The Blues jumped from fifth to second with the 12.8 (80) to 6.6 (42) win and are now one of four teams with a 7-2 record.

The Hawks’ first loss in eight matches sent them in the opposite direction from second to fifth and with Thurgoona waiting in the wings in sixth position, the scene is set for a thrilling second half of the season.

A dirty day got worse for for the Hawks with coach Callum Turner taken to hospital after being knocked out in a heavy collision in the third quarter.

Mitta started strongly with four goals to two in the opening term and won every quarter from then on in their best performance of the season.

Daniel Stewart made an immediate impact in his return from injury across half-back for the Blues while Tyson Gorupic and Craig Lieschke’s ability to push forward and kick goals in wet conditions proved vital for coach Simon Hillier.

Hillier was thrilled by the performance with a top-of-the-table clash against Tallangatta to come next round.

“The wet probably suited us, being a bit more of a contested side,” he said.

“We’re not overly tall so the wet weather helped us out with the ball being on the ground a bit more.

“All the players turned up and put in a good four-quarter performance.

“If we’re playing the way we want to play, we can definitely match it with most sides in the competition.”

Beechworth claimed its second victory of the season with an 18-point win against old Ovens and King rival Chiltern at Beechworth.

Lee Dale and Tom Cartledge were pivotal in the clinches for the Bushrangers while Dayne Carey chipped in with three goals.

Mudlark Matt Nichol thrived in the greasy conditions for Chiltern but couldn’t do enough to stop the Swans slipping well out of top-five contention.

Barnawartha kicked clear of a dogged Wahgunyah in the second half to win by 53 points.

Benalla premiership player Jordan Wolff was outstanding for the Tigers with three goals and he received solid support from dual Barton medallist Cameron McNeill.

Thurgoona kept the pressure on the league pacesetters with a 39-point win over Yackandandah as Craig Taylor and Jake Bruce turned in strong performances.

Tim Brook kicked 10 goals as ladder leaders Tallangatta thumped Wodonga Saints by 242 points and Rutherglen was far too strong for Dederang-Mount Beauty in a 142-point victory.