But despite his efforts, Saunders couldn’t secure the tag of his team’s best player. That honour going to midfielder Kristopher Bedford.

The Saints were ruthless from the outset, racking up a 60-point lead by quarter- time.

At half-time, they led by 108 points and at the final break it was 178 points to nil.

Berrigan coach Justin Hoggan said the game had come together nicely for Saunders and the team.

“It was a fantastic effort from Chase,” Hoggan said.

“He took his chances and he was on the end of some good work from the midfield.

Saunders finished with 19.5, equalling the most goals kicked on the Mathoura ground.

Hoggan was knocked out late in the last quarter but said he was likely to play against Jerilderie this week.

In other North West Picola action, Blighty kept top spot with a 44-point home win against Yarroweyah and Jerilderie thumped Picola United by 91 points.

Third-placed Deniliquin Rovers downed fourth-placed Strathmerton by three points in a thriller.

Playing at home, the Rovers led by 26 points at half-time and still looked in control at three-quarter-time with a 21-point buffer.

But four goals to one in the last quarter to Strathmerton upset the home side.

It was a costly loss for the Bulldogs who would have leapfrogged the Roos had they won.

In the South East competition, unbeaten flag favourite Shepparton East had its closest brush with defeat for the season.

It defeated third-placed Waaia 16.13 109 to 15.15 105 in one of the games of the year.

Shepparton East’s Peter Ralph, Hayden Best and Jonse Palmer kicked 13 goals between them to get their team over the line.

For Waaia, Mark and Chris Baker were solid all day as was David Gilmour.

Elsewhere, Rennie continued its good form, defeating Dookie United by 96 points and Katunga was too good for Katamatite, getting home by 18 points.

And Tungamah is still well and truly in the hunt for finals after defeating Katandra by 10 points.