The Bendigo Pioneers won two games in the entire 2015 TAC Cup season.
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Eight rounds into the 2016 season and the Pioneers have won three games.
The Pioneers scored a stunning 13.8 (86) to 7.9 (51) win over the Sandringham Dragons at the Queen Elizabeth Oval on Saturday.
The Dragons went into the game in third place on the ladder with a 5-1-1 record, but it was the Pioneers who played like a top four team.
They set up the win with a four-goal to none first quarter and never allowed the Dragons back into the game.
“It was the four-quarter performance we’ve been searching for and we finally delivered today,’’ an elated Pioneers coach Brett Henderson said.
A six-goal haul from exciting forward Kayle Kirby was the highlight of the win.
Kirby’s forward pressure and run-down tackles also inspired his team-mates.
“I think the most pleasing thing today was that we had a really good contribution across the board,’’ Henderson said.
“We had no passengers.”
Key defenders Keelin Betson and Braidon Balke and skillful midfielders Kane Farrell and Darby Henderson also played well for the Pioneers.
Isaac Miller continued his good season off half-back, including a fine goal in the second quarter after some good work from Josh Formosa.
The win was full of grit, with the Pioneers reduced to one rotation in the final quarter after a string of injuries.
Skipper Joe Atley and key forward Cooper Jones were two of the players to leave the ground in the second half after suffering head knocks.
“We lost a lot of our midfield drive and forward structure in the second half, so it was a good effort by the boys to dig deep in trying circumstances,’’ Henderson said.
The Pioneers had not beaten the Dragons for eight years before Saturday’s 35-point triumph.
“Sandringham had a few boys out because of school footy, but so did we,’’ Henderson said.
“That’s twice we’ve beaten a side in third position on the ladder this year.
“We’ve got some tangible evidence that the club is improving. To win against a quality opponent really gives everyone a shot of confidence.
“It’s a really good environment at the moment. Hopefully, we can build on that.”
The Pioneers now take on top team Dandenong in Echuca next weekend.
“It would be great for us to string a couple of wins together,’’ Henderson said.
“We think having the game in Echuca is a big advantage for us and there’s no reason why we can’t win it.”
MATCH DETAILS
BENDIGO 4.2 7.5 11.6 13.8 (86)
SANDRINGHAM 0.2 3.5 5.6 7.9 (51)
Goals: Bendigo: Kirby 6 Whitford 2 Jones Saunders Thomas Miller Rosengren. Sandringham: Walker 2 Brayshaw Mangoni Hayward Mclean Cameron.
Best: Bendigo: Kirby Henderson Betson Farrell Blake Miller. Sandringham: Hayward Marshall Trew Lyons Mclean Walker.