The Dandenong Southern Stingrays bounced back after a disappointing loss in round 3, followed by a week of Nationals trials to comfortably run away with the points against an inexperienced Northern Territory Thunder in the Round 5 TAC Cup clash at Shepley Oval, Dandenong. The Thunder were playing an invitational game in the TAC Cup as part of the preparation of their National Under 18 team.
Little was known of the Thunder players by the Stingrays coaching staff and players before the game but they quickly found out the NT boys were very quick, highly skilled and very good at applying pressure. It was in the size and fitness areas that the Stingrays had an advantage and as soon as the Stingrays worked out to not over-possess the football and get it long, strong and quickly to the tall forwards the quicker it took control of the game.
Without the private school players and injury and illness forcing a number of changes the Stingrays had 3 first gamers in Rohan Kerr, Rohan Bleeker and Josh Jones in the side and welcomed back Jarryd Amalfi and Kayle Stringer-Morris from injury. The game started at a frenetic pace as both teams attacked and counter attacked up and down the ground but the longer the game went on the further the Stingrays got ahead. Ruck domination by Elton, Mitchell and Casboult was turning into first possession around stoppages and quick movement into the front half had the NT defenders under the pump.
The second half saw the Stingrays start to convert possession into score and they piled on fourteen goals to three to run away with a comfortable win. Mid-fielders Ryan Bastinac, Luke Parker, Mitch Hallahan, Madison Andrews and Will Petropolous not only controlled the play but when forward were amongst the 12 goals kickers of the Stingrays. Levi Casboult continued his fine performance for Frankston Dolphins in the VFL seniors last week to dominate the game as a forward, Ruck and at Centre Half Back. Casboult reached double figures in kicks, marks, handballs and hit outs in a display of powerful physical domination of his smaller, lighter opponents. While the win highlighted the difference between the TAC Cup teams and developing states, the Stingrays still have a few players below their personal best and improvement will be needed in the next two weeks.
Next weekend has the Stingrays host the in form Eastern Ranges at Dandenong on Sunday 10th at 1.00pm and entry is free. The following weekend the Stingrays are off to the Carrara Stadium to take on the Gold Coast. The same weekend is the next round of National Under 18 trials with the squad of 40 announced this week.
Last Modified on 05/05/2009 21:58