The Eastern Ranges have won their first game of the year, beating a competitive Murray Bushrangers by 14 points at Craigieburn on Saturday as Ben Guthrie reports.
Eastern fell off the pace in the early stages of the game as Murray heaped the pressure on, before fighting back to win 11.11 (77) to 9.9 (63).
Star forward Jonathon Patton booted four goals and took some terrific contested marks in blustery conditions.
Eastern coach Darren Bewick said his team was much improved from their first round loss to the Western Jets.
“I thought the boys competed well which we haven’t done consistently through other games,” Bewick said.
“Their effort and their ability to compete for the whole four quarters was probably, in the end, what won us the game.”
The catalyst for the win was the second quarter, as Eastern were able to adapt to kicking with the wind which allowed them to be direct in their pursuit of goals.
Patton was the focal point up forward, but Anthony Papa also bobbed up to boot three goals and was lively all day in his first game of the year.
But Murray fought hard to stay in the contest as they attempted to take the game on, even when kicking against the wind.
They were able to kick a couple of goals against the wind and the Bushrangers were within 11 points at half time.
After the main break Eastern kicked three goals themselves against the breeze, as they used run and carry to break the opposition down.
Rather than lying down, however, Murray themselves kicked three straight to end the third quarter and again the margin was 11 points.
In the final term both teams found it difficult to score and the game ended with a 14 point victory to the Ranges.
Best players for the Ranges were Patton, Dalton Graham who won plenty of contested ball and Karl Toce and Damien Volta sparked plenty of offensive momentum through hard running.
For the Bushrangers Sam Poole was their best, while Matt Taberner booted two goals for his side.
Bewick identified his team’s ability to adapt to different game styles as a major positive out of the game.
“It was pleasing, for the majority of the day, they were able to swap from one game plan to the next and they are developing which is good,” he said.
Eastern Ranges
Goal Kickers:J. Patton 4, A. Papa 3, J. Field , H. Crozier , D. Volta , D. Graham
Best Players: M. Warren, D. Graham, D. Volta, A. Papa, B. Slattery, K. Toce
Murray Bushrangers
Goal Kickers: S. Poole 2, M. Taberner 2, L. Howe , L. Smith , L. Visser , P. Wearden , J. Elliott
Best Players: S. Poole, J. Taylor, L. Smith, L. Howe, T. Clurey, T. Yensch
Last Modified on 12/04/2011 17:26
