The Dandenong Southern Stingrays held on in the last quarter against rivals the Gippsland Power in the Round 16 AFL Victoria TAC Cup last Saturday to record a 8 point victory, making it five in a row and one step closer to finals.
The win sees the Stingrays hold onto 3rd place on the TAC Cup ladder, with one round to play this week against the top of the ladder and clear competition favorites the Geelong Falcons it has been set for a very exciting last round.
The first quarter saw the Dandenong Stingrays kick with the Gail force wind (easily a 4 goal advantage) that was also swirling pushing play towards the far side of the ground, away from the grandstand.
The game was scrappy with both sides throwing themselves at the loose ball that was bouncing between the arcs with either side being able to penetrate each others defences for the first part of the quarter until the Stingrays were able to get onto the board through a classy goal from Jack Lonie. It was quickly followed with another major by a long shot on goal through Jordan Bastinac.
Gippsland Power was desperate to regroup following their four straight losses and they started playing better controlled football against the wind, but they couldn’t penetrate deep into the Stingrays defences. An attempt to go forward turned into a long running goal to Daniel Capiron that gave the Stingrays a 21 point lead as the siren sounded.
Gippsland were kept goalless for the quarter but defended well against the breeze whilst Stingrays coach Graeme Yeats instructed his young brigade to steady and not waste opportunities when attacking. His message was all about control.
He also told them to focus on the transition of play as the backs were completely on top, but defending against the wind, which had picked up again was going to be a huge challenge, one he said they were well prepared for.
It wasn’t a day for either team’s big men but the Stingrays Rucks and mids were working overtime to get first possession and trying to exploit the Gippsland around the ground. The second quarter followed the first with Jack Lonie kicking a goal, this time against the breeze. It was quickly followed up by a nice goal to small forward Clayton McCartney assisted by Blake Mullane.
Gippsland were wasting opportunities going forward allowing the Stingrays backs to pick off the high ball, but poor skills didn’t allow to put real score board pressure onto Gippsland.
A change in momentum at the 15 minutes mark saw Gippsland kick five goals in a row and take a 3 point lead at the long break.
Yeats and his team worked overtime during the break to settle the team and restructure to take full advantage of the breeze in a strategy to kick a winning score.
The start of the third and Gippsland were able to get the first goal of the quarter straight from the middle with the ball which was followed by a second moments later.
This seemed to unite the Gippsland team who kicked another before a goal came through Capiron and seconds later Brady Egan was able to slot one through to wrestle the lead back.
The siren sounded and the wind grew with the Stingrays holding a 4 point lead and looking like they had wasted a great opportunity to finish the season in a high note as they kicked 7 points, with most from kickable positions.
The last quarter went against the flow once again with the first goal going to the Stingrays through Jack Soroczynski. This was followed by some gut running midfield brilliance from James Harmes who split the middle and the Stingrays were holding a 16 point lead half way through the quarter.
Gippsland were stirring and with the game in the balance kicked a crucial goal after a free kick and 50 metre penalty, but poor ball use saw the Stingrays respond and take a handy lead late in the game. A free kick an easy goal was given against Gippsland in the goal squarethat put the game beyond doubt and the Stingrays recorded their 5th consecutive win and momentum moving into the finals series.
Both coaches were happy for the contest, disappointed on a few errors but thought the game itself was both enjoyable for all who were watching and would defiantly help each side as they moved into the last round and into finals.
The next game for the Dandenong Southern Stingrays is the final round in the AFL Victoria TAC Cup where the Stingrays play leader leaders the Geelong Falcons on Saturday 24th August.
The game starts at 2.00pm at Victoria Park, Collingwood and entry is free.
Last Modified on 22/08/2013 13:47