The Dandenong Southern Stingrays continued on their winning way with a very strong 77 point victory over the neighboring Eastern Ranges in the Round 4 TAC Cup match at Box Hill City Oval on Saturday.
The Stingrays added Ben Wells and Tom Curren for their first game for 2010 and debutant Piva Wright to the side that defeated North Ballarat Rebels two weeks ago. The Stingrays had trained well during the week and started like a shot out of a cannon, dominating all the play in the first half of the first term and quickly opened up a 30 point lead. The Ranges steadied but could not convert their opportunities and the Stingrays led 5-3-33 to 0-5-5 at quarter time.
The second term was very even in the early part of the quarter as the Ranges got on top through the midfield and at the stoppages but the Stingrays half backline of Jarryd Amalfi, Andrew McInnes and Jake Batchelor were repelling just about everything. Anything that got through was halted by Matt Buntine, Lachie Edwards and Riley Heddles whose defensive efforts were outstanding. The run and drive generated by the Stingrays defenders counter attacking provided a heap of opportunities for the Stingrays forwards. In an open fast paced quarter the Stingrays extended their score to 12-4-76 to the Ranges 4-7-31 and were well in control at the long break.
The third term was a bit closer as both midfields rolled back to support their defenses and scoring opportunities dried up. Long range bombs from Wright, Todd Elton and Mitch Hallahan moved the Stingrays to 15 goals as the Ranges were only able to add a solitary goal. The Stingrays had good players on every line in one of the most even displays by the Stingrays for a long time. Stingrays coach Graeme Yeats was full of praise to his players as to a man they played their role and contributed to the teams result.
The final term was more hard running and hard work as the Stingrays continued to outplay and out-muscle the struggling Ranges. Another 4 goals to 1 with eleven different players on the goal kickers list indicated a dominant and very even team effort and should instill a lot of confidence in the Stingrays squad. The non-negotiables of hard work, hard running, good defense and multiple avenues to goal were all front and centre in the very good win of the Stingrays.
Next Saturday, May 1st the Stingrays host the Tasmanian Under 18 team who play invitational games in the TAC Cup in preparation for the NAB AFL Under 18 National carnival. The game starts at 12.00 noon at Shepley Oval, Dandenong and entry is free.
Last Modified on 24/04/2010 22:52