HUMMOCKS-WATCHMAN moved into second on the Adelaide Plains A-grade ladder after it defeated Angle Vale by 34 points on Saturday.

The Eagles started well, but inaccurately, as they kicked 2.5 to one behind to get things under way.

The Owls hit back hard in the second quarter, and cut the deficit to just two goals and began to believe there was a chance for an upset.

However, Hummocks stormed away to a 26-point lead at three quarter-time and never looked back.

Henry Wright continued his electric form up forward with three more majors, taking his season tally to 34, while returning gun Nathan Studham was best on ground in his first game for the year.

Jay Rathmann was again a shining light for the Owls, while Kyle Cullen also chipped in with two goals.

Despite the loss, Angle Vale coach Troy Treverton was pleased with his side’s effort.

“It’s probably the closest we’ve been to playing four quarters of footy,” he said.

The Owls lost Dylan Windsor, Troy McDonald and Tyson Nathan all to injury in the first quarter, and Treverton said that contributed to his side’s fade out.

“With the weather, it was a contested style of footy and obviously losing three bench players was probably the end result,” he said.

“Our rotations were limited.”

On a positive, Treverton has been happy with Rathmann’s run of form this year.

“For a quiet lad, he’s come to the next level,” he said.

“He’s played his role really well, his leg speed is phenomenal.”

The Owls will take on Two Wells this week, while the Eagles face Mallala.

“It’s another game where we have to match them one on one,” Treverton said.

Around the grounds

Meanwhile, Balaklava defeated Hamley Bridge by 215 points.

The Bombers were goalless until the final quarter, where Jake Medhurst kicked the sole major.

Shane Moss slotted a lazy 10 snags for the Peckers, while Jason McPharlin booted five.

Elsewhere, Two Wells crushed United by 68 points.

The Tigers didn’t kick a goal for the first half, and had only scored seven behinds to the Roosters’ 8.7.

Michael Abdilla was terrific for the reigning premier, kicking three goals, while Ned Seccafien and Matthew Camplin snagged two goals each.

Adrian Mills was best on ground for the Tigers.

Finally, Virginia caused the upset of the round by stunning Mallala by 40 points.

Brendon Niklaus was terrific with four goals, while former Gawler Central star Danny Stanley was best on ground.

For the Pies, Josh Seal and Sam Angus kicked two majors each.