The Dandenong Southern Stingrays headed to Morwell Recreation Reserve to kick off their 2010 TAC Cup season against local rival the Gippsland Power and emerged full of confidence with an 82 point victory.
With both teams close to full strength and the ground looking an absolute treat, the scene was set with both sides keen to see where their pre-season efforts had them placed. It was the Stingrays who started the better, winning the ball from stoppages and rebounding effectively from across half back and created plenty of opportunities for their virtually brand new forward line. The Stingrays six starting forwards had 11 games of TAC Cup experience between them and tall targets Todd Elton (first game), Arryn Sippos (first game) and Jerred Savage (2 games) were all making the most of the plentiful supply. At ΒΌ time the Stingrays led 5-5-35 to the Powers 1-3-9.
The second term was a tighter contest with the Stingrays winning the term 3-3 to 2 straight. Both midfields were working hard and it was the defenders who were on top. Andrew McInnes played one of the best halves of TAC Cup football seen for a while at CHB and was ably supported by hard running small defenders Lachie Wallace, Jarryd Amalfi and Jake Batchelor. All of the Stingrays goals came from on-ballers pushing down from the midfield. At half time it was the Stingrays 35 points up leading 8-8-56 to 3-3-19.
The third term was evenly divided with the Power in complete control for the first half, closing the gap to just over 2 goals before the Stingrays hit back with the last 4 goals of the term ball and effectively have the game wrapped up at the last break leading by 49 points. More resolute defending by the backs, hard running through the midfield and a forward line functioning like they had played together for years allowed the Stingrays coaching panel the luxury of having some of their prime movers spend time out of the action.
The final term was all one way traffic as the Stingrays piled on seven goals to one. South Africa bound AIS AFL Academy players Adam Treloar and Luke Parker got some bench time in preparation for their big trip as 13 of the Stingrays players found their way onto the goal kickers sheet. Coach Graeme Yeats was very pleased with the efforts of his players. Just about every player contributed to the win and played their role in the teams victory. Finding six best players was a difficult task for the coaching staff as any one of 15 players had just cause to be named in the best.
Next Saturday, April 3rd the Stingrays take on their 2009 grand final conquerors the Calder Cannons at Shepley Oval, Dandenong. The game starts at 11.00am and is followed by another TAC Cup game between Sandringham Dragons and Gippsland Power and entry is free.
Last Modified on 27/03/2010 23:14