The Dandenong Southern Stingrays have produced a thrilling 1-point victory over the Murray Bushrangers on Saturday afternoon at Shepley Oval, 10.8 (68) to 9.13 (67).
Both sides tussled over the lead for most of the day, with the wind playing a big part in scoring throughout the match.
But a rousing final quarter from the determined Stingrays was enough to hold off the threatening Bushrangers, and confirm a top-four spot going into the TAC Cup finals.
Danny Allsop was by far the most dangerous forward on the ground, finishing with two goals but winning considerable praise for his pressure around the footy; leading target Tom Murphy was also terrific across the forward flanks in creating opportunities; and widely-touted draft prospect Josh Battle booted a single major.
Sam Fowler had another great day out, clearly relishing his move into the midfield, while Bailey Morrish and Nathan Scagliarini were again prominent, collecting a dizzying amount of the footy.
The real hero, however, was defender Hunter Clark, who finished with two goals, one being the eventual match-winner. Clark was brilliant all day, finding the footy at all ends of the ground.
Despite the personal accolades, coach Craig Black was far more interested in his side’s performance as a whole.
“A couple of our key guys got beaten early, but then all of a sudden they stood up at important times.
“It was a really good team effort, and great to get away with the win.”
With strong winds blowing to one of end of Shepley Oval, it was obvious that whoever could defend best against the wind would be the eventual winners.
Benefitting from the breeze in the first term, the Stingrays took advantage immediately, slamming on three quick goals before the Bushrangers had the opportunity to catch their breath, courtesy of Tom Murphy, Danny Allsop and Nathan Scagliarini.
As you would expect, Murray didn’t accept that treatment lying down, and fought their way back into the quarter, until 16-year-old Mitch Riordan managed his first goal of what could be a successful TAC Cup career to extend the Stingray lead to 12 at the first break.
With the wind against them in the second quarter, the Stingrays were on the back foot against the attacking Bushrangers. Murray were manufacturing plenty of opportunities, but missed chances in front of goals (3 in 3 minutes, at one stage) prevented them from really sticking it to the Stingrays, who were well and truly rattled.
They were struggling to hold possession and make good decisions, though the Bushrangers would have been kicking themselves that they didn’t capitalise, only taking a 12 point margin into half-time.
For the third quarter, the Rays knew that they had to really make the most of the wind if they wanted to secure the double-chance.
But just as Murray had struggled to capitalise in the second, Dandenong also failed to make the most of their opportunities early.
Josh Battle, Danny Allsop and Hunter Clark popped up for a goal each to regain the lead, but with only a 2-point buffer and their opponents kicking with the wind in the final term, the Stingrays knew their work was cut out for them.
What followed was a heart-pounding final term where both sides looked as though they could kick away.
Neither team was giving the other an inch, both genuinely desperate to chalk up a win. A draw looked possible, with scores level at the 14-minute mark.
But when Murray goaled at 18 minutes to take back the lead, the Shepley Oval crowd was despondent – their players were spent, and the Murray attack was menacing.
But as they have so many times this season, Dandenong rallied. They forced the footy into their forward line, against the wind, and in the midst of a tight tackling contest, Hunter Clark managed to snare the match-winning goal with just a few seconds left on the clock.
The ground was filled with jubilation as the final siren rang out, with the Stingrays victors by the slenderest of margins.
Dandenong are now certainties for a top-two finish and the double-chance, guaranteeing them at least two finals in a season where they have dared to dream of their first TAC Cup premiership.
Their final home-and-away match will take place on Sunday August 21, against the Geelong Falcons at Simonds Stadium from 2.30pm. With both teams set for a top-two finish, it should serve as a terrific preview of what’s to come in the next few week.
Only sore note for the day was a knee injury to young gun player Jake Frawley who was playing local for Pearcedale after returning from injury...all thoughts are with Jake.
Last Modified on 14/08/2016 19:17