With eight of their stars sidelined it was the young pups that came to life at the kennel with ladder leaders SALE CITY holding sway against fifth placed Heyfield.

The young Dogs demonstrated poise and experience beyond their age as they dealt the Kangaroos final ambitions a significant blow. Dropping their past two clashes Heyfield's hold on a finals berth is slowing slipping from their grasp with wins to Churchill and Rosedale seeing the sides closing in on the gap.

While the Dogs top shelf players ruckman Matt Lutze, captain Beau Wilson, Joel Brayshaw, Justin McLay, defenders Tim Dimarco and Troy Cairstairs were missing in action with niggling injuries and other commitments it didn't halt the reigning premiers juggernaut who made it 15 from as many starts.

The Kangaroos too had their own concerns with a young midfield stepping into fill the role of those injured, the visitors struggled to match the home side who led by over eight goals at the long change a margin which they would extend to 124 points at the final siren 22.14 (146) to 3.4 (22).

The second half was all Sale City, Jake Schuback was the pick of the goal kickers finishing with 10 in a best on ground performance, midfielder Stefan Mapleson was in match winning form with Jesse Broadbent a standout.

ROSEDALE laid the foundation for its 21.14 (140) to 9.7 (61) win over Stratford with an eight goal to one second quarter.

The match was evenly placed at the first change both sides desperation at the ball evident with the Blues taking a 14 point lead at the break.

The Blues exploded out of the blocks in the second term, their solid quarter putting the Swans 62 points behind at the main break. Rosedale's momentum wasn't halted by the long change the side adding a further eight goals in a stellar second half, six of which came in the final quarter.

Youngster Adam Diamond was named best on ground for the home side, with brother Rohan and Dale Fleming valuable contributors. Andrew Flanagan was the pick of the goal kickers finishing the match with five.

For the visitors Brent Richardson led from the front, with Dylan Cartwright booting three majors.

The much anticipated battle for a spot in the final five materialised at Gaskin Park, with CHURCHILL claiming the points in a nailbiter against TTU.

The Bombers had lost their previous clash in round five against the Cougars by the barest of margins one point, and second time round it would again be a thriller with the result decided in the final three minutes of the match.

With three minutes on the clock and counting down the Cougars led by less than a kick, before Jason Sutherlands shot at goal extended the home sides lead top 11 points.

The Bombers responded to reel the margin back to under a kick as they worked hard to halt the Cougars drive but it was Churchill's Joey Whykes who broke the shackles to slot through the decider in the final minute.

The Cougars prevailing, 14.10 (94) to the Bombers 11.7 (73).

In a finals type atmosphere it was the Cougars big name players that rose to the occasion, Tim Darby booted a game high four majors, the coach allowed room to roam free and at times created something out of nothing.

Defender Travis Brighton and Troy Jenkins were instrumental shutting down the visitors forwards, while Whykes had plenty of the ball dominating the contests.
While many Bombers saw plenty of the ball led by former Cougar Daniel Hawking, coach Tim Aitken booted four while live wire Chris Graham was a standout.

The Bombers now find themselves locked equal on points with the Cougars with Heyfield one game behind in sixth position.

The masters of the escape have done it again. For the third time this season, WOODSIDE has again been victorious by fewer than two goals.

Each time the Bombers pushed the home side, the Wildcats responded to prevail in the tightest of circumstances.

Saturday was no exception after being challenged all day by a competitive Bombers outfit, Woodside's skill and endurance saw them hold on to win 9.5 (59) to 7.8 (50)
The freakishly talented combination of the Wildcats brothers Clint and Justin Staley who was well kept proved the difference in the match with the duo booting four of the side's nine goals.

The Wildcats trailed by three points at half time in an enthralling contest with centre man Matt Calvert and Clint Hillas regularly banging the ball inside their forward 50.
John Burge with four goals was the Bomber's only effective forward, while Regan Tait and Matt Freeman performed well with Joel Lambourn able to chip in with valuable goal.

On Sunday GLENGARRY kicked 9.6 (60) to 0.2 in the second half which was a true reflection of the superior strength and skill of the second placed Magpies against a somewhat toothless Tigers.

Wet heavy conditions under foot hampered the Tigers challenge. The side was gallantly led by captain Daniel Domaille, with Shayne Simpson returning from injury to boot two majors.

The Magpies relished the conditions like ducks to water, Dean Brooks and Ryan Potter hitting their straps ahead of the sides top of the table showdown next week against the undefeated Dogs.

By Lauren Carey