CDHBU moved back inside the top six after an impressive 36-point victory over Jindera at Jindera on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Aided by some extraordinary kicking for goal and a six-goal bag from high-profile recruit Luke Cowan, the Power had no problems dismissing the Bulldogs, winning 16.1 (97) to 8.13 (61).
It was their first win over Jindera since joining the league in 2008.
The Power were challenged in the first half but piled on nine goals to four in the second half to move to fifth on the ladder with a 3-2 record.
Cowan provided a strong marking target in attack and received plenty of support from Doug Lavis and Alex Wallis as the trio combined for 12 of the Power’s 16 goals.
With livewire Corey Smith absent, Wallis roamed free in attack and finished off the hard work provided by Joel Rippingale, Tim Cooper and Josh Lewis further afield.
Power coach Brad Talbot said it was a crucial away win for his team, considering the tight nature of the competition.
“It was a must win for both clubs and we were lucky enough to come out on top,” he said.
“It was a pleasing win and easily our best performance so far.
“We will take a bit of confidence out of it and keep moving forward.
“We have been a bit patchy in the opening rounds but we had 21 contributors on Saturday and that was the most pleasing aspect.”
The only sour note for the Power was Talbot’s report for striking, with the coach to front the tribunal this week.
Jindera again struggled in attack, with key forwards Brett Garland and Ash Murray well held, finishing the match with two goals each.
In a worrying trend for coach Josh Walker, the Bulldogs have only kicked 11, nine, 10 and eight goals in their four matches this season.
Widely touted as a flag contender, they have now slipped to ninth on the ladder with a 1-3 record and face a tricky road trip to Lockhart this week followed by a clash with the undefeated Rand-Walbundrie.
One of the few positives for Jindera is the early season form of North Albury recruit Matt McDonald.
The classy midfielder was his team’s best for the second successive week, while Isaac Pound and Nick Nott also battled hard.
A six-goal final term lifted Rand-Walbundrie home by 35 points against Howlong and ensured the Tigers remained the only undefeated team after five rounds while the Billabong Crows celebrated their first win of the year with a 31-point defeat of Culcairn at Oaklands.
Osborne consolidated third spot on the ladder with a 44-point victory over fierce rival Lockhart at Osborne.
Murray Magpies forward Nick Sheridan bagged six goals in their 40-point win over Walla at Urana Road Oval.