by Rob Popplestone
Hill End proved no match for Newborough and Thorpdale lost a brutal battle at Foster in round three of Mid Gippsland football on Saturday.
Hill End v Newborough
Games can sometimes be won or lost before the ball is bounced if the reputation of the opponent intimidates.
Hill End, hosting a premiership contender, could have be seen Saturday in one of two ways - a match always out of their reach or one from which many lessons could be learnt.
The result was probably never in doubt, with the Bulldogs very comfortable 146-point winners, 25.17-167 to Hill End 3.3-21.
"Great to play in perfect conditions against a young, undermanned Hill End team," Newborough coach Craig Skinner said. "A consistent game from us to celebrate Liam Charles' and Josh Pearce's 100 game milestone. We are improving every week."
As good as Newborough's victory was, the Rovers should be commended for turning up, rather than turning it up, on a weekly basis.
Hill End coach Ambu Uliando described it as a tough day.
"Newborough were too strong and quick all over the ground," Uliando said. "Still plenty of good signs though. We will keep improving each week."

Foster v Thorpdale
No matter where or when, Foster is the type of side that can turn it on when you least expect.
Hosting a quality opposition like Thorpdale, the Tigers did just that to defeat a quality Blues outfit, 12.7-79 to 6.12-48.
The game, however, didn't come without a cost. Both teams had several players sidelined after brutal clashes in a match that was officiated by the clubs instead of the umpires.
Foster coach Sam Davies said he was stoked to get the four points.
"Our ball pressure was at a level that I haven't seen for a long time," Davies said. "Hopefully, the league can sort out this umpire situation because we can't have dangerous and out of control games. Not fair on anyone."
There is no questioning that Foster, at its best, is a force to be reckoned with. Thorpdale found that out in no uncertain terms on the weekend.
Thorpdale coach Jason Winderlich described it as another tough, contested game.
"Unfortunately, we couldn't step up and compete to our expected level," Winderlich said. "Brutal game of footy, I'd expect there to be four or five players from each team missing next week."
"It gave us a good indication where we think we are though, which is in the middle of the table," he added.

Yinnar v Fish Creek
Yinnar lifted to the occasion with an impressive win, 11.7-73 to 6.10-46.
There was nothing between the sides for the first 60 minutes, with Fish Creek leading by a single point at both quarter and half time.
Yinnar coach Sam McCulloch was impressed with the even contribution from his team.
"We played our brand of footy in the second half, which was pleasing to watch," McCulloch said.
Fish Creek coach Jarrod Walker described it as a tight tussle for most of the day.
"We couldn't get the game on our terms for most of it, with credit to the Yinnar pressure and spread," Walker said. "A few key moments we didn't win. A late surge saw our intensity get to where it should have been all day," he added. "In the end, we left it too late."

Boolarra v Tarwin
Coming off losses, pre-game predictions were for the game to be decided by a very small margin.
For the most part they were right, the Sharks coming from behind to score an impressive victory, 13.11-89 to Boolarra 9.9-63.
"We started well but that's about as far as it got," Boolarra coach Brendan Mason said. "We were outplayed for three quarters to a team that wanted to work harder and wanted it more."
"After a slow start, we chipped away, but finished off strong," Tarwin coach Jason Kennedy said.

Morwell East v Toora
The prospect of a perfect start for Morwell East was always going to guarantee that the Hawks were up and about.
Whilst Toora are an improved side, Morwell East clipped their wings, 19.9-123 to 3.4-22.
Morwell East coach Paul Henry said his team attacked well from the half back line.
"We got our running game going through the middle of the ground, and our forwards were working hard to make sure we were kicking goals from good positions," Henry reported. "A well balanced team effort from us."
Toora coach Jack Weston said his team had seven changes, providing the opportunity for two debutants.
"However, unfortunately we were out gunned by a slick Morwell East side who defended the ground well, spread hard and moved the ball skilfully, giving their forwards good looks," Weston said.

Stony Creek v Mirboo North
The Lions were always going to be a massive mountain for Mirboo North to climb.
The Kangaroos jumped out to a five-goal lead at quarter time and built from there, winning 15.11-101 to 3.6-24.
Going into the game, we just wanted to play with confidence and really take the game on," Stony Creek coach Chris Verboon said. "Mirboo North had a few boys out injured, which always makes it hard. They managed to tighten up in the second quarter, which made it hard for our midfield to get clean possession."
Mirboo North coach Damian Turner said "certainly can't fault our effort, but the skill errors really hurt".
"Credit to Stony Creek, they were better for longer and hurt us when it counted."
Bye: MDU