The Cowra Blues secured competition points on Saturday when they overcame Young Saints in the Cherry Capital, 17.9 (111) to 7.7 (49).
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Travelling to Young without the likes of Blair Holgate and Brenden Reed, the Blues put a stranglehold on the game by the end of the third quarter, cruising to a substantial win.
The result leaves the Blues in third giving them an eight point buffer from the Dubbo Demons who they take on this weekend.
Club President Kim Reid said the boys knew it was a big game to win and some old heads got them out to the lead that they needed to shut the Demons out of the game.
"Franky Bright played really well and the usual suspects of Mitch Bowden and Dave Manning played good so did Brad McLeish," Reid said.
"A win this weekend should see us cement third spot and get a home semi."
In a see-sawing opening the Blues eventually found their feet, an ankle injury to McLeish saw him sidelined until the third quarter. The Blues didn't let it stop them piling on points, with the likes of Bright, Ron Roe and Michael McLeish all kicking goals and ticking the points over throughout the quarters.
The third was a demolition with the Blues relentlessly adding to their tally.
"The third quarter was by far our best," Reid said.
"Paul Basham who has been playing reserve grade was great at the back and we were able to close out the game by the end of the third."
The fourth quarter was a tighter affair but didn't worry the Blues as they had a lead of over 60 when the final whistle went.
"A win this weekend should see us cement third spot and get a home semi."
- Kim Reid
"It was a good performance it's always tough travelling to Young," Reid said.
He went on to praise Brad McLeish's efforts and the team as a whole.
"Despite Brad's [McLeish] time on the side line he still managed to get our players player."
This weekend is a big game not only for the Blues to build some momentum into the finals, but also for Frank Bright who will be stepping out for his 350th game. A win would most likely see the Blues host the Demons or Saints again in the coming weeks in a preliminary final.
Reid was adamant that this weekend's game is important for both reasons.
"It is Franky's 350th and a win should confirm a home semi, so it should be a good day."
The Blues take on Dubbo Demons at Mulyan Oval this Saturday at 2.30pm.
COWRA BLUES 17.9 (111) (Ron Roe 4, Francis Bright 4, Brad McLeish 3, Michael McLeish 2, David Manning 1, Geoff Day 1, Ronald Roe 1, Daniel Wallis 1 goals) DEFEATED YOUNG SAINTS 7.7 (49) (Anthony Webb 2, Ethan Silk 1, Ethan Cummins 1, Rowan Hosken 1, Cameron Hobbs 1, Luke Simms 1 goals)