A suspected broken collarbone to midfielder Danny Bromham soured East Wagga-Kooringal's return to the top of the ladder on Saturday, when they put paid to the Northern Jets, 16.9 (105) to 9.5 (59) at Gumly.
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Six goals in difficult conditions to star forward Chris Ladhams, and a strong team performance from the undermanned Hawks were among their highlights but the Bromham injury took off some of the gloss.
"He's just been doing his job really well, so he'll definitely be a loss for us," EWK coach Matt Hard said.
The Hawks had a solid start, kicking 6.4 with the wind in the first term, and for the second week in a row really asserted their authority with a dominant third term.
A 15-point lead blew out to a match-winning 52 points by the last break and, with North Wagga stumbling at home to Marrar, the Hawks went back to top spot with a strong team effort.
"It's something to build on, which is nice," Hard said.
"I'm just really happy that the players who are getting a run are doing the job. Our injuries are well documented and Harry Fitzsimmons pulled out with injury today so we're getting tested but it's just good to get wins at this time of year."
Bryce McPherson led the Hawks from the midfield in only his second game while wingman Ash Hard and the Tiernan brothers shone as the Hawks warmed up for a top-of-the-table clash against North Wagga at Gumly next week.
For the Jets, coach Mitch Haddrill led well while Matt Wallis kicked four goals and defender Mitch Doyle produced another strong effort. But with CSU and The Rock-Yerong Creek both winning, they now have three teams (including Coleambally) breathing down their necks, just a win behind.
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