Cudgewa fights back to edge out Bullioh in 2019 Upper Murray grand final rematch

The Blues trailed at every change except for the one that mattered to record a thrilling 14.19 (94) to 13.8 (86) victory.

Bullioh opened up a 22-point buffer at the main break, with four goals to one in the second term, but Cudgewa clawed its way back to within a kick at the last break.

Four goals to two in the final stanza was enough to see the Blues over the line and kept their unbeaten record intact.

Former Beechworth and Yackandandah player Jay Dale starred for Cudgewa, while Mitch Pynappels, Josh Boyle, Michael Voight, Jake Vinge and Riley Petts also impressed.

Ben Hall booted five for the Blues, while Dayne Carey finished with four and Jayden Pryse two.

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Kieran Salome, Max Nicolson, Luke Welsh, Luke Rafferty, co-coach Kelvin Wallace and Taylor Hampton were the Bulldogs' best, while Harry Schubert nabbed four goals.

Cudgewa coach Brayden Carey was pleased with his side's endeavour after it was outplayed early.

"Most of the boys probably thought it was all over at half-time," he admitted.

"Bullioh were on top for two-and-a-half quarters, they were all over us, but the boys responded.

"We got back down to our game plan and executed that well and it got us over the line in a tense last 10 minutes."

Cudgewa hit the front early in the final term and were able to maintain a slight buffer.

"It was goal for goal and we were always in front by a goal-and-a-half, so we were lucky to get away with it to be honest," Carey said.

"We don't like losing at home, and, with a good crowd, we wanted to put on a good show, but for the first two and a bit quarters we didn't show up.

"Credit to Bullioh they had some good runners and found us out a bit.

"Obviously in the grand final two years ago, when they did get on top, we couldn't fight back, so it was good to see the boys didn't give up and stuck to the game plan, which got us over the line."

Star forward Kylin Morey, Ryan Mee and Luke Bloom and James Cleven all missed the clash, while Dale didn't play out the game with an ankle injury.

Meanwhile, Tumbarumba stayed within striking distance of Cudgewa with a comprehensive 26.14 (170) to 8.4 (52) win against Federal at Corryong.

Daniel Hitchens made it 20 goals in his past two outings with nine against the Swans, while Brendon Lane and Jacob Read kicked four apiece.

Fynn De Bono, Jack Vogan, James Munday and Mitchell Deluca were also standouts for Tumbarumba.

The Swans were well served by Ash Greenhill, Matthew Turvey, Ashley Tyrell, Steven Galt, Josh Jarvis and Luke Potter.

Mitchell Pieper was Federal's only multiple goal-kicker with two.

Corryong had the bye.

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