By Lachlan Mitchell
The final round of NAB League was upon us before the National Carnival takes pride of place…where the best young talent from across Australia go head-to-head.
The Dandenong Stingrays had to travel across to Geelong to play the Falcons.
The Rays started in blistering form, hopping out to a 17-point half-time lead.
Justin Davies gave the Rays the upper-hand kicking five goals to help his side take the first-half advantage.
Taj Campbell-Farrell also played his part for the Rays racking up 36 disposals.
The Stingrays saw the margin cut to 12 at three-quarter time, with the Falcons running over the top to win by four points.
Gippsland Power also faced a travel to take on the Bendigo Pioneers.
The Power lead at every-change to win by 17-points.
Bailey Humphrey was pivotal picking up 25 disposals, while Zane Duursma kicked a match-winning six goals to lead his side across the line.
Gippsland coach Rhett McLennan commended his side’s resilience to travel to face the Pioneers.
“It’s always difficult to be in a different environment, especially with this playing group, it’s been a couple of years since we have been able to travel and make the trip.” he said.
“To get away with a win against a side that is much underrated, they have been in front at three-quarter time in all their matches so far, to get away with a win is very pleasing.”
Rhett praised the effort of Duursma who kicked six in the clash.
“Zane was excellent, when the ball was slippery and players were stumbling, he was super clean,” he said.
“To finish with six goals one, it was very deserving on what has been a great season for him.”
Gippsland now have an extended break until there next clash on 29 May.
“We will give the boys a full week off from our training, and over the next couple of days we will access their loads and how they are feeling,” McLennan said.
