EXPLODING out of the blocks in the opening term, Cowwarr led from the outset in its round eight match against Gormandale in North Gippsland football.
Led by the fleet-footed Jordan Bourke in a stellar best on ground performance in the centre, the Saints were sublime right from the start and sailed to victory 28.20 (188) to 8.3 (51).
Forward Chris Stasinowsky proved a headache for Tigers’ defender Wayne Henry, who had little answer to his opponent’s skill, which saw the Saint boot a haul of nine.
Robbie Ferguson finished the match with four majors, while Matt Learmonth added three to his season tally.
Brett Street taunted his many opponents in a standout performance, while Simon Ferguson continued to evolve and Shane Galea set up a number of goals.
The margin could have been far greater than 137 points, as the Saints wasted a number of opportunities in the opening term with Stasinowsky, Galea and Learmonth unable to convert.
Led by centre-half back Henry, the Tigers’ key defenders Gavin Swan and Steve Hore worked hard to contain the Saints’ forwards, but it was not long before the flood gates opened.
Cowwarr started the second term with consecutive majors in a five-minute patch that resembled a training drill.
Saints ruckman Paul Joyce was too good for the Tigers’ ruck combination of Toby Callanan and Lewis Prince.
Joyce fed the ball to the likes of Bourke and Street, as well as Luke and Lee Cooper, who amassed possessions throughout the contest.
The Tigers broke through for their first of the second term when Steve Burgess got his hands on the ball outside the 50-metre mark, and drilled a kick to Paul Richards who had no trouble converting.
But as quickly as Gormandale scored, the Saints cleared the ball from the centre bounce to add another through Galea.
Shane Morgan finessed and often taunted the Tigers forwards as he weaved his way out of trouble to send the Saints forward for another. A snap at goal by Burgess toppled over the line, as defender Scott Anderson did all he could to get a fingernail on the ball.
Soon after, Burgess was rewarded with a shot at goal, sealing his second in a five minute purple-patch by the visitors.
Trailing by 69 points at the long change, there was little the Tigers could do.
The visitors started strongly in the second half with a major to Toby Callanan; however, it was quickly followed with consecutive majors to Ferguson, Stasinowsky and Learmonth.
The Saints powered away in the second half booting 14.10 (94) to 4.2 (26), sealing their fourth win of the season.
Sale City v Churchill
Caught flat footed, Sale City felt Churchill’s wrath early as they broke away to a three-goal lead, before three late goals in the first term handed the reigning premiers a one-point lead at the first break.
Led by Jake Schuback in front of goals, and Tom Bowman at full back, the Dogs settled to outscore the visitors three-goals to one to take a handy 13-point lead into the main change.
The premiership term proved to be an epic contest, but the Cougars could not eat into the half-time margin which served City well for the remainder of the game 16.9 (105) to 12.16 (88).
Bowman was named best on ground for the Dogs, with Christopher Williams a standout in the gold and blue.
Woodside v Heyfield
Nine goals from Michael Delaney, eight from Matt Millar and seven from coach Adrian Cox were the highlights of the Kangaroos’ match against Woodside.
Watching their reserves boot a massive 43 goals, the seniors were not to be outdone kicking 16 goals in the opening half before adding a further 17 majors in the second half.
There was little Woodside could do to stop Heyfield with its winners around the ground.
Rosedale v Boisdale/Briagolong
Rosedale made light work of Boisdale/Briagolong, booting 13 unanswered goals in the opening half to set up its 138-point win, 23.19 (157) to 2.7 (19).
The Bombers struggled with the Blues’ structure, with Brad Caldwell leading the charge finishing with six majors, Jeremy Reid and Ross McDermott adding five and four respectively to their season tallies.
Justin Emery was explosive in the midfield along with Daryl Mayman, as were Justin Smith and Darcy Murray.
Glengarry v Traralgon Tyers United
Leading for three quarters, Glengarry fell short by just three points in a nail biting contest against Traralgon Tyers United.
Trailing by two kicks at the final change, the Bombers fought hard to remain in the contest.
Boasting 10 scoring shots to five for the term, TTU’s forwards led by Des Brunt, Dane McGennisken and Dylan Loprese kept the Bombers within reach as the Magpies fought hard to hold onto their slim lead.
The Magpies could do little to hold off the fast finishing Bombers 15.17 (107) to 16.8 (104). Bomber ruckman Luke Middleton continued his impressive season in a best on ground performance, while the Graham brothers Chris and Brian were standouts.
