MITTA United will take a psychological advantage into this week’s qualifying final after casting aside Thurgoona by 43 points at Thurgoona on Saturday.
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Although both teams went into the clash under-strength, the Blues were eager to return to the winning list after going down to Barnawartha last weekend and made a clear statement in the third quarter when they kicked five goals to none.
It was a horror term for Thurgoona with star Bulldog Sam Cross leaving the ground with a shoulder injury.
While Mitta United coach Clinton Gilson said the Blues weren’t getting carried away, he was pleased to win.
“It will give us a bit of confidence going into next week,” Gilson said.
“We didn’t want to go in with two losses.
“The boys played well and the even spread was probably the best thing.”
Thurgoona went in without key players Kane Godde, Lucas Mellier, Kane Westlow and Chris Bridle, while Mitta United had Joel Wilson, Dave Paton and Paul Giltrap sidelined.
Half-forward Aiden Adams was the star for the Blues with six goals.
He bobbed up at crucial stages in the second half and thrived on some classy delivery from brothers Jarrod and Tyson Gorupic and Jamie Baude.
Thurgoona stayed in touch early through Kade and Aydan Brown, James Wilson and Mark Haydon, but were exposed through the midfield as the match wore on.
In other key match-ups, Mark Bush took on Alex Beggs and Matt Fowler was picked up by Jeff Cox.
Wodonga Saints finished the season on a positive note by upsetting Wahgunyah by 21 points at Wodonga.
The home team, who brought down Yackandandah last weekend, hit the lead in the third quarter with Jayden Holt, Matthew Jaensch and Chris Hutchinson impressing as the club finished the home and away series in ninth spot.
Veteran Mat Rogers played well for Wahgunyah, but Dean Bigger and Nic O’Bryan were among the few to offer support.
Ladder leader Kiewa-Sandy Creek crushed Yackandandah by 148 points at Yackandandah.
Hawk star Jason Bartel led the carnage, while Guy Telford continued his strong form with seven goals and Tory Ziems was prolific at ground level.