By Hayley Wildes
The Dandenong Stingrays remain on top of the TAC Cup ladder with a 5-1 record after a dominant win over the Eastern Ranges at Shepley Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The Ranges got off to a flying start, kicking the first goal of the game, but the Rays responded by kicking five of the next six majors.
First quarter goals to Jake Frawley and Corey Ellison were critical in helping the Rays stay well within reach early and they went into quarter time with a two-point lead.
After a tight first quarter, the Rays lifted their intensity in the second quarter and an early goal to Bailey Schmidt set the wheels in motion.
While the Rays were controlling the play and locked the ball in their forward half, they were wasteful in front of goal, scoring three behinds before a Lachlan McDonnell major finally rewarded the hard work being done higher up the ground.
Bailey Williams and Matthew Cottrell both slotted majors in the second half of the quarter to give the Rays a 22-point half time lead.
To the Ranges’ credit, they came out firing after half time and kicked the first two goals of the third to cut the lead to just 10 points.
When Riley Smith launched a long bomb for the Ranges’ sixth goal, it looked like the game was set up for a thrilling final 40 minutes of play.
The Rays had other ideas though.
Three goals in quick succession in the final minutes of the quarter had the Rays on top by 30 points at the final change. This late quarter burst zapped the energy and flair out of their Ranges opponents.
Campbell Hustwaite and Hayden Young were asserting themselves on the contest as their composure and sublime skills shone through in the clinches.
Three goals to none in the final quarter saw the Rays run out 52-point winners, 13.13 (91) to 6.3 (39). Six unanswered goals to finish the game once again showcased Dandenong’s ability to run over opponents.
Hustwaite and Young led from the front, while Jake Frawley was also impressive all day.
Bailey Schmidt, Matthew Cottrell (two goals each) and Corey Ellison (three goals) were dangerous up forward and converted when it mattered most.
The Rays’ ability to respond when they were challenged in the third quarter was the highlight of the day. It wasn’t just the stars who stood up either – the total team effort was simply too much for the Eastern Ranges.
Next up, Round 7 presents an immense challenge to the Rays.
A first versus second battle against the Murray Bushrangers, who also possess a 5-1 record, in Craigieburn on Saturday afternoon is a mouth-watering match-up
