The Dandenong Southern Stingrays were far too good for the AFL’s newest franchise when they powered away to record a 119 point victory over Greater Western Sydney in extremely windy conditions at Shepley Oval, Dandenong in the Round 16 TAC Cup contest.
With the Stingrays closing in on their best line up getting close to finals, it was always going to be a chance of a blow-out against the second last placed Sydneysiders. Adam Treloar, Dylan Shiel and Arryn Siposs were missing from the Stingrays line up and will all come into next weeks clash against ladder leaders, the Northern Knights. Kicking into what could only be described as a gale, the Stingrays opened with a goal to key forward Tom Lynch before GWS touched the ball. GWS persevered and using the ball intelligently created some scoring opportunities. Aided by some missed shots and a couple of defensive howlers by the Stingrays; GWS led at the first change by 4 points. Never enough to be in the game even at this early stage due to the strength of the wind.
The GWS were playing hard one on one football which allowed the Stingrays to open up stoppages and using the ball well with the wind managed 8-6 to 2 points in the second term to lead by 48 points at the long break. Sharing the ball around, the Stingrays had 9 different goal kickers in the first half and winners all across the ground. Coach Graeme Yeats praised his players for their work rate and the way they were going about their work with plenty of defensive pressure to force turnovers.
The third term was similar to the first with the Stingrays dominating possession but missing chances. Five goals and five behinds; including 4 posters, into the gale by the Stingrays to four straight goals to GWS extended the Stingrays lead to almost 10 goals with another term with the wind to come. The last quarter was complete obliteration with the Stingrays winning the inside 50’s 23 to 2 and converting 15 of the inside 50’s into scores. Nine goals six to Nil blew the margin out to 119 points in what was a clinical, clean and comprehensive team victory to the Stingrays. The only area for concern for the Stingrays was at the centre clearance which they lost 19-18. GWS was led by 201cm 15 year old Craig Moller who repeatedly gave the GWS mids first use of the ball with deft taps and good follow up work. For the Stingrays, Luke Parker had to shake off the persistent 20 year old South African Bayanda Sobetwa to be Stingrays best player on a Wing and forward with assistance from tall forwards Tom Lynch and Corey Buchan; fellow mid fielders Brad Tagg, Alex Benbow and defenders turned mids Riley Heddles and Jake Batchelor.
Next week is back at Shepley Oval, Dandenong on Saturday 21st August at 11.00am to take on ladder leaders Northern Knights and entry is free.
Last Modified on 14/08/2010 21:17