Traditional rivals Gippsland Tigers and Wellington Warriors played off for local bragging rights on Sunday.
The match was played in cold condition but the football was red hot with both sides attacking the football from the first bounce. The Warriors were the first to get on the scoreboard but it was only minor scores with big forward Aaron Bradley struggling to convert from multiple opportunities.
Both sides were playing rebound football until Andy Hargreaves found some space and converted for the first major of the match.
Brett Morris and Russell Hansford were amongst the Warriors best for the first quarter providing the home side with plenty run out of the middle.
The rain held off during the second quarter while the scoreboard was flooded with goals from Russell Hansford, Joe Pataki and Andy Hargreaves. The home team was truly on top of their regional counterparts despite great play from Gippsland's half forward Greg Sage and on baller Col Knight.
The second half saw Martin Garoni head into the ruck to release Paul March into the forward line and the moved paid off immediately when March got the ball 50 out and with a thumping right boot slotted through another major for the Warriors.
Sam Larsen provided fresh legs for the Warriors forward line but despite the best efforts from Ray Larsen he was unable to sneak through a goal.
The heavens finally opened up during the last quarter and with a handy five goal lead the Warriors looked to be certain winners. However Gippsland had other plans piling on four unanswered goals and when Gippland's on baller David Ross took an extremely wide run down the wing it looked as if the Tigers would cause an upset.
Luckily for the home team there was time on the clock for steading goals from Hargreaves and Pataki to cement a 10 point win for the Warriors.
Final scores 11.6.72 to 10.2.62
Last Modified on 10/07/2014 13:47