It was a case of deja vu, ground hog day, the more things change the more they stay the same, whatever cliche you like as the Dandenong Southern Stingrays repeated their 2008 erratic early season form. Two very strong efforts against highly rated opposition followed by a bad lapse against a winless Bendigo Pioneers. It was a real opportunity for the Stingrays to get their season off to an undefeated start but a lack of intensity and care allowed a focused and determined Pioneers to control the game from the outset and never be headed at Queen Elizabeth Oval, Bendigo last Saturday.
As part of a TAC Cup triple header the Stingrays traveled to Bendigo on Friday night to play an early game against the local Pioneers. The signs were obvious early as the Pioneers kicked the first three goals of the game as the dominated the midfield and with precise disposal into their forward line had the Stingrays on the back foot. The Stingrays did not do themselves any favours by soft tackle efforts and the defenders repeatedly letting the Pioneers forwards have far too much space.
The second quarter was the same with the Pioneers jumping out of the blocks and extending the 1/4 time lead out to 4 goals before another late rally by the Stingrays narrowed the gap to 12 points at the long change. James Hallahan was a shining light for the Stingrays on one Wing whilst youngster Mathew Shaw was doing a fine job on the other. Myles Pitt was dangerous up forward as he worked his opponent over the find space but the match return of 3 goals 5 from 9 shots on goal didn't gat the desired result for the Stingrays.
The third quarter saw another fast start to the Pioneers but this time there was no late rally by the Stingrays as the locals ran all over the lethargic Stingrays and had stretched out their lead to 4 goals at 3/4 time. Madison Andrews, Mitch Hallahan and Ryan Bastinac were serviceable in the midfield but no where near as effective as the Pioneers on-ballers. Tom Scully was working hard to shake a close checking opponent even though Scully was playing at half back for the Stingrays. The last term saw both teams wasteful in front of goal with the Stingrays adding only 1 goal 5 for the term to be outscored in every quarter by the Pioneers. Stingrays Coach Graeme Yeats delivered some home truths to some of his players questioning their passion, pride and professionalism with a few players having plenty to say and very little to show.
Next weekend is a TAC bye with the first of the Vic Country and Vic Metro trials being played. The Stingrays have Tom Scully in the Vic Metro squad and Ryan Bastinac, James Hallahan, Mitch Hallahan, Myles Pitt, Matt Shaw and Corey Millard going around for Vic Country. The following week the Stingrays have a home game at Shepley Oval on May 2nd against the Northern Territory in one of the NT's invitational games in the TAC Cup the game starts at 11.00am and entry is free.
Last Modified on 05/05/2009 21:58