DEFENDING premier Cudgewa reaffirmed its status as flag favourite with a hard-fought 17-point win over Federal at Cudgewa on Saturday.
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The Blues overcame a sluggish start and atoned for their first round defeat against the Swans, posting a 10.11 (71) to 8.6 (54) victory.
In an ominous sign, the Blues moved to the top of the ladder and will be hard to halt in their quest for a second successive minor premiership.
Cudgewa coach Aaron Lezius was relieved to secure the four points in what he described as the worst conditions he had experienced in his four seasons with the club.
“It was always going to be one of those days in the mud and the slop where it could have went either way,” he said.
“Both sides had to earn their kicks and there were a few big hits and it was a physical contest.
“It was a battle of attrition really, so it was satisfying to come out on top.”
The Blues were buoyed by the appearance of classy defender Michael Voigt, who played his first match after being cleared by Ovens and King club North Wangaratta during the week.
Premiership ruckman Al Cleven also made the trek from Melbourne for his second match of the season and was among the Blues’ best alongside brother Jim, Mitch Pynappels and Jake Carkeek.
Federal also swung a surprise, with recruit Joel Richardson playing his first match for the Swans and proving lively with three goals in the low-scoring contest.
Corryong stunned Tumbarumba with an upset 22-point win at Corryong.
Bullioh scraped home against Border-Walwa by two points, hanging on despite going goalless in the last term.