By JARROD POTTER
RENEWED efforts and countless attacks on the ball when it counted most proved the difference between the Dandenong Stingrays and Bendigo Pioneers, with the Stingrays running out 17-point winners.
A six-goal opening term broke the game open for Dandenong on the back of goals from midfielders Billy Hartung (three goals) and Jack Lonie (two) while forward Clay McCartney (two) continued to keep his name on AFL selectors’ minds with a pair of his own.
Hartung had the ball on the string and beguiled all Pioneers’ opponents – with 21 kicks and 12 handballs to go with his three goals in a clear best –on-ground performance to lead the side towards victory.
Doveton’s midfield extractor Nick Battle also impressed with 17 kicks and 10 marks, Matt Rennie continued his forward success with two majors while Jordan Bastinac also impressed with 24 touches and a goal.
Stingrays’ coach Graeme Yeats was happy to walk away with the win from Dandenong’s second outing to Bendigo already this season, despite the team falling down after half time.
“This is the second time we have travelled to Bendigo this year,” Yeats said.
“The Pioneers are a stronger side at home and defiantly challenge other TAC Cup sides up here.
“Our second half wasn’t that flash, I’m not sure if we switched off or ran out of steam… we will assess that in the next few days.”
Dandenong sits fifth on the ladder – only percentage separating it from second – and faces the North Ballarat Rebels on Saturday.
TAC CupDandenong Stingrays 6.4 8.8 10.11 10.16 (76)
Bendigo Pioneers 3.1 3.4 6.5 9.5 (59)
BENDIGO PIONEERSGoals: J. Helman 3, B. Poyser, D. Darby, F. Payne, J. Maher, I. Miller, H. Conway. Best: J. Helman, F. Payne, J. Chisari, L. Barrett, D. Jones, I. Miller.DANDENONG STINGRAYSGoals: W. Hartung 3, M. Rennie 2, J. Lonie 2, C. McCartney 2, B. Egan. Best: K. Gray, J. Pickess, Z. Jones, M. Rennie, W. Hartung, J. Bastinac.
