Better skill execution in tricky conditions and bigger bodies were the difference as the Murray Bushrangers defeated the Rural Bank Bendigo Pioneers by 40 points in their TAC Cup clash at the QEO.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Pioneers' effort was good, but they lacked the class of the top four-ranked Bushrangers.
Murray forward Jordan Butts kicked six goals in the 12.13 (85) to 6.9 (45) win.
"Our execution to be able to hit that lose player to or take that shot on goal wasn't quite there all day and that hurt us,'' Pioneers' coach Rick Coburn said.
"We just weren't able to put enough scoreboard pressure on the Bushrangers. They had some bigger boys and they deserved to win."
After a slow start the Pioneers worked hard to get within 20 points of the Bushrangers at half-time.
Bendigo had the better of the early moments of the third quarter, but couldn't convert on the scoreboard and the Bushrangers pounced.
The visitors kicked three quick goals to all but seal the four points.
Oscar Perez impressed for the Pioneers on the wing and across half-forward. He kicked two goals, including a brilliant effort in the final term when he split two opponents and snapped truly.
Bottom-age key defender Will Wallace battled hard and produced one of the highlights of the season when he took a mark of the year contender at centre half-back in the third quarter.
Noah Wheeler gave his all and Braydon Vaz made an impact off half-back in the first half and across half-forward in the second half.
Despite conceding size to his Murray opponent, Pioneers’ ruckman Daniel Keating was the best big man on the ground.