A second-half rally by the Keech Australia Fighting Miners failed to lift them past top team the Shepparton Bulls in Saturday’s Victorian Rugby Championship match.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The first half was dominated, both in territory and in possession, by the Bulls as the Miners struggled to hold onto the ball. The Bulls exploited frailties in the Bendigo defence to score two tries and go out to a 15-0 lead after 30 minutes.
In a rare incursion into Shepparton territory, Bendigo five-eighth reduced this lead with an intercept try just before the break.
Bendigo started the second half disastrously, conceding two more tries in the first eight minutes of the second period which saw Shepparton go out to a 27-5.
The Miners started to get some possession. Tries to prop Jesse Tuitupou and winger Taniela Dennis followed as Bendigo reduced the Bulls’ lead to eight points with 20 minutes remaining.
Despite clearly having the better of play late in the second half, the Miners were unable to bother the scoreboard attendant.
Despite the loss, the Miners are almost certain to finish second on the competition ladder and host a home semi-final.
Of concern were injuries sustained by Jesse Tuitupou and Johneen Fagavao. Team management will anxiously await the outcome of scans this week.
The Foundry Hotel man of the match was number eight Blake Theunissen.
