The Fighting Miners handed competition leaders Puckapunyal a 46-20 thrashing in an eight-try romp at Shadforth Park.

An indifferent start to the season had the Miners staring down the barrel of missing the finals, but four wins in succession has the competition power back in championship contention.

In Saturday’s game, Bendigo set up its win with a brilliant start.

The home side ran in three tries in the first 15 minutes through Jesse Tuitupou, Jeremy Solomon and Michael Crichton.

It took the visitors until the 30th minute to break down the Bendigo defence.

On the stroke of half-time, Miners half-back Steve MacDonald pierced the Pucka defence in a strong 30-metre dash to establish a 20-5 lead for Bendigo.

Pucka reduced the deficit to 10 points with a try early in the second half and appeared to be making a strong recovery.

However, the Miners dug deep, piling on four tries in the first 20 minutes of the second half to go out to a 46-10 lead.

Then fatigue set in as the Miners allowed Pucka to score two more tries and gain a vital bonus point.

Bendigo’s victory was based on a dominant scrum and strong, penetrative running by the inside backs.

The return of Johneen Fagavao and Michael Crichton to the centres added plenty to the structure of the Bendigo backline in both attack and defence.

Phil Thomas showed good form in coming off the bench and scoring two tries in the second half.

The Tyson’s Reef Hotel player of the day award went to five-eighth Jon Solomon.

Others to play well were Elson Tuitupou, Crichton, Johneen Fagavao and Steve MacDonald. Prop Nick Poingdestre made some crashing runs in a return to form.

The Miners have a bye next week before hosting the Cobram Dust Devils.