FOR the second week running, North Gippsland football premier Heyfield proved too classy, last weekend accounting for Boisdale-Briagolong by 63 points on the road.
The stage was set in the second quarter as the Kangaroos, through goalsneak Mitch Dowse and power forward Jesse Bedggood, began to stamp their presence on the Bombers’ back line. The visitors slammed home seven goals to three to take a commanding 34-point lead into half-time.
The going didn’t get any easier in the second half, while the Bombers kept with Heyfield on the scoreboard in the third term, they couldn’t match their intensity in the final quarter. The home side was kept goalless as it watched the premiers add five unanswered goals to extend the margin and win 17.14 (116) to 7.11 (53).
Jesse Leeds and defender Scott Anderson were among the Kangaroos’ best. Lucas Mowat didn’t drop his colours in a strong performance for the Bombers.
TOP of the table Woodside claimed its third straight victory against Sale City, 14.13 (97) to 10.5 (65).
It was far from one way traffic as the two young line-ups kept within reach of one another in an enthralling arm wrestle in the first half, before the Wildcats had a strong third term, providing the impetus for their victory.
Down by three points at the main change, a spirited Woodside ran rampant during the third term, slamming home six goals to two with the charge led on the scoreboard by full forward Justin Staley, who finished the match with six majors.
GLENGARRY overcame a slow start to defeat Cowwarr and register its first opening win of the season after what had been an emotional week for the Magpies.
A minute’s silence was observed by both clubs before the game following the passing of Glengarry life member Colin May, who had a 50-year association with the club.
The Saints kicked the first five goals and dominated the centre bounces, largely through their fleet-footed midfielders. Forward Tim Johnston was plucking marks and looked dangerous.
The Saints’ more mature and strong bodies brushed aside their opponents as they appeared well-drilled and poised in and around the ball.
There had been little for the home side to rejoice about before it broke the shackles when Aaron Winkler marked ahead of the siren to register the Magpies’ second goal for the term, cutting the deficit to 17 points at the change.
Mitch Sharp made it three goals on the run for Glengarry as he opened the scoring in the second term. It was quickly added to with Trevor May’s first for the day as the Magpies reeled the margin back to four points.
The Saints’ back line was under siege as it struggled to clear centre half-back as the Magpies forwards’ confidence grew.
Recruit Ross McDermott pestered the Saints’ back six to force the error and score. His goal signalled a five-goal turnaround before Cowwarr broke through for its first major with a kick after the siren.
The blows continued to be traded in the first 10 minutes of the second half, with Glengarry skipping away with a handy buffer following two goals before Cowwarr responded with coach Luke Cooper leading the way.
In the third term, Ryan Potter and Dean Brooks lifted Glengarry in the middle of the ground, while Winkler and McDermott continued to test the Cowwarr defenders.
Two points favoured the Magpies at the final change before they saluted a club legend with a six-goal to two final term to win 16.11 (107) to 13.9 (87).
Colin May’s son Trevor was among the Magpies best alongside Winkler and McDermott, who finished the contest with seven majors. For the Saints, Jordon Bourke and Johnston led from the front throughout the contest with Johnston staring with six majors.
A FIVE-goal to two final term gave Churchill victory over Gormandale, 11.18 (84) to 9.6 (60).
After a tight three quarters, the Cougars’ spirited final term effort was led by captain Chris Williams.
TRARALGON-Tyers United and Rosedale fought out a classic battle befitting Anzac Day, with the Bombers claiming their second win of the season by 10 goals on Thursday night.
At dusk, Blues and Bomber players stood in the middle of the ground as the large crowd joined them in paying their respect, before two returned serviceman tossed the coin to begin proceedings.
It was the Blues who began best with Jeremy Reid opening proceedings before Jack Wyhoon combined with Nic Rutter for the home side’s second goal.
It took 15 minutes for the Bombers to register their first major, which was closely followed by their second as they level the scores. A long kick on the 50 metre arc by Bomber coach Matt Stolarczyk gave the visitors their third before consecutive misses let the Blues defenders off the hook ahead of the first siren.
The Blues were left wanting in the second term as the Bombers dominated around the ground and quickly blew the margin out to 45 points at the main change.
Rosedale come out firing opening the second half with the first two, however, it could do little to eat into the Bombers’ lead as the Blues lost their first match for the season, 16.17 (113) to 7.8 (50).
