By JARROD POTTER
TAC CUP – ROUND 9
ACCURACY saved Gippsland from complete despair as it split the points with Calder Cannons in a nail-biting draw.
After barrelling out of the blocks with a six-goal opening term, Gippsland failed to find any meaningful attack from then on as the Cannons loaded up for a late barrage.
The visitors kept the Power goalless through the second and third terms while putting on six goals of their own to take the lead.
Four behinds in two terms won’t please many coaching contingents and after a final rev-up from Leigh Brown, the Power found their feet once more.
Go-to goal scorer Tom Papley (4 goals), from Bunyip, was pivotal up forward as usual for Gippsland while Jari McDonald (3 goals) also gave a chop out with usual forwards Harry McKay and running tandem Ben Ainsworth and Nash Holmes on Vic Country duties.
The Power finally came back on in the last term – and rallied to kick straight and stay in the clash.
Booting four goals in the final stanza, Gippsland’s efforts were just enough to hold the loose Cannons to a draw – 10.6 (66) to 9.12 (66).
Putting their hands up for Vic Country consideration, Connor Ambler, Ben Dessent, Papley and Christian Buykx-Smith were best afield for the Power while Pakenham’s Matt de Bruin was crafty up forward as he added a goal to his TAC Cup tally.
Gippsland heads to Dandenong on Saturday to face the high-flying Stingrays from 1pm.
TAC CUP
GIPPSLAND POWER 6.1 6.4 6.5 10.6 (66)
CALDER CANNONS 1.0 4.5 7.8 9.12 (66)
Gippsland Power Goals: T. Papley 4, J. McDonald 3, N. Argento, M. De Bruin, J. Dunkley. Best: C. Ambler, B. Dessent, T. Papley, J. McDonald, W. Leslie, C. Buykx-Smith.
Calder Cannons Goals: T. Young 3, D. Tarczon, L. Bramble, R. Baker, H. Kerbatieh, J. Murphy, H. Rocke. Best: J. Reaper, B. Laguda, O. Magbegor, J. Flower, H. Rocke, M. Stillman.
