Barooga enters the break on a high and mounts pressure on rival

Right from the opening bounce it was evident that Barooga wanted to assert its dominance on the match with a brilliant seven-goal-to-one opening term.

Barooga, led by Lachlan Stephens’ game-high five goals, relentlessly piled on the majors which saw the home side increase its lead by 69 points at half-time - before running out to a commanding 21.13 (139) to 5.7 (37) win.

Barooga coach Luke Jarjoura spoke this week about the importance of the win, as his charges prepare for a week off due to the general bye.

“It was an extremely important win for us. The last two wins have come at a good time, a lot of clubs are busted up at this stage of the year, but we’ve been struggling with injuries for a while now.

“To get that win keeps us in the hunt and now we can enjoy a week off and get some bodies back for the big one against Finley.”

Several players stood out for their stellar contributions with Jack Short, Angus Cameron, Callum Leighton-Daly, Riley Brooks and Stephens all showcasing their skill and impact on the game.

Meanwhile, the Bloods’ playing coach Kade Rowe and Andrew Dickins battled hard.

A highlight of the win for the Hawks came when teenager Codi Bowden booted his first goal in his senior debut.

Bowden wasn’t satisfied with the one major and went on to kick another to rubber stamp a positive day for the club.

“Young Codi is a 15-year-old and it was great to see him make his debut and then hit the scoreboard,” Jarjoura said.

“It’s a good sign for the club. As much as we are focused on finals this year, we still have an eye on setting ourselves up for next year and hopefully we can blood a few more youngsters.

Meanwhile, Cobram suffered a four-goal defeat on the road at Hardinge Street Oval against Deniliquin.

The Rams held Cobram scoreless for two quarters in the round 13 triumph which saw them hand the Tigers an 11.6 (72) to 7.7 (49) loss.

After Cobram got off to a blistering start, the Rams booted 5.4 (34) to one behind in a match-winning second term.

As the match progressed, the Rams found their rhythm and began to assert themselves with a five-goal third term while the Tigers managed four majors to trail by 23 points at the final break.

It proved too much of a deficit for John Brunskill’s men as the Tigers failed to stage a comeback.

Several players showcased their skills for Cobram with Bailey Roberts, Matthew DeMaio, Sam Beasley, Luca and Matteo Allen all in the better players.

On the netball courts it was a tough watch for both Cobram and Barooga supporters.

The Tigers suffered a 76-23 defeat at the hands of the ladder leader, while Barooga was unable to get the job done against Tocumwal (52-31).