By BRAD McGRATH
DANDENONG Stingrays moved to third on the TAC Cup ladder with a crushing 53-point win over North Ballarat Rebels at Shepley Oval on Saturday.
The Stingrays’ hunger for the contest proved superior to the Rebels as they put the match beyond doubt with a brilliant third quarter.
Dandenong Stingrays 13.10 (88) defeated North Ballarat Rebels 5.5 (35).
Stingrays coach Graeme Yeats said his team’s second half, when they outscored the Rebels nine goals to two, was a pleasing sign. “Our first half wasn’t that flash. Ballarat really challenged us and wanted it more . . . but the strength of this group was the willingness to refocus and win the one-on-ones and go when it was their turn . . . that pleased me more than the win,” he said.
With several Stingrays away with Victorian Country commitments they were forced to blood four new players. Stingrays forward Clayton McCartney was among Vic Country’s best in its win over Northern Territory on Saturday as he kicked six goals in Vic Country’s 111-point win.
Stingrays talent manager Mark Wheeler said the quartet had positive signs but urged them to keep working hard. “We had four first-game players today whom I thought all did really well. Jayden Tompkins kicked a bag of goals locally a few weeks back and looks like a genuine player, but he and the other three were gasping for air and cramping early. That’s the reason we blood them, usually as 17-year-olds, so they understand the level required to play week in, week out at the TAC Cup level.”
The match began at a feverish pace but neither team was able to take their chances. Stingray Matt Rennie kicked the only goal for the term.
Billy Hartung, Jordan Bastinac and Kyle Gray were the best for the Stingrays.
Dandenong Stingrays clash with Calder Cannons at Highgate Recreation Reserve from 11.30am on Saturday.
TAC CUP LADDER
Geelong Falcons 28 197.24
Eastern Ranges 20 125.62
Dandenong Stingrays 20 117.95
Sandringham Dragons 18 118.75
Gippsland Power 16 123.12
Murray Bushrangers 16 103.94
Northern Knights 14 86.05
Calder Cannons 12 126.76
Western Jets 10 92.15
Oakleigh Chargers 10 76.58
Bendigo Pioneers 8 75.84
North Ballarat Rebels 0 47.29
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