THE Bendigo Pioneers played one of their best halves of the season against Murray Bushrangers in Saturday’s final game of the TAC Cup footy league’s home and away series.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Bendigo was within 15 points of the highly-rated Bushrangers at half-time on Rochester’s Moon Oval.
The Bushrangers clicked to another gear in the third term as they scored 6.4 to just two points.
Mooroopna’s Clayton Oliver capped a best afield performance by kicking six goals in the 76-point win.
The defensive pressure from the Brett Henderson-coached Pioneers was superb in the first hour.
Goals by Jayden Fox from Mildura Imperials and another by Sandhurst’s Tommy Cole at the 50m arc put Bendigo within four points at quarter-time.
Fox’s goal was set up when Eaglehawk’s Kane Farrell intercepted a pass on the wing. His pass to Fox could not be stopped by Murray’s defence.
The Pioneers racked up four posters in the first half.
Wedderburn’s Tom Campbell capped excellent teamwork off half-back and through midfield to goal.
Bendigo’s sole goal after half-time was booted by Cohuna’s Rhys Free.
Pioneers’ coach Brett Henderson praised the players’ want and desire.
“I cannot fault the effort and attitude,” Henderson said.
He said Murray’s ability to take contested marks in attack was a major difference between the teams.
“Our key forwards tried really hard, but they were often outnumbered or against taller and stronger opponents.
“In the first half we did really well to limit their run-on play.
“The back six (defence) worked extremely well, and to keep them to five goals was a fantastic performance.”
As the game went on Murray won a lot more clearances and quick transition from midfield to attack was capped by some fine goals.
The Pioneers again fielded one of their youngest teams of the season.
“It’s been a great challenge for the under-16s. They have gained a greater understanding of what’s required to play and to play well at TAC Cup level,” Henderson said.
He again praised the top-age players for their commitment.
Several Pioneers marked their final game for the club by being among the best.
Maryborough’s Bailey Edwards won plenty of the ball and his desperate chasing and tackling inspired team-mates.
Defenders Marty Hore from Leitchville-Gunbower, Golden Square’s Isaac Miller and Sandhurst’s Cooper Jones won many contests in the air and at ground level.
