Border Mail |
THURGOONA passed one of the toughest tests in country football with a 10-point win over reigning premier Mitta United in the Tallangatta and District league at Mitta on Saturday.
In a clash marred by a series of yellow cards, the Bulldogs kicked the only three goals of the final term to go a long way towards locking in the double chance.
Dangerous forward Todd Miller was outstanding with seven goals in a low-scoring contest.
Mark Haydon thrived on the opportunity to spend more time in the midfield and Aydan Brown repelled many attacking raids in defence.
Sam Field showed plenty of character to win lots of possessions and Brad Sutcliffe went head-to-head with Barton medallist Nathan Reynoldson.
Coach Jason Sheather was proud of the way his team responded after surrendering the lead at three-quarter-time.
“Mitta threw absolutely everything at us and I reckon most people at the ground would have expected them to finish over the top of us,” Sheather said.
“It was country footy at its hardest and I was really happy with the way our boys stood up.
“They responded really well and got the rewards at the end of the day.
“Mitta will be thereabouts during the finals and we’re looking forward to crossing paths again because I would say it would be another good, hard physical contest.”
Mitta had solid contributors in Brenton Olsen, Jordan Peters and Jeff Cox, but the Blues lacked the run late and could only manage a point in the final quarter.
The loss leaves Clinton Gilson’s charges precariously placed with clashes against Kiewa-Sandy Creek, Chiltern, Beechworth, Rutherglen, Barnawartha and Wahgunyah in the run home.
Wodonga Saints returned to the bad old days on Saturday when dealt a 149-point hiding by Dederang-Mount Beauty.
Although decimated by injury, the Saints kicked their only two goals in the final quarter and were outclassed by an in-form Bomber machine led by Daniel Bradshaw.
Bradshaw kicked 11 goals in a brilliant display with endless opportunities coming his way from Elliott Powell, Louie Iaria, Nick Mitas and Andrew Cardwell.
Chiltern stayed within striking distance of the top five with an 88-point win against Beechworth.
With Jayden Vandermeer and Matt Manns leading the way, the Swans stormed clear and never looked back to gain some confidence for a string of tough matches ahead.
