Report by Mitch Brown
The Dandenong Stingrays have had a horror start to their 2015 TAC Cup campaign, going down to the Gippsland Power by 55 points in their Round 2 clash at Morwell on Saturday.
The Stingrays should have been full of confidence in their ability to claim a round one victory, having trampled the Power by eight goals in a practice match two weeks earlier, however they were outplayed by quality opposition.
Dandenong started well, breaking free from a scrappy stalemate in the first five minutes to claim the first goal of the match, courtesy of a classy snap from captain Lachlan Williams.
Gippsland responded with two quick goals, and were looking quite dangerous, creating plenty of chances for their forwards.
Josh Battle kicked truly at the 14-minute mark against the momentum, but Gippsland managed another goal before quarter time to lead by six.
Although Dandenong won the lion’s share of hitouts and clearances, the second quarter was dominated by the Power everywhere else around the ground. They slammed on four quick unanswered goals to take a commanding lead, before Josh Battle again stood up to stem the flow with the first Stingrays goal for the quarter just before the siren.
The Power’s swarming pressure around the ball was a feature throughout the entire quarter, and they went to the main break 27 points clear.
The third term began much the same as the second, with Gippsland bursting out of the blocks to add two more quick goals to their tally before Dandenong steadied. Lachlan Williams led by example with his second goal, with great support around the ground from the likes of Gach Nyuon, Myles Poholke, Liam Myatt and Sean Nicholson throughout the quarter.
The Stingrays began to look more dangerous as the third term continued, but some terrific run-and-carry from the Power ensured them a 36 point lead at the final change.
Gippsland held onto control of the match throughout the last quarter, maintaining high possession rates and making it difficult for the Stingrays to break through. Dandenong did have their chances, but some wayward kicking and missed opportunities cost them dearly.
Meanwhile, the Power put the finishing touches on a dominant display with two late goals to run out the game 55 point victors.
For the Stingrays, the focus now turns to next week, when they will face off against the Geelong Falcons at Shepley Oval.
Last Modified on 07/04/2015 23:35