The Dandenong Southern Stingrays continued their early season form with a comfortable and meritorious win over the previously undefeated Eastern Ranges in the Round 6 TAC Cup clash at Shepley Oval, Dandenong. The local derby was well supported with over 1000 spectators in attendance on a fine and sunny Mothers Day.
The Stingrays were well aware of the Ranges fast starts with the Ranges 25 goals to 5 in the first quarters of their 4 TAC Cup games so far this season. It was the Stingrays who got the quick start but could not convert their forward forays and only managed 2-7; both goals from Ryan Bastinac, for the term but excuses could be found as many shots were from well out. The Ranges were all at sea under good tackling and pressure from the Stingrays until late in the term when a rally on the back of a few skill errors and poor structures from the Stingrays allowed the Ranges to kick 3 late goals.
The second term was where the Stingrays took advantage of their control of the game with a clinical display kicking 7 goals for the term. Levi Casboult continued his good form as a marking forward and he provided many crumbing opportunities at his feet from his aerial efforts. Two goals to Casboult, two to small forward William Petropolous and running goals from Bastinac and Matt Shaw had blown the Stingrays lead out to six goals before another late rally by the Ranges closed the gap to 20 points at the long break.
The second half was more of the same as the Stingrays backmen repeatedly rebounded the ball from defence and the forwards converted the opportunities. Three goals to one in the third term and six goals to four in the last had the margin out to forty points at the final siren. Defenders Jarryd Amalfi and Dylan Roberton had their best games for the year, James Hallahan was again in good touch on the Wing and Bastinac was clean and precise in the mid field. Shaw and Mitch Hallahan were good players for the Stingrays as small forwards and Casboult was unstoppable as he kicked four goals and gave away another handful. Good efforts by Jarryd Elton in the Ruck, with almost 40 hit outs, and mids Stefan Baumgartner, Madison Andrews and Luke Parker added to what was a good team effort by the Stingrays.
Next weekend has the Stingrays off to the Gold Coast to tackle the AFL's newest franchise at Carrara Stadium on Saturday morning but will be short handed. Ryan Bastinac, the two Hallahans and Matt Shaw are all unavailable due to Vic Country Under 18 National commitments with Vic Country tackling Vic Metro in the next round of selection trials.
Last Modified on 11/05/2009 13:44