Gippsland Times | FOR the second time this season, Rosedale claimed bragging rights over reigning North Gippsland football premier Churchill.
Bolstered by the inclusion of former AFL players Andrew McQualter, Max Bailey and Tim Clarke, the Blues won 16.19 (115) to 9.15 (69).
It was far from one-way traffic during the first half for the visiting ladder leaders, who led by seven points at the main change.
The signs were ominous early for the home side with Blues coach Ben Macreadie combining with McQualter and Clarke to score true. The Cougars' back line was left to feel the effects of the Blues' many scoring options.
Struggling to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal, the Cougars will be ruing the one that got away as they find themselves outside the top five, level on 44 points with Heyfield and Yarram but behind on percentage.
The match was evenly-poised at the first change with the Blues taking a two-point lead into the break. Churchill regrouped as it 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 as the Cougars' defence was at times stretched. In the final term, the Blues kicked a further five goals to two to record a comprehensive 46-point victory.
McQualter finished the match with four majors in a best-on-ground performance, Dale Fleming, Macreadie and Bailey chipped in with two goals each with Rohan Diamond continuing this stand-out month.
For the Cougars, Campbell booted three goals, Brendan Holt worked hard to set-up opportunities for his side and Jarrod Broadbent was tireless in his efforts in the back line.
Blistering Roos
A BLISTERING seven-goal to one opening term killed the contest between fourth-placed Heyfield and bottom of the table Glengarry.
With the Kangaroos 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.
The Magpies could only watch in awe as the Kangaroos took all before them to run home 33-goal victors, 33.15 (213) to 1.4 (10), and move back into the top five.
The Kangaroos had 14 goal kickers, led by Kodie Woodland with six. Nick Dinsdale and Matt Goodwin found plenty of the ball, booting four and three goals respectively, with best-on-ground Andrew Lambie solid off half-back.
The Magpies' only major came through Leigh O'Mara, while Colin Ross was their best player.
Dogs had the answers
GORMANDALE made a fast start against Sale City, but the Bulldogs had all the answers to win 22.24 (156) to 9.8 (62).
The Tigers began with three consecutive majors, Jordon Sandy and Luke Francis among the goals as the Bulldogs' back line felt the effects of the visitors quick ball movement.
It was an entertaining 25 minutes of play as the Bulldogs responded to the challenge with Brad Walsh turning the contest in favour of the home side with a stand-out first stanza. Booting his side's opening two majors, Walsh went on to kick four of his five goals for the match in the first term.
The Tigers' defence held strong under pressure. Kapun Morris was the swing man across half-back, mopping up the Bulldogs' errant entries forward, while Sam Marks was busy early as he worked hard to move the ball from defence.
Mitch Bennett opened his account of four goals with his first ahead of the quarter-time siren to extended City's lead 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 which proved telling.
City was well-served by Brad McKay and Jake Milham, who rotated between the forward line and midfield.
Walsh, Bennett and Keenan Hughes were the pick of the goal scorers, while for Gormandale Al Jenkin registered three majors.
Demons dug deep
YARRAM was forced to dig deep to overcome Cowwarr.
Breaking away with a five-goal to one opening term, the Saints commanded attention.
Working their way back in the contest, the Demons' inaccuracy in front of goal kept them at bay, reeling the margin back to 11 points by half-time.
An impressive second half performance gave the Demons a 16.21 (117) to 11.8 (74) win. The visitors kicked six goals to two in the third term and falter after the final change, adding seven majors to coast to victory.
Ryan Underwood led the charge in the forward 50, booting six majors. 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, while Matt Sheridan was a formidable opponent around the contests.
Pat Tainsh stood-out for Cowwarr, Brett Street also excited with his run through the centre and pushing forward, while Linden Brunt booted four majors.
TTU skins Cats
A 10-goal haul from Brian Graham helped Traralgon-Tyers United to a 25.17 (167) to 5.5 (35) thumping of Woodside.
The third-placed Bombers slammed home eight majors to four in a high scoring and entertaining first stanza. The intensity didn't falter as the visitors kept the scoreboard attendant busy, doubling 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 marked everything that came his way, making opportunities from nothing and leaving the crowd in awe of his skills and awareness of the goals. Tom Mustoe and Stephen Hawkins were also among the goals, Hawkins' three taking his season tally to a league-leading 53.
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.