The Dandenong
Southern Stingrays suffered a second loss in a row, this time by a solitary
point in a nail-biting clash against the highly fancied Oakleigh Chargers at
Warrawee Park, Oakleigh last Sunday in the Round 12 TAC Cup contest.
After an even fast
flowing first quarter, it was ten minutes of uncoordinated, undisciplined and
uncompetitive football in the second term cost the Stingrays dearly as the
Chargers were able to pile on 5 unanswered goals in that period of time. Unable
to control the midfield and too little pressure from the Stingrays forwards had
the Stingrays backline under intense pressure. Pressure the Stingrays defenders
failed to handle as the Chargers ran riot, exposing the Stingrays who repeatedly
zoned off their direct opponents and lacked competitiveness in the air and as a
result the Stingrays were 28 points down at the long break.
After a solid
grilling from coach Graeme Yeats; the Stingrays responded and played strong,
desperate football. Five goals to 2 into a slight breeze closed the gap to 8
points at the last break and the Stingrays were in with a chance of snatching
an unlikely win. The last quarter was a last man standing affair as both teams
repeatedly attacked and counter attacked. Despite the Stingrays winning the
inside 50s’ in the last term by 22 to 7 the Stingrays could not convert the
opportunities and finished behind by the smallest margin. Four quarter players
were hard to find for the Stingrays but Nathan Allen had a welcome return to
form on the Wing, Jordan Kelly was solid down back in his first game at this
level and midfielders, Alex Benbow, Jake Greeley, Tom Curren and Dylan Shiel
were solid against quality opposition.
Next weekend the
Stingrays will welcome back Riley Heddles, Matt Buntine, Andrew McInnes, Adam
Treloar, Daniel Harrison, Mitch Hallahan, Luke Parker and Tom Lynch from
National Under 18 duties for a home game against the Bendigo Pioneers on
Saturday at 12.30pm on 10th July and entry is free.
Last Modified on 11/07/2010 16:15