Gippsland Times | SALE City was handed its first defeat of the North Gippsland football season by Heyfield.
Last year's grand finalist hit its straps with a seven-goal to two second term which set the tone for its 14.13 (97) to 9.12 (66) victory.
Boasting an eight-match winning streak over the Bulldogs, Heyfield began slowly against the ladder leaders.
Kicking with the aid of the breeze in the first quarter, the visiting Bulldogs were quick to capitalise. Clever roving of the pack by Mitch Bennett led to the goal sneak snapping true before Jake Milham opened his account.
Both sets of midfielders were under extreme pressure as they rallied around the packs, hunting the ball out as they errantly sent their side forward.
Breaking the Bulldogs' stranglehold, a strong lead and mark by Daniel Stubbe resulted in the key forward opening Heyfield's account late in the term. It would be the first of a procession of majors for the Kangaroos with a goal following from Jesse Jackway, a 50 metre penalty gifting Josh Stubbe the home side's third straight before a second to Daniel Stubbe.
The quarter-time break didn't halt the Kangaroos as Kodie Woodland kicked true from the opening centre clearance and from there it was a brutal monstering. Daniel Stubbe soared over the pack to split the sticks, before Jordon Stubbe scored on the run from the pocket.
Matt Lutze reeled one back for the Bulldogs, but with frustrations boiling over resulting in 50m penalties, Heyfield had the last laugh.
Luke Pratt registered the first of his four goals for the afternoon followed soon after by a second. The Kangaroos kicked another before Milham kicked one for the Bulldogs, who trailed by 41 points at half-time.
Scoring dried up in a tight third term, with the Kangaroos kicking two goals to one to lead by 44 points at the final change.
The visitors outscored Heyfield in the final term, four goals to one, two of which came late in the match. But the damage was inflicted during the second term.
Andrew Lambie created run off half-back, Kodie Woodland found plenty of the ball and proved a challenging match-up, while Pratt was strong on the lead and made the most of his opportunities in front of goal.
For City, midfielder David Piasente came in refreshed from a week's rest to dominate, his ferocious tackling a trademark of his performance. Evan Johnson impressed, Rowan Bell was dogged throughout the contest and Ben Chivers was a workhorse down back.
Demons finish strong again
FOR the second week running, Yarram rallied in the final term to overrun a higher ranked opponent.
The Demons sealed their fourth victory of the season, and their first against Rosedale, 15.13 (103) to 13.13 (91).
The visitors went into the main break 19 points in front of Rosedale, however the lead would be short lived with the Blues booting six goals to three to take a one-point buffer at the final change of ends.
With their noses in front the Blues, led by coach Ben Macreadie, registered the first two goals of the final stanza to create a handy buffer before being overrun.
Yarram slammed home four unanswered majors, Ryan Underwood the main protagonist, finishing the contest with three.
Louis Rodaughan starred for the Demons, defender Chris Pettitt led the back six with poise, and Grif Underwood made his presence felt in the engine room.
For the home side, Dale Fleming's pace creating many an opportunity for the Blues in the centre clearance count.
Wildcats claw Cowwarr
A 12-GOAL to five first half set the tone for Woodside as it eased to what appeared a routine victory by the seventh-placed Wildcats.
Having won on their last two visits to Cowwarr, the Wildcats were on song from the opening bounce on Saturday.
The assault on the scoreboard was led by best-on-ground Tom Love and coach Daniel Risol, who kicked five goals each.
The strong showing in the first half was equally matched in the second with the Saints' defence unable to contain the many avenues to goal the victors boasted. The Wildcats kicked 10 second half majors to win 22.8 (140) to 9.10 (54).
Risol continued his solid form of the opening rounds, racking up possessions, and Shane Kilgower impressed with his ability to set-up forward play and forcing the turnovers.
Pat Tainsh was best for Cowwarr, which has lost its past four games.
Cougars too good for TTU
CHRIS Weller led Churchill to its second straight win as the Cougars defeated Traralgon-Tyers United.
Weller was awarded the Crocka Medal for his best-on-ground performance in the Cougars' 23.13 (151) to 16.11 (107) victory.
The home side began strongly with youngster Kurt Holt kicking two majors along with a snap goal from Nick Celima to hand the Cougars a 17-point lead.
A goal on the run from Matt Stolarczyk settled TTU in the second quarter before Guy Sinclair hit the board with one of his four goals for the match as the Bombers came at the Cougars. Captain Luke Middleton kept his side within arm's reach ahead of half-time.
The third term belonged to Churchill, with Chris Williams booting three goals during a dominant display. The Cougars' barnstorming nine-goal term was finished off by Tim Darby's third for the match after the siren.
Bombers ruckman Middleton imposed himself in the final term, coach Jaye Neagle moved on-baller Stolarczyk down back with impact and while they challenged, it was Nick Campbell's first goal for the afternoon that halted the visitor's run before Darby took his tally for the afternoon to six majors.
Tigers beat arch rivals
GORMANDALE claimed bragging rights in the bottom of the table clash against arch rival Glengarry on Sunday.
With scores level at the first change, the Tigers clawed away in a strong showing to win by five goals, 14.10 (94) to 9.10 (64).
Experienced Tiger Daniel Domaille was best-on-ground.
