison Sale City comes into the match on the back of a comprehensive 50 point victory, but will be fully aware that they will need to be at their best to account for the Cougars on the rebound a tough assignment for any side.

By Lauren Carey