Wet wintery conditions, should have narrowed the gap between the competitions top sides and those clubs flailing at the tail end of the ladder but it did little to halt the competitions front runners.Second placed CHURCHILL made the journey to Cowwarr, the Cougars finding themselves on foreign territory with the two sides having not played a game at Cowwarr for over two seasons.
The rain tumbled in the opening minutes of the match, with neither side able to make clean disposal in the trying conditions.
The Saints rebounded from defence timidly drawing the ball forward to open their account.
Leigh McDonald quickly responded for the visitors his shot from 40 metres out splitting the sticks.
Play concentrated between the two half back lines, with neither side able to make an impact on the scoreboard.
The Saints trailing by three points after an error-laden first quarter in which both sides struggled to adapt to the difficult, wet and windy conditions.
Churchill started the second term running as they slotted through the opener to extend the margin out to 10, before their third major created a valuable buffer in the conditions.
The game quickly turned the way of the visitors with the experience of Churchill triumphing in the conditions, Nathan McDonald adding another as the side began to blow the game out.
Congestion around the ground didn’t halt Leigh McDonald and Daniel Hawking who combined for the Cougars fifth unanswered major.
Churchill’s confidence continued to grow best on ground Travis Brighton opening his account as the Saints desperately tried to stem the flow.
Cowwarr rallied after half time slotting through two quick majors through Robbie Ferguson and Steve Cooper, the Saints outscoring the visitors for the term.
A late flurry of goals in the final term extended Churchill’s margin the visitors comfortable 10 goal victors, 14.13 (97) to 5.7 (37).
Churchill’s Lee Kelly and Leigh McDonald relished in the conditions while Cowwarr’s Matt Learmonth, Lee Cooper and Brad Frost were among the Saints better players.
There was more then just the four points on the line in the match between BOISDALE and Woodside, with both sides desperate to cement their place in the top three.
In the closest match of the round the two sides fought out a titanic battle which saw the Bombers return to the winners list on their home turf for the first time since round five.
The Wildcats held the upper hand in the first quarter before Boisdale opened the game up in the second term, Ben Plozza and John Saunders among the goals.
Neither side was able to shake one another in the premiership quarter, the two sides adding 2.4 (16) to the scoreboard.
The Bombers held sway in the final term to record a 16 point victory, 7.12 (54) to 5.8 (38).
Winston Gieschen was in match winning form, Plozza and ruckman Don Veale notable performers.
GORMANDALE regained a spot in the final five after comfortably overcoming the Swans by 76 points.
Marking former coach Wayne Henrys 150th game, the Tigers adjusted well to the conditions early outfoxing the Swans to boot away to a 19 point buffer at the first break.
The second term was a torrid affair the Tigers getting the better of the Swans, as the home side made the most of their scoring opportunities Steve Burgess leading the charge on the scoreboard.
The Tigers continued the trend with two more goals in the third quarter to Stratford’s one behind to take a 45 point lead into the final change before coasting home.
There were plenty of stand outs for the home side, including experienced campaigner Bobby Pacunskis, Luke Hegarty and Lee Renton while Burgess finished with four goals. Nick Farley was again outstanding for Stratford while Ryan O'Keefe had an impact and John Taylor was the sole goal scorer.
Glengarry’s final campaign aspirations were extinguished by the ladder leaders HEYFIELD who trounced the Magpies to the tune of 12 goals.
Turning the tables on their semi final loss to the Magpies in similar conditions last season, the Kangaroos hit the ground running from the opening bounce.
Heyfield finding the heavy conditions under foot to their liking, as they held the visitors to two points for the term defenders Trent Anderson and Andrew Lambie among the play early.
The Magpies opened their account in the second term through Vincent O’Mara, while the Kangaroos led by Brett Szabo in front of goals continued to find the posts.
The result was decided by the long break with the home side taking a 39 point lead into the change.
It was all Heyfield in the second half as they added two majors in the third followed by four in the final term to run home comfortable 74 point victors, 13.8 (86) to 1.6 (12).
Heyfield’s Stuart Anderson played a brilliant game, Justin Cox was prominent down back while Szabo was the catalyst in the forward line.
Dean Brooks led from the front for the Magpies in a tireless performance with coach Matt Adams and Rory Jennings among the better performers.
ROSEDALE ensured that they still remain in contention for a finals berth following their impressive performance against TTU.
Trailing by 15 points at the first change the Blues rallied in the second booting 6.5 (41) to 1.0 (6), to turn the tables and take a 20 point lead into half time.
The momentum continued to favour the visitors after the change, boasting eight scoring shots to two as they drew the margin out to 41 points.
Rosedale’s Justin Emery provided plenty of drive through the midfield, Gerard Barnes was creative while Daryl Mayman was a solid contributor in their sides 51 point victory, 14.16 (100) to 7.7 (49).
The win elevating the Blues to sixth position, the side sitting equal with Gormandale whose superior position sees them sit in the five.
Greg Booth was named best on ground for the Bombers with Chris Buckley a standout in his 200th club game and Adam Brady also rising to the occasion in his 100th senior match.
By Lauren Carey
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