The Dandenong Southern Stingrays rebounded from a disappointing loss last week to comfortably hold off the Sandringham Dragons by 27 points in a VFL curtain raiser at Trevor Barker Oval, Sandringham in the Round 14 TAC Cup clash last Sunday.
With the Stingrays almost at full strength welcoming back Tom Scully, Ryan Bastinac, Matt Shaw and James Hallahan from Nationals duties it was the first term that proved to be the difference between the two evenly matched sides. The Stingrays exploded from the blocks, aided by a 2-3 goal breeze and slammed on 7 goals to nil to set the scene for the 27 point win. On top through the mid field and with a multitude of goal scoring options, it looked how far the Stingrays as they completely eclipsed the Dragons.
From quarter time on it was a much more even contest with the Dragons outscoring the Stingrays 9 goals to 7 with the use of the breeze twice. Apart from the slick first term, the rest of the game was error riddled with many skill errors turning the ball over. Five of the Dragons goals were scored from Stingrays point kick ins which was a much a testament to the pressure from the Dragons as it was poor disposal selection and execution by the Stingrays. Early on the Stingrays got plenty from Will Petropolous, Luke Parker and Mitch Hallahan but as the game wore on it was the old heads of Ryan Bastinac, Tom Scully and Riley Heddles who set up the victory.
The Stingrays had ten different goals kickers with no single Stingrays forward able to dominate for lengthy periods. It was encouraging to see Andrew McInnes handle to move to key defender and a lively Rohan Kerr gave plenty of spark in his first game back at TAC Cup level following an extensive period in rehab with an ankle injury.
Next Saturday, July 18th is a home game for the Stingrays at Shepley Oval, Dandenong against the North Ballarat Rebels who are on equal points with the Stingrays, fighting out second spot on the TAC Cup ladder. The game starts at 2.00pm and entry is free.
Last Modified on 13/07/2009 10:46