GNFL minor premiership all-but sewn up as Brigades smash sorry Blues

Brigades continued to be the scariest side in the competition when, for the second time this season, they dismantled Railways on their home deck on Saturday.

There was hope the Blues, looking like they had hit top form in recent weeks, could provide a stern test but they were kept to one of their lowest ever scores in the 12.16 (88) to 2.5 (17) thumping.

The first quarter belied what was to come with both sides held to just two behinds as both defences held up despite some end-to-end play.

Ryan Le Tessier and Dale Williamson were both well held though the Blues should have got the first major as Jesse Moore missed an opportunity from directly in front just before the siren.

The drought was eventually broken after Kim Schofield was awarded a 50m plenty and made no mistake from the angle.

Jamie Ryder was then on the end of a fast break off half-back to score a terrific goal on the run.

Youngster Llewyn Valli was playing a great game off half-back and his efforts forced another turnover allowing Williamson to kick his first goal.

It was the start of a flood for the Hawks who kicked seven straight goals with three going to Williamson as the Blues could not get the ball in their forward half.

The relentless pressure was forcing mistakes from the Blues who turned the ball over with regularity but eventually did get on the board 26 minutes into the second quarter as they trailed 47-8 at half-time.

Williamson got his fourth early in the second quarter before Le Tessier, coming off 11 goals last week, finally got his first in the third quarter.

It would be the last major for the afternoon as the Blues spent the rest of the game chasing their tails.

The turnovers continued to hurt them as Jack Perham took over from Williamson with three second-half goals as they battered the Blues to effectively seal the minor premiership with two games to spare.