The Bendigo Rugby Union Club faced the powerful Shepparton Bulls in Saturday afternoon’s clash on the Miners’ turf at Epsom-Huntly Reserve.
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The Bulls ran with a strong breeze in the first half and led 22-0 by the break.
In a situation not familiar to Bendigo, the Miners were outmuscled by a superior and heavier rucking division, which handed ball possession to an impressive back unit.
Strong resistance by Bendigo backs, led by captain Josh Drahm, ably assisted by Josh Manderson and John Aumua off the wings, and ferocious tackling by the three Tuitupou brothers and big Joe Maiai kept the Shepparton lead manageable.
In the second half, Bendigo started to pile on the pressure.
An excellent team effort resulted in a Shepparton try in the eighth minute.
From that point the big Bulls side started to tire.
The Miners showed a lot of poise and worked hard to keep on attacking.
Bendigo won the half, with two tries by skipper Drahm, the second converted with a fine kick by Manderson in the tricky breeze, and a hard-fought crossing of the line by Maiai.
The match ended in a 27-17 victory for Shepparton.
Although disappointed not to have won in the third match to cap the gala day, Bendigo will have gained enormous belief.
Shepparton has racked up plenty of points, but the Miners know the Bulls are not invincible.
Bendigo has the ability, but will need to work harder on the track and its scrum set in the lead-up to their next match, and more importantly, the return clash with Shepparton.
It was a tough day at the office, but one in which coach Alan Turpin found positives to work with.
Bendigo: Josh Drahm 2 tries Joe Maiai 1 try, Josh Manderson 1 conversion.
