While playing Mitta United at Mitta in late July is hard enough, it becomes even more challenging when leading goal-kicker Matt Fowler and in-form defender Mark Bush are unavailable.

But co-coach Jamarl O’Sullivan wasn’t getting carried with the 69-point victory on Saturday.

“They had a few out and I think ‘Dicko’ (Mark Dicketts) is playing his cards close to his chest with only a few weeks left,” O’Sullivan said.

“Don’t worry about Mitta, they will be a lot better next time.

“It was a good win and I thought we were good particularly in the first-half, but they played some kids.”

Thurgoona raced to a 20-point lead at quarter-time and had the match in its grasp after leading by 62 at half-time with Lucas Mellier, Michael Rampal and Jacob Bruce on fire.

Joel Roberson continued his good season while David Price and Mark Haydon were also strong around the ground.

Mitta United were only outscored by seven points in the second-half with Louis Miller, Brendan Hodgkin, Jye Hodgkin and Kyle Maynard working their way into the contest.

The loss saw the Blues slip to fourth spot on the ladder with home and away matches against Kiewa-Sandy Creek, Tallangatta and Chiltern remaining.

Kiewa-Sandy Creek powered home to defeat Tallangatta by 75 points.

After a slow start, the Hawks slipped into overdrive in the second quarter with Jamie Paul, Mal Vogel and Jake Hicks prominent.

Small forwards Ryan Wallace and Scott Bartel were damaging with seven goals between them.

Tom Russell and Tyson Smith were lionhearted performers for Tallangatta, but lacked the support after half-time to be competitive.

Wahgunyah jumped into third spot on the ladder with a 97-point win over Chiltern.

With Matt Grantham and Nick Brockley dominating in attack with 11 goals between them, the Lions proved a class above as Lloyd Grantham, Kodee Lowe and Jye Holcombe continually drove the ball into attack.

In-form Swan utility Chris Anderson continued his strong form.

Yackandandah’s Trent Castles moved closer to his century with an 11-goal bag in the Roos’ 107-point win over Dederang-Mt Beauty.

He has 92 for the season – one behind Fowler.

Lee Dale, Harry McBurnie and Ryan Jenkins made sure Castles had plenty of scoring opportunities.

Rutherglen accounted for Barnawartha by 73 points.

Seamus Bromley and Jared Farwell starred for the Cats while Josh Spence played a lone hand for his side.

Beechworth defeated Wodonga Saints by 70 points.