The Dandenong Southern Stingrays had another solid and clinical 25 point win over a determined but undermanned Calder Cannons in very heavy and slippery conditions at Coburg City Oval in the Round 14 TAC Cup contest.
With little wind effecting the game, it was always going to be the team which worked hardest at controlling the ball at stoppages, defending stoutly and using the ball intelligently when going forward that was going to prevail. Mitch Hallahan was out injured and Dylan Shiel and Jordan Kelly back at school football, the Stingrays welcomed back young guns Adam Treloar and Piva Wright from injury. It was the Stingrays who started fastest and looked very dangerous with tall forwards Tom Lynch, Arryn Sippos and the resting Stingrays Ruckmen, Todd Elton and Daniel Harrison all attracting the ball. At quarter time the Stingrays led 4-3-25 to 2-1-13 and had a lot more of the ball than the Cannons.
The second term had the Stingrays increase their lead to over 4 goals but a late rally by the Cannons closed the margin back to 8 points at half time. The Stingrays tall defenders had their hands full as the Cannons started to win plenty of ball through the centre of the ground and with little pressure used it well going forward and the Stingrays defenders were not playing close enough to their direct opponents.
The third term was a dominant display by the Stingrays defenders as they kept the Cannons to 4 points. In form backmen, Jake Batchelor and Riley Heddles led from the front and were rarely beaten in their one on one contests. Luke Parker went into the midfield he, Tom Curren and Mitch Gent took over in the centre of the ground to restart the Stingrays forward control. The Stingrays kicked 4 goals and led by the best part of 5 goals at the last change.
The last term was a bit of a non-event as both teams tired in the very heavy conditions and were left with a heap of sore and injured players. Two goals to the Stingrays and three to the Cannons had the final margin of 25 points in favour of the visiting Stingrays. Next weekend the Stingrays head back to Coburg City Oval to take on the in-form Sandringham Dragons. The game is at 11.00am on Saturday and entry is free.
Last Modified on 24/07/2010 23:15