TATYOON has returned to form to down Penshurst by 42 points in the penultimate round of the Mininera and District Football League.
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The seven goal win is a much needed boost for the Hawks, who were left pondering the impact they could make come the finals after their recent loss to premiership favourites Moyston/Willaura.
It was an even first quarter which saw both teams put four goals on the scoreboard by quarter time.
Tatyoon got the break it needed in the second term with seven scoring shots to three.
Little changed in the third term as the Bombers failed to match it with their opponents.
The Hawks piled on four final quarter goals, as Penshurst could only manage four behinds.
Coach, Jarrod Blandford said it was a finals-like atmosphere Saturday, with both teams vying for an all important spot in the finals.
"It was a hard fought contest all day, more so for us in the second quarter when we were able to open up passages of play and make better use of our ball movement," he said.
"Our work rate lifted and we made the most of our ability to get in first to the football."
Blandford said the win comes at an important time with the Hawks retaining second spot on the ladder following the 16.9 (105) to 9.9 (63) victory.
"It is important at his time of the year to be playing other finals contenders, so that you know where you're at," he said.
"This week we probably didn't play to our full potential again, however when we got our running game going we were able to open them up."
Mitch Cronin was named among the best for the Hawks and was consistent in front of goal with six majors for the day.
Sean McDougall received best on ground honours. He was ably assisted by Tim McDougall and Kye Chapple in the centre, while Jason Cameron and Arthur Armstrong were also named in the best.
Hopes of playing finals football were dashed for last year's premiers Wickliffe/Lake Bolac, and SM&W Rovers as both lost to its respective opposition.
Rovers first loss in eight weeks came at the hands of Lismore/Derrinallum which as a result of its win has snapped up the crucial fifth place on the ladder.
The Bulldogs started the outing on top with five first quarter goals to their opponents three.
The Demons were able to hit back in the second term, with just four points separating the two teams at halftime.
It was an arm wrestle in the third quarter before the Demons stunned their opposition in the final term, kicking eight goals to two and finishing in front, 17.13 (115) to 12.11 (83).
Nic Byrne, Ross Thompson and Alex McCarthy, Ben Nankervis, Shaun Liston and Benjamin Tait were all named in the best for SM&W Rovers.
The Bulldogs are now a win outside of the top five and their low percentage means it is impossible for them to play on beyond next weekend.
Wickliffe/Lake Bolac never appeared to be in the hunt when it went up against another final contender, Caramut.
Its two goal deficit at quarter time grew to four at halftime.
The Pies matched it with their opponents in the third term before Caramut gained the upper hand in the final quarter to kick away and win 14.12 (96) to 7.8 (50).
Michael Otto was almost the sole Magpie making an impact up forward, kicking five of the team’s seven goals for the match.
Jason Quinlivian was once again awarded best on ground with Thomas Gibson, Charles Arches, Richard Blackburn and Bailey Veale also recognised for their efforts.
The weekend results set up an elimination final between Lismore/Derrinallum and Caramut in the final round of the season. Both teams are now locked on 36 points, only separated by percentage.
Eager to get its finals campaign underway, Moyston/Willaura was relentless in its 162-point defeat of a wounded Great Western outfit.
The Pumas set up the win with a blistering 11-goal first quarter and never looked back.
The Lions were placed on the back foot not long after the first bounce as they lost star on ball pair Lachie Malloy and BJ Burton to concussion in separate incidents inside the first 10 minutes of the match.
Pumas’ forward John Vanderwaal, along with classy on ballers Jacob Hamilton and Luke Thomas set about dismantling an inexperienced Lions team, forcing the ball inside-50 on countless occasions.
Despite the best efforts of coach Nick Thomas, Bobby Garley and Danny Grellet there was little the Lions could do to stop the Pumas with both Vanderwaal and Aaron McKinnis kicking three goals each in the first quarter.
The Lions were able to stem the flow of goals to some extent in the second term as Tom McCord was sent into defence to play on McKinnis and players including Shannon Notting and Tim Shalders were able to reduce the influence of the Pumas’ midfield.
After Lions’ captain Brett Dowie went down with a knee injury half way through the second term the Lions were reduced to just 18 players for the remainder of the match.
The Pumas continued to hit their opposition where it hurt most, on the scoreboard, with Lachie Hamilton and Luke Walker kicking multiple goals to further increase the margin at the main break.
It was all about retaining respect for the depleted Lions outfit in the third term and they were able to keep the Pumas to just four majors for the quarter.
Rayne Salmon and on baller Cody Virgona put their bodies on the line in numerous contests while the continued efforts of defenders Thomas and McCord helped stop the Pumas from inflicting greater damage.
The final siren could not have come quick enough for the Lions as Lachie Hamilton moved into the midfield to combine with Aaron Pianta and ruckman Josh Bywaters.
The trio were instrumental all day and continued the party for the Pumas as a helpless Lions could merely watch on as the premiership favourites ran away to a resounding 162 point victory.
It was a new round, however the same old story for the Ararat Eagles as it was pummelled by Glenthompson/Dunkeld to the tune of 106 points.
The Rams shot out of the blocks with eight first quarter goals, they doubled their tally by halftime with any hope of an Eagles revival long gone.
Despite the result being beyond reach, the Eagles were able to add eight second half goals as they went down 11.8 (74) to 27.18 (180).
Brent Bulger booted six for the Eagles to be named among the best, while coach Nathan Wemyss led the way with Naish McRoberts, Mark Coole and Ashley Leggett also recognised.
Hawkesdale/Macarthur cemented its place in the 2014 finals with a demoralising 135 point defeat of Woorndoo/Mortlake.