THE Murray Bushrangers proved why they are shaping as one of the teams to beat in the TAC Cup Girls competition this year after handing the Rural Bank Bendigo Pioneers a 40-point loss on Saturday.
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The two country rivals had both gone into the clash at Epsom-Huntly Recreation Reserve off the back of round one victories.
But it was the Bushrangers who showed their class, winning 8.12 (60) to 3.2 (20).
The Pioneers went into the game with an undermanned side, missing nine players through injury and having just four top-agers in their 22 – Kodi Jacques, Tayla Stewart, Megan Williamson and Carly Isaac.
“The endeavour of the girls was sensational and they kept chipping away all game to the extent that we outscored Murray in the last quarter,” Pioneers coach Shawn McCormick said.
“We kicked two of our three goals in the last quarter, while keeping them to a couple of behinds, so I was really happy with the way the girls fought it out.
“The fact that we only had four top-age players in the side and the rest of the girls have a lot more footy to come, we’ll take a lot out of it today against what was a quality opponent.”
For the second game in a row to start the season, midfielder Jacques was named the best player for the Pioneers.
McCormick was also full of praise for Isaac, who shut out one of the Bushrangers’ key playmakers in Millie Brown.
Also among the better players for the Pioneers were Bree Heiden through the midfield, Kate Douglass in a new role up forward and Williamson.
The Pioneers’ three goals were kicked by Douglass, Jacques and Sophie Kerridge.
“It was a good development experience for the girls today because Murray is a really class outfit and I think they are going to go very close to winning it this year,” McCormick said.
The Pioneers will continue their season next Saturday against another country rival when they meet the Greater Western Victoria Rebels at Ballarat’s Mars Stadium from 10.30am.
“Hopefully, we’ll get a few players back next week, but in saying that, we’ve also relished the opportunity to play a few girls who may not have otherwise got a chance so early in the season,” McCormick said.
“That experience will hold them in good stead for the future.”
• Match details:
Murray 8.12 (60) d Bendigo 3.2 (20).
Goals – Bendigo: K. Jacques, S. Kerridge, K. Douglass 1.
Best – Bendigo: K. Jacques, M. Williamson, C. Isaac, K. Douglass, J. Finning, D. Kelly-Guthrie
