Border Mail |
MITTA United sent an ominous warning to the rest of the competition with a 96-point pounding of finals contender Dederang-Mount Beauty at Eskdale on Saturday.
The Blues turned in one of their best performances under coach Clinton Gilson with full-forward James Gray capping off the good work with a seven-goal bag.
The most pleasing aspect of the win was the form of youngsters Joel Wilson and Jordan Peters, while Jarrod Gorupic and Aiden Adams also helped bring about the Bombers' downfall.
"It was a good effort across the board," Gilson said.
"I don't think we have put together four consistent quarters like that in my time at the club.
"They worked hard."
While Dederang-Mount Beauty took a depleted line-up into the match with Darren Bradshaw, Joel Heiner, Andrew and Matt Hill, Jason Gentile and Troy Price missing, the Blues also had their share of absentees including Tyson Gorupic, Nick Bowles and Yarrod Hamilton.
The Bombers only managed five goals and relied too heavily on Elliott Powell and Mark Cole.
Yackandandah surprised Rutherglen, winning by 21 points at Yackandandah.
The Roos were stretched for three quarters before getting on top late with Trent Castles, Daniel Atwell and Justin Maybury asserting their authority.
Castles kicked seven majors while Jeremy Grove proved the surprise packet with five of his own.
