The Dandenong Southern Stingrays kicked off their 2013 TAC Cup finals campaign with a strong 33 point win over the highly fancied Eastern Ranges. The two sides had met twice in the home and away series with the Stingrays dominating in round 3 with a 48 point win, but the Ranges held firm with a come from behind 10 point win in the Round 10 game, but it was during the Nationals and both sides were well short of their best team.
The Stingrays and Ranges kicked off at 11.15am on Saturday at the home of the Carlton Football Club, Visy Park; which was in magnificent condition despite the rain mid week. The Ranges were forced to make 3 late changes with injury and illnesses depleting their ranks, with the Stingrays also forced to rest Tom Lamb with illness, but it open the door for another to play.
The game started at breakneck speed with the ball whipping up and down the ground as both teams tested each other out, with both missing their first opportunities to score a goal. The first goal went to the Ranges, but was countered with four goals to the Stingrays who completely dominated the rest of the term.
The Stingrays kept the Ranges goalless mainly due to the Stingrays slowly getting on top across the ground. Zak Jones, Josh Pickess and James Harmes controlled the mid field and with Matt Rennie, Brady Egan and Nathan Gardiner providing a good target up forward, the Stingrays looked very dangerous. They also added lively small forward in Clayton McCartney who was hoping Mick Malthouse was at the ground as he produced his resume for the recruiting staff for a replacement for one of the three Amigos. At the first change the Stingrays held a 17 point led in a high paced, high standard game.
The second quarter was more of the same with both teams controlling the game for periods of time. It was the Stingrays steadier defence and more dangerous forwardline which was to prove the difference. Four goals to one to the Stingrays had their lead extend to 34 points at the long break. The Stingrays defensive 17 year olds took on older more experienced opponents and with some help from Captain Nathan Foote and Highly touted first round draft choice Billy Hartung controlled the dangerous Ranges forwards.
The third term was a cracker with the Stingrays kicking the opening goal (Josh Pickess) from what many thought was an impossible angle, then for the rest of the term it went goal for goal it what was an impressive display of football from both sides. Matt Rennie was vying for Mark of the Year mid way through the third as he got high in the square and kicked truly. When the siren sounded many players from both sides were feeling the effects of the unusual warm day, but the Stingrays held a comfortable 40 point led. At the last break Stingrays coach Graeme Yeats was full of praise to his players saying, “each played their role in the Stingrays game plan.”
“The evenness of the contribution from all players is pleasing with a good balance between strong defensive efforts and fast paced skillful attacking movements, Yeats added.”
The last term was more of the same but the scoring slowed, probably due to the high paced game, or the 23 degree day taking its toll on the players. The Stingrays kicked two goals, whilst Eastern managed one goal with the siren sounding and the Stingrays taking the chocolates and the much needed break. Brady Egan continued his stellar form with another dominant display at CHF and the solid contributions from Jones, and Harmes and the rest of the Stingrays midfield were pleasing to see.
Next week sees the Stingrays have the rest before playing in the Preliminary Final on Saturday 14th September, time TBC. Their opponent will be the winner of this weekend’s TAC Cup Semi Final game between Calder Cannons and Western Jets.
The game is being played at Visy Park at 11.15am on Sunday and entry is free.
Last Modified on 03/09/2013 12:30