Kongorong was motivated to get the job done in the battle of the birds as the club celebrated a 50-year A Grade premiership reunion and Harrison Evans’ 100th game.

But it was the second placed Eagles that went on with to win the game by 99 points with Samuel Telfer leading the way kicking a big bag of eight goals.

The Eagles had some big-name players back from either injury or representative duties, including big man Mark Marriot.

Hatherleigh got out of the blocks early, kicking seven goals to the home team’s two in a football clinic.

Life did not get any easier in the second term for the Hawks with the Eagles flying all over the ground gathering possessions and converting well in front of goal.

The six goal to one term for Hatherleigh and left Kongorong flat footed and bewildered as the teams went into the long break with the visitors leading by 64 points.

A change in effort was needed by the Hawks in the third quarter and they came out with renewed detmination, which created some better football.

The Eagles were ruthless in every contest but suffered a blow when captain Joe Ferguson-Lane succumbed to a nasty rolled ankle.

Despite the loss of their captain, the visitors picked up the pace and they went into the last break leading by 90 points.

A switch must have flicked on during the last term huddle for the Hawks because they played with some passion and pride to make the final term a relatively even affair.

Hatherleigh will go into the next round with confidence and will be fine tuning their game plan.

“It was good to get the win and boost team morale,” said Eagles coach Jake Dowdy.

“And more importantly having players back helps the team and structure.”

Next up for the Eagles will be Port MacDonnell in a second v third contest, while Kongorong will face Glencoe.

Kalangadoo v Robe

Acomprehensive 160- point home ground victory by ladder leader Kalangadoo ended Robe’s slim hopes of major round action in the round 16 match-of-the-day of the Mid South East Football League on Saturday.

The Roosters needed everything to go in their favour in the concluding minor round matches but their chances have been crushed by the black-and-white juggernaut.

It was the 13th time in 2022 that Kalangadoo players have sung their victory song and they are now assured of the minor premiership.

It was a memorable day for their key forward Michael Krieger as his 12 goals earned him the best-on-ground ranking and he has an unassailable lead and will secure his second consecutive MSEFL goalkicking trophy.

It was around this time last year that Krieger suffered a season-ending injury.

Kalangadoo will warm up for the finals with matches against Tantanoola (away) and Hatherleigh (home).

Robe will play Mount Burr (home) and Nangwarry (away) to finish the season.

Port MacDonnell v Tantanoola

Tigerland hosted the second meeting of Port MacDonnell and Tantanoola in 2022 owing to a rare set of circumstances.

Originally scheduled for the Bay, heavy mid-week rain caused sheets of water to lay on the surface of the oval and further rain was forecast from Thursday onwards.

Following an inspection by MSEFL officials on Thursday night, the surface of the Demons home ground was deemed to be unplayable.

With the concurrence of both clubs, the match was transferred to Tantanoola.

Port MacDonnnell personnel took over the usual home ground hosting duties such as gate-taking and the canteen.

In terms of A Grade football, the visitors relished the opportunity to play again at the venue which delivered them the 2021 flag.

The winning margin back on May 21 was 65 points and this blew out to 121 points in the return match as the home side was undermanned.

Port MacDonnell is assured of finishing the minor round in either third or fourth position as it meets Hatherleigh (away) and Glencoe (home).

Tantanoola is unlikely to shift from eighth place as it hosts Kalangadoo and then finishes the 2022 season at Mick and Jean Walker Oval at Mount Burr.

Mount Burr v Nangwarry

Mount Burr achieved the highest score and greatest winning margin of 2022 to date with its 239-point thrashing of Nangwarry at Mick and Jean Walker Oval.

Honorary groundsman Peter Henderson had the ground in tip-top condition and the Mozzies took full advantage of the perfect weather to secure maximum percentage.

The Saints have been ravaged by COVID and injuries and were no match for the home team.

Ex-skipper Jack Gregory had the first goal on the board inside the first 90 seconds of play and he was to be joined by 12 of his team mates before game’s end.

Mount Burr booted 15.5 in a stunning opening term and took an 84-point lead into quarter time.

Nangwarry tightened up their defences in the remaining three terms but the result was never in doubt.

Mount Burr coach Reece Duncan took the opportunity to experiment with some team placings in the final term.

The most notable was switching Josh Wallis from defence to attack.

Wallis proceeded to boot four of his team’s nine goals in the last stanza including a remarkable left-footed toe poke.

Nangwarry will welcome the bye in round 17 while Mount Burr heads to Robe on Saturday.