ROSEDALE snapped Heyfield’s five-game winning streak with a resounding 80-point victory in round 10 of North Gippsland football.
Boasting 12 scoring shots to three in the opening 20 minutes of play, Rosedale could have easily ended the contest by quarter-time.
However, the Blues’ inaccuracy in front of goals kept one of this season’s biggest improvers in the contest.
Leading by three goals at the end of the quarter, Rosedale continued to edge away from its opponents by kicking a further four majors to two in the second term.
Each time Heyfield challenged Rosedale responded with ease, with the Blues opening the contest up with their ground speed.
Jesse Bedggood goaled for the Kangaroos to provide a spark before half-time but it was counteracted by goals to Rosedale’s Brad Caldwell and Jeremy Reid, who were proving too much of a handful for the Kangaroos’ defence.
Rosedale snapped away early in the premiership term to extend its half-time lead.
A captain’s goal by Rosedale’s Chris King, from just inside the forward 50, kicked things off in the final term.
This was quickly followed by another goal from Caldwell and Kings’ second for the day.
Rosedale’s forwards lined up for goals in the final term, piling on six goals to one.
Jon Cantwell was one of the architects of Rosedale’s win, winning the ball at the centre bounce to set up the Blues’ engine room.
Rowan Diamond was a difficult match-up and left the Kangaroos feeling the raft of his countless possessions while Daryl Mayman was hard at the ball all day.
The Blues boasted 11 goal scorers with Caldwell and Reid leading the charge with five and four goals respectively.
Nic Dinsdale and Kane Newton were the Kangaroos’ best, while Matt Millar scored three goals.
Glengarry v Sale City
Two-time defending premiers Sale City proved it was still the team to beat after winning Saturday’s match against Glengarry.
Little separated the sides during the contest in a replay of last year’s grand final.
Convincingly outplayed in their round one meeting, the Magpies were a different prospect with scores locked at 25-all at the first change.
The Dogs had their chances in the second term but were inaccurate in front of goal and could only take an eight-point lead into the main break.
The premiership term was a dogged affair with the Magpies stamping their supremacy to outscore the reigning premiers and reel the margin back to under a six points.
The final term was relentless with both sides going goal for goal in a tight 20 minutes of football but the City held on to win 13.8 (86) to 11.15 (81).
City’s Marty McDonough was a welcome addition to the line-up this season, with the former Swan playing one of his best games in the Bulldogs’ colours.
Magpies Lachie Little and ruckman Aaron Winkler were standouts.
Churchill v Cowwarr
After a tight tussle for the first three quarters, Cowwarr came from 14 points down to overrun Churchill in the last quarter to win by nine points.
The Cougars led by a goal at quarter-time, 10 points at half-time and extended the margin to 14 points by the end of the third term, but it was the Saints’ seven goals to three final term which saw the visitors prevail 13.6 (84) to 11.9 (75).
It was a significant win as it now places the Saints back in contention with Glengarry and Churchill, which are all locked on 20 points for possibly the final position in the top five come.
Shane Morgan was judged the Saints’ best as his intensity through the contest was superb.
Luke Cooper’s outstanding season in the midfield continued for the Saints and he was well supported by Jordon Bourke and Brett Street.
Churchill’s key forward, Brendan Holt, kicked three goals with Billy Wight among the best.
Traralgon Tyers United v Woodside
Traralgon Tyers United gave its chances of playing finals a major boost with an 86-point thumping over a disappointing Woodside.
It was a pivotal game for the Bombers, who are among a cluster of five teams jostling for the final three positions in the top five.
It was the home side that came to play in heavy wet conditions under foot, with the Bombers dominating from the outset as it cruised to a 15.15 (105) to 2.7 (19) victory.
Chris Graham was dominant through the midfield; Cody Brown was a solid performer while Dylan Loprese battled hard inside 50 with his forward pressure to boot four goals.
Nic Dent and Matt Lane played good games for the Wildcats, as did Ben Johnson (two goals) and the ever reliable Ben Missen.
Boisdale Briagolong v Gormandale
Gormandale has taken another step forward in its improvement after it won its second game of the season in convincing fashion against Boisdale Briagolong.
The Tigers were brilliant after quarter-time against the Bomners, as they ensured they celebrated Paul Richards’ 200th club match in style, winning by 85 points, 18.10 (118) to 9.6 (60).
The visitors led by four points at the first change, but over the remainder of the game outscored the Bombers 16.8 to 8.6.
