Tallangatta’s build back towards finals has continued by ending Beechworth’s unbeaten run.
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The home team jumped the Bushrangers in the first half and were never headed, claiming a 12.6 (78) to 7.11 (53) win.
“We got away early and played good, clean football to start with,” boom recruit Tom Johnson said.
“They came back hard as they were always going to, they’ve come back the last couple of games judging by the scores.”
The Hoppers had a 23-point lead at quarter-time, restricting the visitors to just two behinds.
Tallangatta further extended the lead to 33 at half-time, adding another four goals to five in the second half.
The Hoppers had a host of players kick two, including Johnson himself and Rugby League convert Levi Freeman.
The powerfully built one-time Canberra Raiders’ lower grader has been starting in the forward line, before moving to the midfield.
“For a rugby boy, he’s picked it up very quickly and very well,” Johnson said.
“He’s a very strong-bodied player, which is good, and he just brings a different dynamic into the game.”
Both Freeman and Johnson were named in the best, while Mitch Maddock was outstanding.
Brenton Surrey was the Bushrangers’ best.
Elsewhere, Thurgoona has maintained its poor start.
The premiers have been decimated by injury, with more than 20 players missing throughout the senior list.
And Mitta United swooped, posting a 19.9 (123) to 11.7 (73) win.
Mitta’s Jack Gilbee and Alex Beggs kicked four apiece, while Aydan Brown did likewise for the Bulldogs.
Sam Gorupic starred for the home side, while Luke Gerecke was the pick of the visitors.
Rutherglen’s John Spencer has jumped to the top of the goalkickers after 11 in the 24.20 (164) to 11.8 (74) win over Wodonga Saints.
Spencer has now kicked 20 in the last two games and has 26 after the first month.
Kiewa Sandy Creek hammered Chiltern, 22.11 (143) to 6.4 (40).
Guy Telford almost doubled his tally by bagging 11, starring alongside former Vic Country rep Jack Di Mizio.
Barnawartha duo Cameron McNeill and Josh Spence booted six goals apiece in the 19.11 (125) to 13.9 (87) win over Dederang Mount Beauty.
The home side’s Brent Ohlin nabbed five, with team-mate Liam Hood the team’s finest.
And defence was secondary in Wahgunyah’s 24.11 (155) to 20.11 (131) win over Yackandandah.
The Lions’ Matt Grantham kicked six and Brydon Robins four, while Yackandandah’s Andrew Mayne snared eight.
