The Picola District Football League contest at Tocumwal Recreation Reserve was an important one for the Blues, who were loath to slip up and give the chasing pack a chance to gain ground in the top four race.
Picola came out motivated in the first half in particular and made an easier game for itself by building a big lead.
The first quarter was reasonably even, but the Blues still took it four goals to two and it was in the second where Rhys Woodland’s side really made its mark.
Picola kicked seven in the second period to lead by 42 points at the half and leave Tocumwal playing catch-up.
The Bloods restored some credibility in the third period, reducing the margin to 29 and forcing the Blues to regain focus.
They did that in the fourth and kept pace with Tocumwal in the final period to record a 15.4 (94) to 9.10 (64) win.
Scoring accuracy will be a pleasing point of difference for Picola which won comfortably despite recording an identical scoring shot total to its opponent.
Cody reached 40 goals for the year, adding another six to his total as the Blues’ leader.
Hayden Brown was a useful deputy with five of his own.
United (8-3) currently clings to fourth by three percentage points, but does hold a game in hand over rival Berrigan in the battle for a finals double chance.
The Blues have a tricky run home ahead of them, starting with what could be a finals preview against fellow top-four side Katamatite.
The two sides square off at Picola Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
The Game
Scores
Picola United: 4.3, 11.4, 12.4, 15.4 (94)
Tocumwal: 2.4, 4.4, 7.5, 9.10 (64)
Goals
Picola United: Cody Haub 6, Hayden Brown 5, Tom Byrnes 2, Rory Knight
Tocumwal: Flynn Tonks 6, Brayden Hall 2, Brock Closes
Best
Picola United: Jared Laffy, Matthew Jorgensen, Brandon Byrne, Cody Haub, Hayden Brown, Rory Knight
Tocumwal: Ricky Gittens, Flynn Tonks, Cory Parish, Brayden Hall, Harvey White, Achoung Agog
8°C