Eight straight for the Rays

Jai Taylor was superb in Dandenong''s win over Calder. 181553 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

By Hayley Wildes

The Dandenong Stingrays just keep winning.

This week, taking on the Calder Cannons at RAMS Arena, both teams had to deal with the typical windy conditions at Craigieburn and it was Dandenong which came out on top for its eighth win in a row.

The opening quarter was a tough slog as both teams struggled to attack cleanly in the breezy conditions. Dandenong’s defence stood up as Calder kicked with the wind and just a five-point quarter time deficit was a win for the Rays.

With the aid of the wind, Dandenong scored three goals to zero in the second term as Finlay Bayne, captain Campbell Hustwaite and Bailey Williams got heavily involved. Williams’ two first half goals were worth their weight in gold in the harsh conditions.

The Rays took a 4.6 (30) to 2.3 (15) lead into the main break.

The third quarter was one that typified the Rays in 2018. Tough and uncompromising and despite being outscored three goals to one, Dandenong once again ensured the damage was as little as possible.

Lachlan Young, Sam Fletcher and Jai Taylor were putting in a mountain of work – all three playing a major role in the Rays owning a one-point lead at the final break.

While the third term set up the win, the fourth was when Dandenong ran away with the four points.

After a back-and-forth opening seven minutes of play, the Rays quickly slammed on two goals in a minute – courtesy of Jai Taylor and Jamie Plumridge – to jump out to a 16-point lead. Calder replied with a major, trimming the lead to 10 points, but then the floodgates opened for Dandenong.

In a ruthless five minute patch of football, the Rays scored four goals as Jake Frawley, Jai Taylor, Finlay Bayne and Jamie Plumridge put the game to bed.

A late goal to Jaxon Stuart gave the Rays a 40-point win, 12.10 (82) to 6.6 (42).

Finlay Bayne and Campbell Hustwaite were impressive all day as they roamed through the midfield, while Bailey Williams put in another eye-catching display.

For all the star power the Rays possess, it is their ability to get an even contribution across the board that has catapulted them to top spot on the ladder with an incredible 12-1 record, currently riding an eight-game winning streak.

Dandenong hasn’t just been winning games over that stretch either – the side has been tearing opponents to shreds. An average winning margin of 56 points highlights the domination the Rays have enjoyed.

They’ll be looking to stretch their winning streak to nine games when they take on the Northern Knights at Preston City Oval on Saturday afternoon.