The Dandenong Southern Stingrays took a hard fought win against cross town rivals the Western Jets by 54 points at Shepley Oval, Dandenong last Saturday in the Round 5 TAC Cup contest.
Kicking with a 3 goal wind in a perfect Autumn Melbourne day, the Stingrays quickly scored the first goal of the game on the back of a neat crumbing effort and continued to pile on the goals in a one sided dominate display. The Stingrays were getting on top through the midfield and repeatedly pumped the ball forward into the strong wind. The Stingrays had 13 inside 50’s and 6 contested marks. Single goals went to Jake “the snake” Calvert, Josh Newman, Nick Newman and Billy Rolfe, whilst Tim McGenniss kicked two, whilst limiting the Jets only allowing them to score 2 goals 3 point against the breeze. The end of the first term effort saw Stingrays Coach Graeme Yeats delighted as it was the first time this year they had used the wind to their advantage, whilst making use of every possession.
The second term was like the first with the Stingrays kicking 4 goals and 1 point for the term but it was the impressive display by the Stingrays backs and midfield as they work hard and limited the Jets to 2 goals, 2 points. The 36 point lead at half time was a bit under the odds such was the dominance of the Stingrays across the ground. Again with 10 inside fifties entries and 7 contested marks the scoring efficiencies at 50% had the forwards coach pressing for a better output and challenged other forwards to lift like Taylor “Top Heavy” Garner who took 3 of those marks, had 2 defensive tackles and kicked 3 goals in the second quarter. Swing man Ryan “Rowdy” Marks-Logan kicked the other major in the quarter from 50 out to slow the drive and momentum that the Jets were starting to gain. Tyle Williams and “Big H” (Harry Czarnecki) were controlling the high ball when the ball went into the jets forward line, whilst Nathan “footy” Foote and Nic “Tuddy” Tuddenham were swooping on the loose ball to create numerous links ups and scoring opportunities down the ground.
The third term was a scrappy affair but the Stingrays managed to kick another 5 goals, but entries into the forward line were wide and high and there was a real lack of pressure like the first half. Billy Rolfe took his opportunities and kicked 2 goals and Josh Newman added his second for the day. Jordan ‘Jordy’ Bastinac playing in his first game slid forward and kicked his first goal in TAC Cup football and will only get better with more games under his belt. Another 17 year old player also got his opportunity today in big man Agape Patolo. His presence in the middle gave the mids first use many times and the “Agape Shuffle” around the ground in tight contested situations was superb. Again like Jordy as he gains more game time he can only improve. Rowdy Marks-Logan kicked the other goal for the quarter which was created from defensive pressure.
The last quarter the Jets lifted their run and carry. They worked hard defending and through the midfield and ran the ball in kicked long using the 3 goal wind and delivered truly to the forwards who converted and kicked important goals when challenged. The Jets outscored the Stingrays 3 goals to 2 in the last with both teams spent by time the siren had sounded. An unhappy Stingrays coach Graeme Yeats spoke to the boys about how good teams and teams that are challenged bury and crush opposition when put into situations like they had today. There were plenty of standouts and he singled out numerous players for their acts of character, but if the side was to progress deep into finals later in the year they must learn to control and stay in the game for a full 120 minutes.
Next weekend the Stingrays play against quality opposition in the Oakleigh Chargers away at Warrawee Park, Oakleigh. Game starts at 11.00am. Entry is free.
Last Modified on 30/04/2012 08:44