Report by Mitch Brown
On Sunday February 15, the Dandenong Stingrays U-17 squad played a pre-season practice match against the Sandringham Dragons.
We saw a tough and scrappy start to the first quarter, with our defensive pressure stopping Sandringham from scoring early, and our midfielders keeping cool heads in heavy traffic around the ball. We attacked where we could, and eventually broke through with the first goal of the match.
Our boys continued to rebound the ball effectively from the backline and push it up forward, with Danny Allsop looking particularly menacing with a great snap and some terrific forward-line pressure.
However, Sandringham fought back in the second quarter, and began launching attacks of their own, but tight defence from both teams ensured that low scoring would continue.
With the sun searing down on our boys at this stage, it was brilliant to see smothers, one-percenters, second- and third-efforts at the ball throughout the remainder of the second term.
The third quarter kicked off with a simple free-kick conversion to the Stingrays, but Sandringham made the most of their chances in this quarter, striking back with five consecutive goals.
After struggling a bit in the third term, the boys hit back hard, attacking all over the ground and reaping the rewards. We managed to boot two early goals, which set the scene for a bravura display of forward-line dominance from Kyle Beveridge, who finished with three goals in ten minutes. Kyle was added into the summer squad from local football, so it was good to see him take his chances.
The players pushed the Dragons defence until the final siren, with one last goal closing out a very strong finish from the Under 17 Stingrays boys.
All-in-all it was a great hit-out for us, and it was particularly encouraging to see such great efforts across the ground, in spite of the sweltering 34-degree heat that persisted all day.
2015 Stingrays coach Craig Black was pleased in what he saw thinking he may have a better depth to the squad this year.
The players finished the day with a rehab session at Brighton beach, whilst the coaching staff had the unfortunate job of starting the process of trimming the summer training squad to the 2015 TAC Cup list.
Next week the players face the Murray Bushrangers at Rams Arena, Craigeburn. There are three games scheduled with the Under 16’s facing off at 10.00am, followed by the Under 17’s at midday with the main game starting at 2.00pm.
Last Modified on 07/04/2015 23:36