Gippsland Times |
ROSEDALE inflicted Heyfield's second loss of the North Gippsland football season, its first since round one.
The Blues claimed the victory by five points, 13.10 (88) to 12.11 (83).
The clash between neighbouring rivals has enthralled spectators in past seasons, and Saturday proved to be no different.
On song from the opening bounce, the second-placed Blues skipped away to a handy 22-point lead, a margin they increased during the second term as the Kangaroos struggled to drive the ball into their forward line.
Three late first half goals from the Kangaroos ensured the visitors remained in the hunt at the long change.
Trailing by 17 points, the Kangaroos came out strong in the third term booting four goals to one to hit the front.
The Blues dug deep, responding to the premiers' challenge as they went goal-for-goal in the final term with the home team in front when it counted most.
Adam Diamond stood-out in the navy blue, amassing possessions in a strong skilful performance. Luke Stuckey impressed, while ruckman Jon Cantwell returned to the line-up and had an impact.
For the visitors, Jesse Leeds continued his solid form for the season, defender Scott Anderson played a crucial role in keeping the Kangaroos in contention, with Mitch Dowse's attack and relentless style of play setting up the forwards.
Magpies ruthless against City
SALE City copped the full brunt of Glengarry at its ruthless best, with the Magpies sealing their fourth win on the run.
After starting sluggishly, the Magpies clicked into gear in the second term, booting eight goals to two with Mark Engley and Ross McDermott instrumental in front of goal.
The visitors won 20.13 (133) to 11.9 (75).
The Bulldogs booted the first three goals of the match before the Magpies, through Dean Brooks, chipped away at the scoreboard with City's backline feeling the pressure.
Nick Grainger's shot at goal wobbled along the ground to sneak through to provide some breathing space, before Glengarry's Engley registered one of his six for the afternoon.
Unimpressed by his side's efforts, the words of Magpies coach Ryan Potter were still ringing in his charges' ears with the visitors exploding out of the blocks in the second term.
It was a precession of goals, Engley got things going with the side's first of eight in a clinical display.
Matt Royal slotted one through on the run to hit the front, best on ground ball magnet Robbie Cahill and Josh King combined. The Bulldogs responded through Byron Shingles before senior debutant and third generation senior Sale City player Jayden Sleeman booted his first of two goals on the big stage.
A shot from 40 metres out on slight angle by King registered the visitors' fourth before three more majors with Engley and McDermott lighting up the forward line as they proved a handful for the City defence of Abe Schuback, Tom Bowman and Josh Barbetti.
The Magpies continued their dominance in the second half, booting nine goals to four, as the young pups worked hard to keep with the high flying Magpies who after a slow start to the season are tapping on the door to the top five.
For the home side, coach Joel Brayshaw was a catalyst in the engine room, with Mitch Bennett, Grainger and Sleeman booting two goals each.
Cowwarr comes from behind
COWWARR came from 19 points down to overrun Churchill in the final quarter to win by a goal.
The Cougars led by five points at quarter-time, a goal at half-time and extended the margin to 19 points by the end of the third term, but it was the Saints' six-goal to two final term which saw them prevail 17.5 (107) to 15.11 (101) at home.
The win placed the Saints back in finals contention. For Churchill, it was a case of the one that got away as the Cougars have found themselves flat-footed and wanting in the final term after a solid start.
Luke Mullen was the Saints' best, his intensity through the contest was superb. Conor Sloyan was a solid contributor finishing the contest with two majors, while Tim Johnston kicked four goals to take his league-leading tally to 42.
Brad Knowles and Joey Whykes booted four majors each for the Cougars.
Boost for TTU
TRARALGON-Tyers United gave its chances of playing finals a major boost with a 61-point thumping over a disappointing Gormandale.
It was a pivotal game for the Bombers, who are among five teams jostling for the final three positions in the top five.
The home side dominated from the outset as it cruised to an inaccurate victory, 12.21 (93) to 4.8 (32).
After three straight losses, the third-placed Bombers won three of the four quarters to return to the winners' list.
Guy Sinclair was again at his best, Pat Sharp was dominant through the midfield, while Rhys Martin and Tom Mustoe battled hard when pushing inside 50.
Brendan Solomon and Chris Adams again played good games for the Tigers, as did defender Steve Hore and reliable Sam Marks.
The Tigers' challenge on the contest was seriously impeded by injuries which prevented rotations off the bench.
Bombers upset Wildcats
BOISDALE-Briagolong toppled the more fancied Woodside on Sunday, claiming their third win of the season.
The visitors trailed by 11 points at the first change, but over the remaining three quarters, outscored the Wildcats 12.8 to 9.7 on its way to a 13.12 (90) to 12.10 (82) victory.
Regan Tait led the way for the Bombers, John Gooch battled hard inside 50 with his forward pressure to boot five majors. Leigh Fulford was staunch working hard off the hard back line.
In a tough day for the Wildcats, Hank Norman was a solid contributor with Rob Michaelides booting three goals.
