MITTA United went a long way towards securing another finals berth after edging out Rutherglen by a point at Rutherglen on Saturday.
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In a dour arm-wrestle, Blues’ forward Craig Lieschke snapped a goal in the final minute to give the traditional powerhouse an eight-point buffer on sixth-placed Beechworth with five rounds remaining.
“It was a really good win,” coach Mark Dicketts said.
“They have given us a lot of trouble over the years particularly at Rutherglen so when Darcy Eaton went down early it was great to see a few of the younger kids in the side step up.
“Rutherglen fielded a pretty strong side with some players coming back.
“It was obviously a really important game for both sides as we have fairly similar runs home in the last five rounds.”
Lieschke was outstanding in attack with four goals while Josh Dicketts played an excellent support role with two.
Josh Lieschke, Jye Hodgkin, Richard Turnbull and Sam Gorupic were also instrumental in the Blues fighting their way back from a 15-point deficit at the last change.
Cat coach Damien Wilson rallied hard for the home team with Cameron Wilson and second-gamer Thomas Quinn also in the thick of the action.
Seamus Bromley and Chris Oats played major roles in the clash going down to the wire.
Barton medal contender Michael Rampal starred in Thurgoona’s 69-point win over Tallangatta at Thurgoona.
With the Bulldogs leading by just 10 points at the final change, Rampal, co-coach Jamarl O’Sullivan, Sam Cross and Zac Gibbons exploded in the last term as the home team kicked a stunning 12 goals to two.
Cross was the best forward on the ground with six goals.
Mark Walsham and Dan O'Connell tried hard for Tallangatta.
The victory saw Thurgoona jump into third spot on the ladder with the Bulldogs now firmly back in the mix for another premiership.
Dederang-Mt Beauty notched up its seventh win of the season with a 10-point victory over Chiltern.
Trailing by 11 points at half-time, the Bombers lifted through the efforts of Jacob Ozolins, Cody Hewat, Louie Iaria and Liam Hood.
Chiltern’s Chris Anderson played a blinder.
Anderson kicked seven majors with Mitch Hemming, Wayne Shannon and Jayden Vandermeer ensuring he had plenty of scoring opportunities.
Beechworth kept its finals hopes flickering with an 85-point victory over Wahgunyah.
With Ryan Mee, Campbell Fendyk and Jay Dale kicking 13 goals between them, the Bushrangers had options everywhere as Ryan Harry, Lochlan Eaton and Harry Taylor continually pumped the ball forward.
Defender Andrew Ollington was solid for the Lions.
Kiewa-Sandy Creek hammered Yackandandah by 93 points with Jamie Paul and Ryan Wallace prolific for the Hawks.
Barnawartha blitzed Wodonga Saints by 175 points.