The see-saw win one lose one habit of the Dandenong Southern Stingrays occurred again this time with a loss, by 34 points, to the Eastern Ranges at Box Hill in the Round 7 TAC Cup clash last Saturday.
After a few winters day’s leading into round 7 the ground was very slippery but with little breeze the Stingrays were at their inconsistent best. The Stingrays fluctuated between woeful and outstanding and made for a frustrating day in the coaches box for the Stingrays match committee.
The Ranges opened the game full of running and peppered at the goals early to kick the first goal and could have been further ahead on the scoreboard if they were more efficient by foot.
The Stingrays mid field lifted its work rate to pressure the opposition and give the Stingrays defenders a chance to impact the contests but it was the critical 1 on 1 contests around the ground that were hurting. The Stingrays finally settled after the early onslaught to kick and opportunist goal through Tom Lamb which would be their only score for the quarter. As the siren sounded Eastern held a 9 point advantage, but were clearly on top and looking for a big scalp again.
The second term saw the Ranges lift their intensity and work rate in all areas to kick 4 goals, whilst keeping the Stingrays goalless for the Quarter. Stingrays Coach Craig Black was at a loss to explain the drop off in intensity, work rate and accountability and demanded a far better effort in the second half. Injuries to Rourke Fischer and Matt Homfray added to the woes, both unable to return to the match with Fischer sent to hospital for a badly dislocated knuckle.
The third quarter started with the Stingrays peppering inside 50 but were denied goals through Eastern’s tight defence. The first two goals went to the Ranges as they extended their lead, but a mini fight back late in the quarter through goals to Bailey Dale and Justin Bennett gave Black a slimmer of hope at the last break. He encouraged his young chargers to take the game on and drive the ball forward at all costs. The rain had been threatening on and off all day with light showers but the skies darkened dramatically after the siren sounded.
The transformation in the last quarter was amazing as the Stingrays jumped out of the gate kicking the first goal within a minute to close the margin. Players were hunting in numbers, working between the arcs and penetrating inside 50 with more purpose and depth. A lack in concentration gave Eastern the reply goal and that’s the way it lasted till the final term with both sides going goal for goal. The Ranges backs held firm to repeatedly repel the attacks and hold on for a well deserved win as they were clearly the better team for the majority of the game.
A disappointed Stingrays coach pointed out to the playing group that he was pleased with the efforts but it was all too little too late, pointing out that everyone must turn up week in week out and play their roles as the competition is so tight, being off your game 10% can lead to massive blow outs.
Next weekend the Stingrays have a bye in the TAC Cup, with many players heading into Visy Park Sunday for the Vic Country versus Vic Metro trial games.
Last Modified on 15/05/2014 00:54