GIPPSLAND POWER MEDIA RELEASE
By Bryan Mitchell
Gippsland Power got their 2005 TAC Cup program back on track with a comprehensive win over the Murray Bushrangers at Coburg last week. Both sides were hit with the loss of key players with the Bushies losing 6 to state teams while the Power were without 11 of their "guns" and the pressure was on the rest of the boys to rise to the challenge that the loss of so many quality players automatically involves.
Last week the Power struggled against the Falcons but had the crucial inclusions of Brett Dore and Nathan Lieshout to provide some much needed "oomph". Early in the first term the Power took the initiative and had the Bushies on the back foot with some slick team play. Instead of building on this they allowed the Bushies to regain their composure and, suddenly the y were making a contest of it. By the first change the Power led by 20 points but hadn't capitalized on their early dominance.
The second term was a dour struggle with neither side able to establish control of the play. The Power defence was working well but they were unable to covert this advantage on the scoreboard. It was not pretty football to watch but the endeavour shown by the Power was pleasing and they extended their lead to 32 points by the long break.
After kicking the first goal of the term, the Power looked likely to blow the game wide open but they didn't do the work to make it happen. The Bushies began to exploit some slackness in the Powers' application and suddenly they were making them pay with telling goals on the rebound. The pressure was well and truly on the Power and it looked as if they were going to let Muuray get a sniff of victory. A late "steadier" by Ben Ross eased the tension but the lead was only 19 points and the pendulum had swung the Bushies way.
When it mattered most the Power lifted their intensity and dominated the first half of the last term. They did everything right except kick goals the Bushrangers were still in the game although it appeared that the Power were going to hold on. Some Marc Truscio magic put the issue beyond doubt and the Power emerged victorious by 39 points at the final siren.
Final scores Gippsland Power 11 goals 13 behinds 79 points defeated the Muray Bushrangers 6 goals 8 behinds 50 points. Goal kickers Marc Truscio 3, Ricky Delphine and Spencer Noonan 2, Nathan Lieshout, Tyson Goldsack, Tom Johnson and Ben Ross 1. In a very impressive team performance the better players were Zac Vansittart, Ricky Delphine, Brett Dore, Beau Vernon, Jeff Ryan, Tom Johnson and Jaymie Youle.
Paul Hudson was justifiably pleased by the way that the boys lifted to meet the challenges involved in this game, Firstly they were playing a top side and needed to be prepared to play four quarters or suffer the consequences if they slackened their efforts. The second element of the win was the way that the "senior' boys led by example. They were inspirational and really set the tone for the rest of the side. The third leg of the "trifecta" saw the "newboys" put their hands up after waiting in the wings for much of the season. They were better for the run last week and gave the selectors plenty to look forward to when they next meet to pick a team.
The TAC Cup now has a bye for the under 18 national championships and this will allow the bulk of the squad to go back to their clubs. For those who have just made the team it's a great chance to build on what they have show at TAC Cup level and keep themselves on the boil for the next game against Calder Cannons in a fortnight.
Last Modified on 26/05/2008 11:52