GIPPSLAND POWER - MEDIA RELEASE
Gippsland Power got their 2006 TAC Cup program back on track with a comprehensive win over the Murray Bushrangers at Coburg last week. Both sides were hit with the loss of key players with the Bushies losing several to state teams while the Power were without 10 of their "guns" and the pressure was on the rest of the boys to rise to the challenge that the loss of so many quality players automatically involves.
Last week the Power struggled against the Falcons but had the crucial inclusions of Brent Connolly and first gamer Shane McIntosh to provide some much needed "oomph". Early in the first term the Power took the initiative and had the Bushies on the back foot with some slick team play. Instead of building on this they allowed the Bushies to regain their composure and, suddenly the y were making a contest of it. By the first change the Power led by 19 points but hadn't capitalized on their early dominance.
The second term Power establish control of the play. The Power defence was working well and the Power forward took advantage of this on the scoreboard. The tackling and endeavour shown by the Power was pleasing and they extended their lead to 48 points by the long break.
In the third term the Powers intensity continue however they began to miss goals that they were slotting easily in the first half. They were still being miserly in defence, and with a midfield well on top lead by Francis and Jostlear, the last change saw the Powers' lead was 78 points and Paul wanted the boys to finish off the job and reward their hard work on the scoreboard.
When it mattered most the Power lifted their intensity and dominated the first half of the last term. They did everything right except kick goals the Bushrangers able to kcik five late goals to put some respectability in thier score.
Final scores Gippsland Power 19 goals 22 behinds 136 points defeated the Muray Bushrangers 18 goals 4 behinds 64 points. Goal kickers Brent Macaffer 6, Jackson Hall 4, Ben Hughes 2, Ben Jostlear 2, Luke Webber 2, James Blaser 1 Joel Morgan 1 and Andrew Oldmeadow 1. In a very impressive team performance the better players were Ben Hughes, Brent Macaffer, Jackson Hall, Ben Jostlear, Tristan Francis and Joel Morgan.
Paul Hudson was justifiably pleased by the way that the boys lifted to meet the challenges involved in this game, Firstly they were playing a top side and needed to be prepared to play four quarters or suffer the consequences if they slackened their efforts. The second element of the win was the way that the "senior' boys led by example. They were inspirational and really set the tone for the rest of the side. The third leg of the "trifecta" saw the "newboys" put their hands up after waiting in the wings for much of the season. They were better for the run last week and gave the selectors plenty to look forward to when they next meet to pick a team.
The TAC Cup now has a bye for the under 18 national championships and this will allow the bulk of the squad to go back to their clubs. For those who have just made the team it's a great chance to build on what they have show at TAC Cup level and keep themselves on the boil for the next game against Sandringham Dragons in a fortnight.
Last Modified on 26/05/2008 12:14