KIEWA-Sandy Creek spearhead Guy Telford overcame a late fitness test to kick nine goals in a matchwinning performance against Rutherglen on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Telford, who was making his first appearance since April 30 due to an ankle injury, was unstoppable as the Hawks ran-out 15.14 (104) to 11.10 (76) victors.
The victory consolidated their spot in the top three with another tough test against Mitta United ahead.
“It was good to have a four-quarter effort,” coach Callum Turner said.
“Wins are like gold at the moment.
“We didn’t have a big spread of goalkickers so we were lucky Guy Telford kicked straight.
“Ryan Wallace was fantastic up there as well.”
While Telford and Wallace led the way with nine and five goals respectively, Jason Bartel was sensational after half-time in the midfield.
Mal Vogel, Luke Norton-Smith and Aaron Gordon also stood up with Sam Bowler (shoulder) and Wylie Jackson (hamstring) going down with injury.
Although the loss leaves Rutherglen precariously placed in fourth spot, the Cats have a favourable run ahead against Dederang-Mount Beauty and Wahgunyah.
Josh Quick won plenty of possessions for his side, while Seamus Bromley, Dylon Simpson and Thomas Quinn were also effective as the club’s injury toll mounted.
Spearhead Bobby Griffiths withdrew from the selected side.
Barnawartha defeated Beechworth by 42 points.
Kyle McNamara, Paul Harrington and Paul Diretto led the charge while Beechworth stayed in touch through the efforts of Tom Cartledge and Kayde Surrey.
Lee Dale also played well.
Tallangatta’s James Breen kicked 10 goals in the Hoppers’ 229-point win over Dederang-Mount Beauty.
Tyson Smith and Brent McGrath were effective against the undermanned Bombers.
Zac Peake again played well for the home team.
Thurgoona hammered Wodonga Saints by 210 points.