WODONGA won its first match against Wangaratta Rovers at the W.J. Findlay Oval since 2004 when it overpowered the Hawks by 23 points on Saturday.

The Bulldogs kicked four unanswered goals with the aid of the breeze in the first quarter and their class across the ground and marking power of Darren Bradshaw deep in attack ensured a regulation victory.

Ruckman Brent Ohlin dominated at the stoppages, Matt Shir, Brent Lewington, Nick Raines and Jarrod Twitt were prominent at ground level, and Josh Walker and Adam Williams were outstanding in defence.

Assistant coach Robbie Jackson said the Bulldogs were keen to turn around their poor record at the ground.

“We set ourselves for a good performance and it was great to get the points down there for a change,” Jackson said.

“It’s been a while.

“It was a pretty good win because the wind didn’t make for a great spectacle and the match certainly didn’t reach any great heights.

“Going 5-2 into the break is a good start.”

The home team’s chances were hurt further when Anthony Simpson was forced off the ground early with a shoulder injury and coach Matt Allen opted to play reserves after being ill during the week.

Wodonga increased its lead to 35 points at the start of the second quarter when Bradshaw kicked the second of his three first-half goals and only some resistance from Hawk forward Karl Norman and Zac O’Brien kept the deficit to 23 points at half-time.

O’Brien finished with 30 touches in a classy display, Norman turned in his best showing of the season with five goals, Ross Hill worked hard in defence and Beechworth recruit Dylan Pritchard was solid on debut.

The highlight of a lacklustre match came when Bulldog defender Josh Bartel intercepted a Daniel McLaughlin kick and goaled on the run from 50m in the third quarter.

Nathan Laracy ran out the day strongly, while Jarrod Worsteling and Ben Heinrich also made strong contributions on a day where there were slim pickings on the highlights reel.

It was the Hawks’ third defeat in a row after a promising start to the season.