The Dandenong Southern Stingrays took a hard fought win against the lowly ranked Murray Bushrangers by 24 points at Shepley Oval, Dandenong last Saturday in the Round 12 TAC Cup contest.
Kicking with a six goal wind in a typical wintery Melbourne day, the Stingrays quickly scored the first goal of the game on the back of a neat crumbing effort and continued to pile on the goals in a one sided dominate display. The Stingrays were getting on top through the midfield and repeatedly pumped the ball forward into the gale force wind. Eight goals and two points to the Stingrays whilst the Bushrangers scored two goals 1 point against the breeze saw the home team in control. The first term effort saw Stingrays Coach Graeme Yeats delighted as it was the first time this year they had used the wind to their advantage.
The second term was one of wasted chances with the Stingrays kicking 3 points for the term but it was the impressive display by the Stingrays backs and midfield as they work hard and limited the Bushies to 3 goals. The Stingrays had too many wasted entries into the forwardline, but their work rate and intensity at the ball was well up on previous weeks. The 21 point lead at half time was a bit under the odds such was the dominance of the Stingrays.
The third term was a scrappy affair with either side gaining any dominance, but the end of the quarter the flip of the coin would go the Bushies who finished with a lot of confidence and belief. The swirly wet and windy conditions saw the ball played between the arcs and numerous turnovers from both sides allowed either the opportunity to take the game but both teams defenses were controlling the inside 50’s. By the end of the quarter the Stingrays held an 18 point lead but would be defending against a 6 goal breeze against a resurgent side hungry for a must needed win and big scalp to gain confidence for the remaining TAC Cup games.
The last quarters the Stingrays lifted their workrate and ran and carried the ball into the strong breeze. They worked hard defending through the midfield and the backs controlling the long high ball setting up rebounds. The midfield ran the ball in the Gail force winds and delivered truly to the forwards who converted and kicked important goals when challenged. The Stingrays outscored the Bushies 4 goals to 3 in the last with both teams spent by time the siren had sounded. It was the best quarter the Stingrays had played in 5 weeks and pleasing for those in charge.
Better players on the day were Robert Hill, Corey Buchan and Mitch Viney across half back, Lachlan Wallace, Jason Salopek, Jimmy Jennings in the midfield, Jake Calvert in the Ruck and when rested up forward kicking three important goals. Darren Minchington had a good 1st up game and second up player Andrew Vella and Andrew Dean were serviceable. The only sour note for the day was a ankle injury to Key back Matt Rennie.
Next weekend the Stingrays play against quality opposition in the Oakleigh Chargers away at Warrawee Park, Oakleigh with both teams at full strength after gaining their Vic Country/Metro and private school players, which will sort out whether the Stingrays are the real deal or not.
Last Modified on 11/07/2011 13:14