Gippsland Times | SALE City kept its strong home record intact after accounting for second-placed Yarram.
Forced to work hard to get themselves back in the contest following a goal-less second term, the Demons were forced to watch City secure its seventh win of the North Gippsland football season. The Bulldogs claimed second place on the ladder with their 14.13 (97) to 11.12 (78) win.
The contest had a gripping goal-for-goal opening term, a ruthless physical attack on the man and ball to a goal scoring shoot-off in the final term as the game was in the balance.
City edged clear with a solid second term, booting four goals to nil. Led by Brad Walsh, Jake Schuback and Jake Milham, the Bulldogs turned a four-point deficit into a four-goal lead.
But they had to hold off a dogged Yarram line-up which pressed hard to remain in the contest to set the stage for a tense and enthralling final quarter.
Schuback posted the opening major of the final term before Corbin Sutherland got the quick reply from the boundary.
Milham appeared to have scored the sealer as the momentum continued to favour the home side, which, through forward Keenan Hughes, worked hard to make a contest and pressure the staunch Demons defence into making costly turnovers.
Schuback intercepted Ryan Coulthard's kick out of the back line to push the margin back out to four straight kicks.
However the Demons weren't prepared to wave the white flag. There was no denying Justin Staley from long range, his bomb into goal steadying the ship.
The Demons continued to take on the game and the man, City's Ben Chiver's worked hard all contest marking danger man Grif Underwood, giving the prolific ball winner little room to move.
City's own danger man David Piasente kicked a goal before a Staley major came again to reduce the margin to 19 at the final siren.
City's victory was ensured by an inspired midfield performance, led by Piasente. Younger players Mitch Evans, Beau Bennett and Hughes were stand-outs against experienced campaigners.
Yarram's ruck stocks were dealt a blow, losing Lucas Jenkins early in the contest with Harry Kaandorp's final term efforts influential in feeding the Bulldogs' midfield.
Matt Sheridan ran riot along the wing, providing drive off half-back, Coulthard was staunch in defence, picking up the likes of Schuback and Hughes.
Grif Underwood never gave up and assisted brother Ryan in booting two majors, with Staley finishing with four goals.
TTU tops Roos
TRARALGON-Tyers United produced an upset 27-point win at Heyfield.
The Bombers went into the contest having only claimed the one win against a fellow top five aspirant, but that didn't deter the visitors, who led at every change to run home solid victors, 14.16 (100) to 10.13 (73).
Brian Graham amassed possessions for the Bombers, while Stephen Hawkins kicked five goals.
Booting five goals to two in the opening term, the Bombers worked hard early to put the home side on the back foot.
The second term was an even affair with both sides kicking three goals as the Bombers extended their lead to 24 points at the long change.
Luke Pratt and Jesse Bedggood looked to spark the Kangaroos in front of goal as they outscored the visitors in the final term, however, a spirited four-goal final term, orchestrated by defender Guy Sinclair and onballer Hayden Hector killed the contest.
Blues belt Saints
ROSEDALE held on to top place with a comfortable 123-point win over Cowwarr.
Led by Jack Tatterson, who kicked six majors, the Blues won 27.17 (179) to 9.2 (56).
The Saints took a narrow lead into the first change before the visitors kicked nine goals to one during the second term with Tatterson and Dale Fleming (three goals) dominating in attack.
Luke Stuckey also finished the contest with three goals as the Blues ran rampant with a further 15 goals in the second half.
The Blues extended their winning streak to four led by coach Ben Macreadie, Fleming had the ball on a string and caused headaches, Scott Johnstone was a general in defence, while Rohan Diamond was solid.
For Cowwarr, Shane Morgan worked hard along with Sean Alexander and Simon Ferguson.
Clinical Cougars
A CLINICAL performance helped Churchill romp home to a 192-point victory over Glengarry.
Led by spearheads Hamish Towns (who finished with eight majors) and Nick Campbell (six), the Cougars slammed home 11 majors to one during a blistering first term.
The Cougars scored a further seven majors in the second stanza to close out the first half. The scoreboard attendant was kept just as busy in the second half as the Cougars won 33.23 (221) to 4.5(29).
Churchill captain Chris Williams's booted three goals, Paul Metlikovec was critical with Brayden Kokshoorn a stand-out.
Michael Diaz and Chris Wangman were solid performers for the visitors.
Woodside wins
WOODSIDE claimed a gutsy win over Gormandale, 16.13 (109) to 13.14 (92).
The Wildcats skipped away to a five-point quarter-time lead, with Ryan Foat and Daniel Risol amassing early possessions and standing tall in front of goal.
The home side relished the conditions, booting four goals to two ahead of half-time to blow the margin out to three goals.
The visitors had their chances during the third term but failed to capitalise. The Tigers had 10 scoring shots for a return of 4.6 to reel the margin back to eight points by the final break.
The Tigers continued to challenge in the final term, Brendan Solomon the main protagonist in front of goal, Kupan Morris continuing his fine form and Jack Wyhoon a notable performer, but it wasn't enough.
Woodside was well-served by Foat, Risol, Ben Johnson and Shane Thorne, who finished with three goals.
