The Dandenong Southern Stingrays continued on their winning way with a very strong 45 point victory over the traveling Queensland Scorpions in the Round 5 TAC Cup match at Shepley Oval Dandenong last Saturday.
The Stingrays added debuting players Jackson Dalton, Jake Calvert and Bryce Kellerman for their first game for 2011 as well as 19 year old Jim Jennings to the side that defeated Oakleigh Chargers last week. The Stingrays had trained well during the week and started like a shot out of a cannon, dominating most of the play in the first half of the first term. Tackling was a highlight and relentless pressure resulted in numerous inside 50’s for the young Rays. Brett O’Hanlon continued his form from last week with two very good first term goals from contested work. The Scorpions steadied a little and converted well to kick 3 straight goals with their limited opportunities and the Stingrays led 4-2-26 to 3-0-18 at quarter time.
The second term was very messy skill wise and the term was a bit closer as both midfields rolled back to support their defenses and scoring opportunities dried up a little. A long goal to first gamer Jake Calvert and an interception mark from an errant rebound kick gave Dale Sutton another goal, but they were the only goals for the Rays. All the hard work from the midfield group went to waste as time after time panic kicking forward allowed Queensland to easily defend and rebound, which resulted in three goals - all came from Stingrays turnovers. During the long term break, Stingrays Coach Graeme Yeats was full of praise to his players for continuing to play their individual role, but challenged them to work harder defensively and to use the ball better in contested and uncontested situations- especially entering the forward line as 2 goals 8 points from 10 inside 50’s for the term was poor conversion, yet again. At the end of the second, the Rays had an 8 point buffer over the ever trying Queensland Scorpions, but signs were good as they controlled most of the play for the first half.
The third saw the first goal come within a minute to Stingrays player O’Hanlon but then another turnover resulted in a quick reply to Scorpions. Midfielders Lachlan Wallace, Dale Sutton and Travis Bravo were brave throwing their bodies at every contest, which became effective as the pressure and intensity lifted for both teams. Another goal to Calvert a few minutes after some good defensive pressure looked like the Rays might blow the game apart but once again poor delivery to Key Forwards Haynes, O’Hanlon, Giobbi and Calvert saw the ball hit the deck too many times. Great work from Haynes resulted in two opportunistic goals to Giobbi and Dalton. The end of the third saw the Rays hold a 27 point lead. Fitness and healthy players would be a challenge for the Scorpions in the last.
The final term was more hard running and hard work as the Stingrays continued to outplay and out-muscle the struggling Scorpions. Another 4 goals to 1 with seven different players on the goal kickers’ list indicated a very even team effort and should instill a lot of confidence in the Stingrays squad. The non-negotiables of hard work, hard running, good defense and multiple avenues to goal were all front and centre in the very good 45 point win to the Stingrays and only allowing 2 goals defensively after half time which was led by best on ground Piva Wright who racked up 30 possession, most from winning his own ball from contested contests then rebounding inside 50 and was also supported strongly from the ever reliable Robert Hill.
Next Saturday, May 14th the TAC Cup Round 6 game sees the Dandenong Stingrays play the Northern Knights at Preston City Oval, Preston. The game starts at 11.00am and entry is free.
Last Modified on 09/05/2011 09:54