THE Bendigo Dragons are on the board following a 34-6 win over Gridiron Victoria rival Casey Cardinia United.
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A 20-0 second quarter proved the catalyst for the Dragons, who were finally able to break their early-season funk.
Highlighting the first half was the versatility of Dragons quarterback Luke Elliston, who found Dale Shanahan for two touchdown passes, and used his legs to run into the end zone and add two more.
But although the star, Elliston was not alone, and an all-around dominant team performance helped the Dragons to a 26-0 halftime lead.
With the offensive line creating gaping holes for running back Harrison Luke, the defense shutting out the CCU offence, and the special teams unit continually handing the offence great field position, the first half saw the Dragons clicking on all cylinders simultaneously for the first time in the GV17 season.
As the defensive dominance continued well into the second half, it was only a matter of time before the pressure would be rewarded.
This came in the form of a game-icing pick-six by Johnny Rogerson, who returned a fourth-quarter interception for a touchdown.
The play took the score to 34-6, and with only a few minutes left to play, ensured the Dragons would take the victory.
Bouncing back from a disappointing, last-gasp loss last week, the Dragons were able to correct their mistakes and finally claim their first victory of the season.
Now sitting at 1-3, the team will be looking to build on the confidence and momentum taken from this game on the other side of the bye week, as the revitalised team set their sights on turning their season around from the poor start.
NEXT MATCH: v Ballarat Falcons (2-2). Saturday, July 22, 6:30pm, Tom Flood Sports Centre.