The Dandenong Southern Stingrays had a convincing win over the Murray Bushrangers by 95 points, which was played at Norm Minns Oval, Wangaratta on Saturday in perfect, but fresh conditions.
The Dandenong Stingrays hit the winners board after four losses in a row in what was a one side display of hard ruthless gut running football for four quarters- something that had been missing from the side since round 2 when they played the Eastern Ranges.
In the first quarter the ball came in quickly with all forwards getting their hands and the ball and four individual goal kickers before the siren sounded. Matt Rennie started well and could have had 7 majors but failed to convert all but one, but lively forward Jack Lonie kicked 2 of his 5 for the day with James Harmes continuing on his good form as a hard running mid kicking the first goal of the day.
At the end of the first quarter the Stingrays were completely in control and held a 27 points lead, which was due to the dominance in the middle of the ground.
Stingrays Coach Graeme Yeats praised his young side at the quarter time break but quickly reminded them it was only ¼ of football so far. He was pleased with their work rate indicators but would have liked a few more goals and asked the forwards to finish off on all the hard work.
As soon as the siren sounded the Stingrays took possession from the stoppage and kicked the first major, Nathan Gardiner slotted the first of his 4 goals, after a costly Murray turnover in the middle. The next 10 minutes saw the ball bounce from arc to arc with both sides throwing themselves at the loose ball, closing down space and making it hard for clean entries.
The Stingrays wasted numerous opportunities to post more goals, kicking 1 goal 6 points for the quarter but on a positive restricted Murray to just 2 points and limited their inside 50 entries.
As the half time siren sounded the Dandenong Stingrays had slightly increased their lead to 35 points, but the Bushies were starting to move the ball better at the end of the quarter and started to look like the hungrier team.
Yeats addressed the team on effort and the willingness to work, which clearly the team had done thus far. He went onto to stress talent does not mean anything if the individual/s weren’t prepared to go- highlighting the courage of Blake Pearson, Angus Scott and Jack Lonie who all put their heads over the ball knowing they were doing the ‘team’ things even though they may not be the biggest players in the squad.
The game was Stingrays to drop with a slight lead Murray started the third quarter with a bang, kicking the first after 45 seconds and quickly added another closing the margin to 23 points.
The wind had picked up dramatically giving Murray a good 2-3 advantage, but after a few instructions to the Stingrays mids and backs they were unable to get through the Stingrays defences with the ball played between the arcs for the next ten minutes.
Both sides were wasting opportunities and lacking penetration as they went forward until the Stingrays midfield starting lowering eyes and hitting the free targets. Three goals were added though Lonie, Matt Rennie, and Jack Soroczynski as the Stingrays extended the lead out again.
As the siren sounded the Stingrays looked in control as the stronger bodies and cleaner skills were taking its toll on the younger Murray side. They went in to the final quarter with a handy 46 point lead and confidence that they had the run in their legs and the wind in the last.
The last quarter was all one way traffic with the Bushrangers kept goalless mainly due to the work of the back six and the willingness to work as a team. The midfield was terrific when the ball hit the deck to set up numerous options down field and allowing the scoreboard to turnover.
Nathan Gardiner had worked his way into the game in the second half taking contested grabs and was rewarding with the last 2 goals. Matt Rennie kicked his second after a few wayward shots and other goals went to Brady Egan and Tex Joyce who were finally rewarded after their selfless acts for the day. All in all 8 goals 2 points and only conceding 1 point in what was a stamp of authority
Stingrays Coach Yeats was happy with the entire squad and went onto say “We came up here with a real focus on a few KPI’s that as a team everyone had to buy into and deliver ....we did that for nearly four quarters today, but the strength of this group was the willingness to win the one on one’s and go when it was their turn.”
Stingrays Talent Manager said “We played another new player today making it 46 players for the year thus far. The 23rd player rule is a great way to get them to understand the level required to play week in week out at the TAC Cup level.”
He went on to say “We had three players out today with Vic Country duties. This side has really put the pressure on the coaching staff to pick a side for next week against the Bendigo Pioneers”
He also added “it is really good to see those who are given their opportunities really give it their all...we sell the two year program to the squad and at times it is hard for the bottom age players to get an opportunity to play TAC Cup. We know we will be better off later in the year and next year with the amount of game time we have given to the 17 year olds. ”
The next game for the Dandenong’ Southern Stingrays is against Bendigo Pioneers at Shepley Oval, Dandenong on Saturday 13th July.
The game starts at 1.00pm. Entry is free.
Last Modified on 14/07/2013 19:06