The win takes Exeter to 28 competition points, equal with defending champions Yerrinbool-Bargo, but the red and blues are well ahead on goal difference.

If Exeter can beat rivals Moss Vale next weekend they will win the minor premiership and head into the semi-finals with confidence. Meanwhile, the Bushrangers face a tougher task in Patris on Saturday and they must win by atleast 16 goals to take the title off Exeter.

Exeter coach Ken Rice is in no doubt his team can, and will, wrap up the minor premiership this Saturday.

In the weekend’s match, Exeter cruised to a 3-0 win over Mittagong, but the league leaders didn’t have it all their own way.

Mittagong pushed Exeter until the final whistle, but two goals to Ricky Doyle and one to Matt Kellond were enough to break the deadlock.

“Mittagong played well,” Rice said. “But fortunately we just have a bit more finishing power.”

Rice said Doyle, Ben Hamilton, Kellond and Lee Doyle were his team’s best.