The Dandenong Southern Stingrays put on a fantastic display in front of their sponsors, supporters and spouses annual luncheon when they completely outplayed the lowly ranked Bendigo Pioneers by a massive 161 points at Shepley Oval, Dandenong last Saturday in the Round 13 TAC Cup contest.
Kicking into a six goal wind, the Pioneers quickly scored the first goal of the game on the back of a neat crumbing effort but it would be the only time the Pioneers were in the front for the game. Getting on top through the midfield with their state representatives back in the team, the Stingrays repeatedly pumped the ball forward into the gale force wind. Five unanswered goals and four points to the Stingrays before a late major to the Pioneers had the Stingrays in control despite the wind.
The second term was one of wasted chances with the Stingrays kicking 4-8 for the term but it was the impressive display by the Stingrays backs as they did not let the Pioneers near the goals and kept the visitors scoreless for the term that was a highlight. The Stingrays had too many shots from long range and wide and it was when they counter attacked on a fast play into a less crowded forwardline that the Stingrays had better success. The 54 point lead at half time was a bit under the odds such was the dominance of the Stingrays.
The third term was once again a dominant effort by the Stingrays defenders as they kept the Pioneers to a single goal. Another 5 goals into the wind had the Stingrays extend their lead to 79 points last the last break. Whilst the dominance was profound, the team work, clean hands and sharing of the ball by the Stingrays was very pleasing to the Stingrays coach Graeme Yeats. The large margin allowed the Stingrays to throw their team around with gun forwards Tom Lynch and Corey Buchan moving to the backline and Andy McInnes and Matt Buntine having a run in the forwardline.
The last quarter was like a training run with the stingrays piling on 13 goals and 5 behinds and restricting the Pioneers to a solitary point to run out 161 point winners. This was the third 100+ point win for the season for the Stingrays and sets them up for another tilt at the finals.
Dylan Shiel, Alex Benbow, Mitch Hallahan, Tom Curren, Mitch Gent, Luke Parker, Nathan Allen and Brad Tagg smashed their midfield opponents, Daniel Harrison and Todd Elton were very good in the Ruck, the backline was superb with Riley Heddles, Matt Buntine and Jake Batchelor in fine touch and the forwards had a field day with Arryn Sippos kicking 7 goals, Corey Buchan 4 and Tom Lynch three.
Next weekend the Stingrays have a week off then back to back games at City Oval, Coburg against quality opposition in the Calder Cannons and Sandringham Dragons will sort out whether the Stingrays are the real deal or not.
Last Modified on 11/07/2010 16:21