The Dandenong Southern Stingrays have continued with their rollercoaster ride in the TAC Cup with a hard fought win against the Bendigo Pioneers by 29 points in Bendigo on Saturday, after a very insipid display the week before.
The Stingrays won the toss and kicked with the 2 goal wind, but a very physical Pioneers team dominated the opening parts of the term without reward. It was the Pioneers who put the first major and could have added a few more if they had lowered their eyes going inside 50. The Stingrays first goal came midway through the term through Aaron Wilson, the first of (5) goals for the day, to steady the team.
It would also be the last time the Pioneers would score for the quarter as the young Stingrays started tackling with intent. They also lifted their work rate with some hard overlapping running, eventually hitting the scoreboard again through Aaron Wilson. This was followed by a smart goal by the ever dangerous Stingrays Captain Jack Lonie and finally another through Blake Mullane. The Stingrays held a 19 point lead as the siren sounded and were well on top of their opponents.
Within 45 seconds in the second quarter, Jack Holden had the chance to kick the opening goal but sprayed it across the front. This allowed the Pioneers to rebound and add kick a much needed goal. It was quickly followed by another one moments later and it was game on.
A steadying goal to the Stingrays came through first year player Justin Bennett, but moments later a costly turnover in the backline gave the Pioneers an easy shot on goal, as they kicked truly. As the siren sounded the Pioneers had closed the gap to 6 points. If the quarter had gone longer the Pioneers were looking dangerous as they were completely dominating the loose ball and were prepared to run harder than the Stingrays.
In his half-time address, Stingrays coach Craig Black laid down the law to the midfield group saying they must lift their work rate, being prepared to work both ways carrying the ball more and to lower their eyes when coming inside fifty with the forwards needed to separate as the Pioneers will more than likely drop numbers back due to the wind.
In the third term, through precise kicking and productive forward line- 6 goals 4 points, the Stingrays took the lead. It was the best quarter for the year to date for the Stingrays as the Pioneers were also kept goalless- only adding 3 points for the term.
The Stingrays backline had lifted through Mitch White who kicked 2 goals in a row from the Half Back Flank whilst Jacob Weitering was back to his damaging best marking everything coming his way and rebounding deep inside 50. The entire back 6 started working as a unit with the midfield working harder and longer between the arcs offering numerous avenues to rebound the ball deep inside 50.
The last few minutes of the quarter saw the ball stay inside the Pioneers fifty but as in the first half, poor kicking cost them dearly. As the siren sounded the Stingrays had taken full control of the game with a handy 37 point lead.
The last quarter the Stingrays had to defend the 2-3 goal wind, but both sides had kicked goals against it. Black was calm at the break and with the Assistant Coaching staff they once again balanced the side to give it a real crack.
The last quarter started as the previous quarter through a cracking individual roving goal to Jack Holden, but with the aid of a strong breeze to the Pioneers credit they came hard at and finally managed to steer one through the big sticks after numerous of failed attempts.
The Stingrays stuck to their guns and fought back strong. Wilson took a few big grabs and kicked another to put the game out of reach for the Pioneers, who never gave up just lacked the finishing touches. The two Jack’s Lonie and Wheeler added the X factor in the forward line they were continually on the move making it hard for the Pioneer defenders all day, which also allowed Wilson plenty of space to work within.
Black went on to say “I thought it a huge turnaround from the week before. The group wanted it so much after lasts week, it’s a credit to them as we travelled up the night before with everyone’s normal routine thrown around a lot.
“As the game went on I felt we started to gel a little more...traditionally we have always been a slow starter, and today some of the things the group have been working hard on the training track starting to shown on the field.”
Talent Manager Mark Wheeler was pleased with the group output after losing two players early to injury, along with the unexpected warm weather “ We lost two players really early that put a lot more pressure on the midfield, plus we bloodied a new player in Liam Myatt . I think as the game went on he got a lot better, as did the other 17 year old players who are starting to work out the levels required to play in the TAC Cup.”
“At this time of the year, all Regions get to play more players (24) and we all believe we have good depth. It’s great to give as many as you can the opportunity to play, without upsetting the balance of the team and what the coaching staff are working towards.” He added.
In closing he said “To have roughly equal inside 50’s for the game (50) and to keep them to only 7 goals showed the back 6 had a strong play In the team’s performance today, along with 7 Individual goal kickers with a mix of mids and forwards shows the team is balanced”
The Stingrays have the chance to regroup next week, courtesy of a bye for 'Vic Country Trial games', before turning their attention to the match against the Western Jets at Shepley Oval, Dandenong on Saturday April 26th.
Starting time is 11.30am and entry is free.
Last Modified on 15/04/2014 19:59
