Kiewa Sandy Creek is virtually guaranteed the minor premiership after toppling Mitta United in Saturday’s danger game.
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The Hawks produced a blinding first half to post a match-winning 46-point lead, cruising to a 16.16 (112) to 11.11 (77) win.
However, the match was marred by suspected serious knee injuries to Kiewa’s Mal Vogel and the home team’s Alex Beggs.
“It probably took the wind out of the game to be brutally honest,” Hawks’ coach Adam Mudra said.
“It looks like they’re both suspected ACL’s (anterior cruciate ligaments), but obviously we won’t know until they get scans.”
The visitors jumped the Blues, kicking five goals to two in the opening quarter.
“I thought we started exceptionally well, our ball movement, run and spread was great early, the first half really set up the result,” Mudra said.
“Mitta at Mitta is probably the toughest game in the home and away season.”
Guy Telford kicked five majors, with Jason Bartel and Jamie Paul snaring three apiece.
Telford, Bartel and Paul were outstanding, along with Jake Hicks and Callum Turner.
Daniel Stewart and Drew Cameron booted four each for the Blues, with Joel Wilson and Josh Lieschke terrific.
Both teams were missing a stack of stars, including Hawks’ boom recruit Jack Di Mizio (back tightness) and Jake Uslar, while Craig Lieschke and Kyle Maynard didn’t play for the Blues.
The Hawks lead Barnawartha on percentage and face Beechworth (eighth) and Wahgunyah (11th) in the final two rounds.
Meanwhile, Barnawartha will need to topple Thurgoona (third) and Rutherglen (sixth).
The Tigers hammered Wahgunyah, 18.15 (123) to 7.9 (51).
Cameron McNeill grabbed five goals to feature, along with Daryl Webb, in the away win.
The Lions’ Corey Smith posted three majors, with Andrew Ollington the pick.
Thurgoona came from eight points down at three-quarter time to pip Rutherglen, 14.21 (105) to 14.6 (90).
Sam Cross (five goals) and Jake Bruce led the scoring, while John Spencer booted five for the home outfit.
Zach Gibbons starred for the visitors, while James Sammon was the Cats’ top performer.
Tallangatta defeated Yackandandah, 19.17 (131) to 8.7 (55).
Joel Butler was best on ground with five majors.
Roo Lachie Maslen was the best.
Dederang Mount Beauty toppled Beechworth by 20 points, while Chiltern beat Wodonga Saints by 63 points.
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