The Dandenong Southern Stingrays kicked off their 2010 TAC Cup finals campaign with a strong 64 point win over the highly fancied Oakleigh Chargers. The two sides had met in the home and away series and it was the Chargers who held firm by a solitary point in that game but it was during the Nationals and both sides were well short of their best team.
The Stingrays and Chargers kicked off at 9.45am on Saturday at the home of the Carlton Football Club, Visy Park; which was in magnificent condition despite the steady rain all week. The Chargers were forced to make 4 late changes with injury and illness depleting their ranks. The game started at breakneck speed with the ball whipping up and down the ground as both teams tested each other out. An early goal to the Chargers was countered with three to the Stingrays as the Rays slowly got on top across the ground. Tom Curren, Luke Parker and Dylan Shiel controlled the mid field and with Tom Lynch and Mitch Hallahan providing a good target up forward, the Stingrays looked very dangerous. At the first change the Stingrays led by 15 points in a high paced, high standard game.
The second term was more of the same with both teams controlling the game for periods of time. It was the Stingrays steadier defence and more dangerous forwardline which was to prove the difference. Four goals to two to the Stingrays had their lead extend to 26 points at the long break. The Stingrays had to restructure the backline when the in-form Andrew McInnes strained a hamstring but 17 year olds Matt Buntine, Piva Wright and Jordan Kelly took on older more experienced opponents and with some help from Jarryd Amalfi and Riley Heddles controlled the dangerous Oakleigh forwards.
The third term was a cracker with the Chargers kicking the opening 3 goals to close the gap to 7 points before the Stingrays wrestled control back and piled on 5 goals 5 to take the contest out of the Chargers hands. Stingrays coach Graeme Yeats was full of praise of his players because to a man they played their role in the Stingrays game plan. The evenness of the contribution from all players was pleasing with good balance between strong defensive efforts and fast paced skillful attacking moves. The last term was more of the same as the Stingrays piled on another 4 goals to one the finish over 10 goals in front. Ruckman Todd Elton was excellent across the ground and kicked 2 goals when pushing forward. Lynch continued his stellar form with another dominant display at CHF and the solid contributions from Curren, Parker and the rest of the Stingrays midfield were pleasing to see.
Next week sees the Stingrays in an elimination game taking on the in form North Ballarat Rebels who trounced the Murray Bushrangers by 100 points in a final last week. The game is a Visy Park at 2.45pm on Saturday and entry is free.
Last Modified on 11/09/2010 17:25
