The Dandenong Southern Stingrays bounced back from a disappointing Round 1 loss with a convincing win over North Ballarat Rebels by 62 points played at Eureka Stadium Ballarat.
The game had a better start to last week with the Stingrays kicking with more purpose as they rebounded inside 50 numerous times capitalizing on the scoreboard. Goals to key forward Nick Haynes and running players Nick Tuddenham and Jarryd Capiron saw the Stingrays lead 3-3-21 to the Rebels 2-2-14 at the end of the quarter. The Stingrays had a couple of good chances to post more majors but failed, and although the score looked relatively even, the Stingrays seemed to be controlling most of the play as they were kicking against a strong breeze. The quarter time break allowed Stingrays coach Graeme Yeats to slightly tweak the team and to reassure them that what they had done so far was on track and to continue with hard running, hitting the leading targets and spreading the scoreboard will take care of itself.
The second term was one way traffic on the scoreboard as the Rebels were kept goalless, whilst the Stingrays gained control through the midfield and found a couple of targets in the front half. A further two goals to marking target Haynes and one to Jason Pongracic saw the Stingrays lead the long break by 31 points, which could have been more if it wasn’t for wayward shots on goals. The drive that the Stingrays were getting from mid fielders Alex Benbow, Dale Sutton, Nathan Wright, Max Gearon and Travis Bravo was supported by rebounding defenders Jordan Kelly, Damian Johnston, Matthew Buntine and Robert Hill who were implausible with their defensive support and strong counter attacking play.
The third term was a tighter contest with the Rebels gaining a little bit of momentum through the midfield and kicking truly in the first part of the quarter as they took advantage of the strong wind. The Rays continued with drive from the defensive back six and the midfield group continued with some fantastic gut running to win the football with some strong defensive pressure to feed the Forwards. Goals to Brett O’Hanlon on the run, Todd Elton marked and kicked truly and Adam Giobbi finished off some heavy contested work to be rewarded with a free kick. End of the third saw the margin at 42 points in favour of the Stingrays.
The final term was more hard running and hard work as the Stingrays opened up a match winning lead to run out 62 point victors and once again keep the Rebels goalless for the quarter. Yeats was wrapped with his players’ efforts and the way they rebounded from a disappointing effort last week to out-work and outclass the Rebels showed true grit and a lot of self belief. Yeats said “Collectively our ability to work between the arc’s and hit them on the scoreboard was a highlight today. To get a win against the Rebels on any given day at Eureka Stadium means we must have worked hard as they are a quality team and hard to beat at home”
Next Saturday, April 16th, the Stingrays take on Geelong Falcons at Highgate Reserve, Craigeburn at 4.00pm, which is part of a triple header of TAC Cup games. On Friday April 15th the Stingrays Under 16’s will play in the Country Carnival at Golden Square in Bendigo against Geelong Falcons, where all TAC country sides will be showcasing their younger talent as they all try out for a spot in the Vic Country Under 16 team, which will be coached this year by former Essendon great Scott Lucas.
Last Modified on 11/04/2011 09:39