RAGING flag favourite Cudgewa ruthlessly exposed why the Upper Murray premiership looks a one-horse race with a 47-point demolition of Bullioh at Cudgewa on Saturday.
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After a tight opening quarter, the Blues flexed their muscles, booting 12 goals to five to secure their best win of the season.
In a blow for the Bulldogs, veteran utility Clint Ried was stretchered off with a suspected neck injury and left the ground by ambulance.
Coach Bill Deery believed Cudgewa was nearing its ruthless best with one round to go until the business end of the season.
“It started off as a tight contest and I thought at quarter-time we were in for a close game,” Deery said.
“But we were able to gain control in the second quarter and run away with it.
“While we are playing some pretty good footy at the moment there is still plenty of improvement left in us.
“We have got a few more blokes to come back in which will strengthen us significantly.
“We know if we stick to our structures that results like Saturday are what we are able to achieve.”
Deery led by example to boot eight goals and provide a lively and accurate forward target.
He took his season tally to 64, two behind teammate Brendan McEvoy in the race for the league’s goalkicking title.
The Blues were superbly served by defenders Dylan Ward, Aaron Lezius and Joel Bailey, with their interception and creativity a highlight.
Bailey had an enthralling contest with Bulldog forward Tom Hickey.
Federal ensured the fight for fourth spot would go to the wire after belting a disappointing Tumbarumba by 50 points.
Corryong spanked Border-Walwa by 81 points with Shannon Gilson and Evan Nicholas dominant.
We have got a few more blokes to come back in which will strengthen us up signif-icantly. We know if we stick to our structures that results like Saturday are what we are able to achieve.
BILL DEERY