The Bombers were exultant after turning what could have been a tricky top-four clash into a walk in the park, waltzing to a 22.11 (143) to 10.7 (67) victory over Katandra at Waaia Recreation Reserve.
Katandra gave a good account of itself early on as the Kats came out swinging, matching Waaia for the most part to be down by a single point by quarter-time.
However, as they have done all season, the Bombers rolled into gear.
A four-goal second term helped the home outfit create some breathing room from Katandra and the scoreboard pressure only ramped up as the game went by as Charlie Burrows and Jesse Trower found their range.
A 44-point third quarter was the wind Waaia needed to ripple its sails and though the Kats showed fight to kick five goals, the Bombers kicked away from the visitors in the last term, with entry after entry to bolt home with a 9.3 finale.
Mitch Cleeland’s side now holds a 12-point lead over Strathmerton, though the Bulldogs have two games in hand over Waaia.
The second-ranked side terrorised Deni Rovers in round 11 as Tim Looby kicked 12 to guide his side through to a 24.17 (161) to 5.3 (33) triumph.
It was a similarly dominant performance at Tungamah Recreation Reserve as the third-placed Bears whipped the rug out from under bottom side Blighty.
Cody Crawford was the star, matching Looby’s effort with 12 during the win.
In other games, Mathoura scalped just its second win of the campaign, downing Berrigan 12.12 (84) to 7.7 (49).
Timbercutters co-coach Tim McCormick was elated to see his side put in a solid showing against a crafty Saints opposition.
“We were trying to concentrate on our attack of the footy, our consistency, our intensity, and they delivered that for all bar 10 minutes of the game,” he said.
“It was the most consistent effort we’ve had all year.
“Our attack on the footy was good against Deni but we didn’t get our reward for it.
“It was probably the most consistent effort we’ve had all year against a side that’s probably at the same level as us.”
Around the grounds, Rennie edged out Yarroweyah by 24 points while Picola United ousted Jerilderie by seven goals.
On the netball courts, Katandra pulled off a crucial win against Waaia.
Renee Morris’ Kats have made a habit of grinding out tough games this season and did so on Saturday as the Kats shot into second on the table after storming away with a 45-38 victory on the road.
Katandra’s seventh straight win leaves it just four points clear of Deni Rovers, which downed Strathmerton by 15 goals in another top-six meeting.
Other matches saw Tungamah topple Blighty, 39-19, Rennie graze past Yarroweyah, 32-29, Mathoura knock over Berrigan, 48-39, while Picola United was two-goal winners over Jerilderie.