The opening rounds of North Gippsland Football have provided somewhat of a mixed bag of results. While the competition front runners have created a handy break, the log jam below on the premiership ladder standings is an indication as to just how wide open the competition is.

Renowned for starting slowly out of the blocks, the reigning champs Churchill have posted just the one win, with injuries and player availability restricting the coach from picking a full strength line up. The competitions biggest improvers Yarram and TTU have shown that they can mix it with the best, however the credentials of both sides will be tested this fortnight when they meet the benchmark sides of 2014 Churchill and Heyfield.

High scores have been common place, along with patchy and at times flashy passages of play combining for barnstorming terms. But a brilliant term here or there, as coaches are aware, don't necessarily win you matches. However, on Sunday it was enough for Yarram to post their second win of the season. Trailing at the main change the Demons unleashed an avalanche of goals eight in the third term alone, for a 15 major second half.

This week the fourth placed Demons will make one of the toughest road trips on the fixture as they meet an undefeated HEYFIELD.

Tested in past weeks, but with all due respect to the Bombers and Tigers, Saturday's showdown against the Kangaroos is YARRAM's first true test and will provide coach Anthony Pavey with an indication as to just where his evolving side is at.

Held scoreless in heavy conditions in the opening term last Sunday against Cowwarr, the Saints troubled Heyfield before the Kangaroos gained the upper hand to dominate the contest after half time.

Setting the tone early with solid first term performances, the Kangaroos can't afford to allow the Demons to jump out of the blocks or they might find themselves relegated to playing catch up against a side that boasts solid book ends at either end of the ground and a midfield brigade that will offer an enthralling battle against the Kangaroos premier engine room.

Expect an enthralling battle with the home ground advantage to serve Heyfield well.

TTU suffered their first defeat of the season after failing to click into overdrive in a low scoring opening half under lights in wet conditions at Rosedale.

Matching the Blues in an entertaining contest after half time, the Bombers could do little to eat into the half time deficit to get themselves back into the match. The Bombers coaching panel will be sure to take plenty from the sides first up loss and will refocus the young TTU line-up ahead of the clash against GLENGARRY.

Yet to register a win, the Magpies suffered a 78 point loss in round three and will be eager to cause a shakeup against quality opposition.

The Magpies will be wary of his week's opponent, the Bombers have been one side that has proven to the torn in Glengarry's side, the pacey midfield brigade of TTU has consistently provided headaches for the Magpies coaching staff and looks to be the key to the Bombers chances of victory.

The Bombers will prove why they are one of the competitions biggest improvers and will bounce back to claim victory.

GORMANDALE were taught a football lesson last Sunday and will be eager to regain focus with a return to the winners list against ROSEDALE.

Outplayed in the third term the Tigers struggled to halt the barrage of goals from Yarram who stormed over the top with a blitzing eight goal premiership term.

The Tigers will return home to the familiarity of their home turf after taking to the road over the past fortnight. While the Tigers will be in familiar territory, it doesn't get any easier this week, with the Blues taking all before them in past weeks which included standing up in a physical contest against the high flying Bombers.

A win against last year's semi-finalists would ignite the Tigers season as they look to register their opening win, however will need to rise to the occasion if they are to claim the points.

Well drilled, hard running, fleet footed and talented are just several ways to describe the Tigers opponents Rosedale who have made the competition stand to attention.

In their current form the Blues will be too strong and will extend their winning run against Gormandale.

SALE CITY have burst out of the blocks in their opening three clashes, sending a clear warning to the remainder of the competition that they are a serious contender for the flag.

Claiming the big scalps of Rosedale and Churchill along the way, the Dogs will host a Saint outfit who have demonstrated that they can mix it with the front runners however have been unable to match the opposition's intensity for a full four quarters.

Despite a win loss ledger of 1-2, it is far from panic alarms three rounds in for COWWARR who have drawn the competitions top three finishers of last year's final series in the opening month.

The Saints find themselves in a similar situation to that of last season and will be confident that they can turn their fortunes around with a win against last year's preliminary finalists perhaps the spark they need.

Spectators will be treated to a tight dogged contest, with the home ground advantage of the Dogs to see them over the line.

Opening their season account with a barnstorming assault on the scoreboard, WOODSIDE will need to replicate that exact form against CHURCHILL will look to seal their second win, with the points this week imperative in ensuring the reigning champs remain in contention with the competitions top five.

Overran by the Dogs, the Cougars will be confident that they have the right combination to return to the winners list. The Wildcats however have performed strongly against Churchill over the past four seasons, but the question that many will be asking is do they have the right combination to match it against the depth of Churchill? Expect the Wildcats to provide spirited opposition, with Churchill to register the points.

By Lauren Carey