by Stephanie Kirkman
Recovery will be the main focus down at Kilsyth Recreation Reserve this week after the Eastern Ranges suffered their first loss to the 2010 TAC Cup competition, Murray Bushrangers 19.8 (122) to Eastern Ranges 12.11 (83).
Although the 29-point loss to the Bushrangers comes early in the season for the Ranges, coach Darren Bewick is positive that the squad will bounce back as the season unfolds.
The team was off to a slow start with key forwards shut down early in the match by the Bushrangers, keeping the Ranges to seven points at the end of the first term.
Accuracy for goal became a crucial factor throughout the game as the Ranges struggled to convert several scoring opportunities, missing six out of eight set shots before the main break.
Down by 40-points at halftime, the Ranges were in desperate need to lift their game and were capable in doing so – after their impressive comeback victory against the Western Jets last week.
Despite trailing for the entire match the Ranges sported a healthier second half booting through nine of 13 goal opportunities.
The third term opened up the midfield for the Ranges, allowing the likes of Kieran Harper and Andrew Mullett to run freely and put a few more on the scoreboard for their team.
However the change in game play had little effect on the Bushrangers until the final siren, who managed to keep their goal-scoring consistent to claim their 29-point victory.
Round two debutant, Ben Monkhorst had a strong game on the weekend, leading the goal tally with three majors to his name, whilst teammate Kieran Harper slotted through two for the day.
Cameron O’Shea had a consistent game racking up 27 possessions, and hard work throughout the day sported by McKenna, Greenwood and Wilson was a commendable performance.
With one win and a loss on the board this season the Ranges sit at seventh place on the TAC Cup ladder and coach Bewick shows little sign of concern as the competition has only just begun.
“We still have 15 more rounds to go which is plenty of time for the team to play at their full potential.”
“The next month or two is going to see a lot of our key players in and out of the game due to interschool and Vic Metro commitments, so I’m not too worried at this stage,” Bewick said.
Next week, (round three) the Ranges will face the Sandringham Dragons, who are in solid form after their 12-point victory against Gippsland Power last week.
Come show your support and be sure not to miss the Eastern Ranges snatch back victory this weekend - all the action can be seen at Princes Park this Sunday 11th April at 12.10pm.
SCORES
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TEAMS
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TIME/VENUE
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19.8-122
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Murray Bushrangers
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1:00 PM
Sat 3/Apr
WJ Findlay Oval
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def.
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12.11-83
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Eastern Ranges
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Goal Kickers: B. Monkhorst 3, K. Harper 2, G. Phelps, R. Wilson, J. Fulton, A. Mullett, H. Crozier, B. Harvey, C. O'Shea
Best Players: C. O'Shea, L. McKenna, A. Greenwood, T. Wilson, G. Phelps, L. O'Brien
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Last Modified on 15/06/2010 13:14